Must-have foods for Mardi Gras

While the holiday remains synonymous with New Orleans, Mardi Gras celebrations have made their way to all parts of the country in recent years, including Arkansas. Take it from a Louisiana native, if you’re interested in trying your hand at a Mardi Gras meal, there are a few essentials that must be included.

• Crawfish: Like turkey on Thanksgiving, boiled crawfish is definitely a must-have for any Mardi Gras festivity.

• Jambalaya: Another staple of Cajun cuisine that everyone will surely enjoy.

• King cake. This yellow, purple and green-sprinkle-covered dessert is the perfect end to any Mardi Gras meal.

– Zach Parker, Ghidotti Communications