Recipe guru Holly Clegg shares the culinary tradition of her home state in her celebrated cookbook Trim & Terrific: Gulf Coast Favorites. Here Holly offers tips on how to have a healthful, meatless Mardi Gras.
Do you have any tips for throwing a healthy Mardi Gras party?
Highlight Mardi Gras colors such as purple and green grapes for snacks, and use yellow and green peppers as a dip holder when making your spread! Healthy ingredients such as Louisiana yams, red beans and brown rice represent this unique cuisine.
What are some of your favorite meatless Mardi Gras dishes?
The colorful festive Mardi Gras salad featuring oranges, carrots, red onions, and green spinach representing Mardi Gras colors (with a delicious slightly sweet dressing)!
How can someone use Cajun cooking techniques to reduce saturated fat without losing flavor?
Everyone assumes Louisiana food is hot and spicy, but I prefer to call it "well seasoned.’ With so much flavor going on, no one will miss the meats and fats! Many Louisiana recipes are also tomato-based, so no need for heavy creamed sauces.
The word Carnivale means "farewell to meat’, as people indulge before cutting back for Lent. How is this concept of indulgence and moderation reflected in Louisiana cuisine?
As people choose to give up meat or sweets, they significantly alter how they eat these next weeks. Luckily the culture is rich in traditional dishes and resources of the Gulf region, giving people many options.
How do your recipes make the beginner chef feel at home in the kitchen?
As a busy mother, I believe in one stop shopping with pantry friendly ingredients and time friendly recipes. You don’t have to change what you eatjust change how you prepare the recipe, making a delicious, nutritious meal easier than ever to make.
