Well, it is here! Mardi Gras 2010 on Tuesday, February 16th. Cities all over the world will be celebrating with beads . . .

parades . . .

masks . . .

and merriment preceded by Lent which is a time of sacrifice, lasting 40 days . . .

ending with Easter.
Wishing all of you a Marvelous Mardi Gras followed by a blessed Lenten season.
Today’s Lagniappe: Plantation Pralines
Make this one fast if you are giving up sweets for Lent.
* 3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2-1/4 cups pecan halves
Preparation:
Combine sugar, cream of tarter, salt and milk. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Wipe crystals occasionally from side of pan with wet cheesecloth. Cook to 236 – 238º or soft ball stage. Cool to 220ºF. Add butter or margarine, vanilla flavoring and pecans. Beat until creamy. Drop from large spoon onto buttered surface or was paper. Yield: 1-1-1/2 – 2 dozen pralines.
Balancing Beauty and Bedlam’s Tasty Tuesday











{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice and colorful Mardi Gras! I love the beads and masks and the pralines recipe looks fabulous. I might just give it a try!
Oh. Pralines. Heaven. I think I may give up sweets EXCEPT FOR PRALINES for Lent.
I have never made them, but I sure know how to eat them.

Cass
Sounds fabulous. So rich too.
Blessings.
Yum! Pralines are a favorite.Thanks for linking your post to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.
Hi Christi…
Sheeshh…I didn’t even think about it being the start of Mardi Gras! Hehe! I’m sure there are lots of festivities going on! You know, I can hardly believe that Easter is just around the corner…WOW!!! I’ve had just about enough of cold weather and I’m looking forward to Spring! Oooh…I love, love, LOVE Pecan Pralines but have never made them! Thanks for the recipe!!!
Have a wonderful day, my friend!
Chari @Happy To Design
this year with the superbowl win i am sure it will be extra festive
oh my goodness those sound yummy!
Helen
Yum! I love pralines- but have never tried them! Sounds like I need to invest in a candy thermometer!
Girl, I still don’t know my Lent season plans. TFS!
I’ve never made pralines but I love them!
Happy Fat Tuesday tomorrow! And thanks for the wonderful praline recipe!
Kat
I’ve never been, but always have wanted to attend a New Orleans Mardi Gras. In Germany we celebrated “Fasching” before lent, but I was very young and didn’t get to go to the parties and wild celebrations with my parents! I’d love to collect some of those beads, and sample all that great food.
Thanks for sharing this post, I hope you’ll stop by for a visit sometime.
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home