Mardi Gras Creativity (Feb. 19 – Feb. 25)

“Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!” “Let the Good Times Roll!”
Mardi Gras is a multi-generational celebration that is traditionally held prior to or on “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday which is prior to Ash Wednesday. Begun in Europe centuries ago, major celebrations can be found throughout Europe, South America, Canada and the United States. Theme orientations include French, Venetian, Brazilian, Caribbean and Creole. In the British Isles, a tradition know as “Shrove Tuesday” is celebrated with the indulgence of eating pancakes. Many celebrate with lively masquerade parties. When planning your Mardi Gras soirée, creativity can be highlighted. A traditional cake is called a King Cake. For more fun, shape a Pavlova Cake to form a mask shape before baking. The top the cake with whipped cream and colorful fruit. The original recipe was created by Australian chef, Herbert Sachse, for the ballerina Anna Pavlova in 1935. This is a wonderful variation on the theme.
Orange Flavored Pavlova

5 to 6 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar (super finely ground is best)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
2 level teaspoons cornstarch (sifted)
Beat the egg whites with an electric mixture until stiff peaks form. Slowly beat in the remaining ingredients.
On a cooking sheet, lined with parchment baking paper, shape the meringue mixture into a mask shape. Bake at 300 degrees on the middle oven rack for about 10 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the Pavlova cool with the oven door propped open.
When cool, top with fresh whipped cream that has been sweetened with sugar cubes rubbed onto fresh orange skins to absorb the zest. I use 4 sugar cubes covered with the orange zest and a touch more sugar to taste. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
Top with Grand Marnier Flavored Fresh Fruit
In a pot on the stove, mix 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of sugar. Add 1/4 cup of Grand Marnier (or to taste). Simmer until a syrup consistency forms. Just before serving add fresh blackberries, blueberries and strawberries and coat for about 1 minute. Let cool. With a slotted spoon laden on the fresh fruit on top of the whipped cream coated Pavlova.
For Decoration, orange curls can be added on top.

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