Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Let the good times roll!

This phrase must have been heard in various languages all over the world as several Carnival(s) and Mardi Gras celebrations reach their peak of partying today.

Few realize that this indulgent and fun season is actually deeply rooted  in religion and  food!

Carnival and Mardi Gras signifies the time leading up to Ash Wednesday or the First Day of Lent.

 Lent is the 40 day period, representing the Temptation of Christ, when Catholics and many Protestants and Orthodox Christians practice penitence, prayer, alms giving and self denial. This includes refraining from eating meat and for some; even meat byproducts. Although many do avoid meat, others decide to give up a different indulgent habit such as facebook or chocolate. (yikes!)

"Carnival" in Latin literally translates into "Put away the meat" and Mardi Gras translates into "Fat Tuesday" - the fat, food- filled day before Lent when you would eat extra fatty, extra meat filled meals . Sounds delicious : j

My mom, who was raised Catholic, observed Lent but I grew up in an Adventist (protestant) home where it wasn't.  However, this year I just might : j

And I thought, instead of just giving up a bad habit (like eating too many pastries and cursing.. I know terrible..) why not start a good  habit too!  : j

So, Let the good times roll !!

"mmmmmm..... roll... ooooohh.. sweet delicious cinnamon rolls.. oohh that reminds me of yummy King Cake! that would taste sooo good right now!!..........*d@&%$*f#.!....."

(How long is 40 days again?) lol...

no choking-- hazard baby doll in this one : j 

Here's a super quick "King Cake" recipe to get your fix just in time!

King Cake is a decadent, deep fried cake decorated with tri-colored icing or sprinkles. Traditionally, there is a mini baby doll (supposedly to represent baby Jesus) or coin snuck inside. The person who finds the doll or coin is King or Queen for the day, has good luck and has to bring/make next year's King Cake!


Ingredients:
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
Food Coloring or Purple, Yellow and Green sprinkles

Steps:
1. Make cinnamon rolls as per package (or to mimic the real thing pinch all the rolls together in a bundt pan and bake into a ring)
2. dye the icing with food coloring (purple, green and yellow)
3. decorate with icing and/or sprinkles and serve!