Dauphin Island Mardi Gras 2009

Saturday was the start of Mardi Gras in Mobile. The Krewe De La Dauphine rolled down the crowded streets of Dauphin Island as thousands of people waved their arms in anticipation of catching beads, stuffed animals and Moon Pie's.

Since I didn't get to ride my pony this year, my husband and I decided to invited friends over to our house on the Island for our own Mardi Gras party. I figured that finger foods would be the way to go so I only really "cooked" one dish, the rest was either mixing stuff together or throwing stuff in the crock pot. I bought some chips and salsa too, can't forget that.

Bright and early Saturday morning Thibodeau, my bulldog, and I walked down to the beach for some pre-parade relaxation. When we got back to the house and everyone had breakfast, I got started on the party food.

I started with the meatballs since they take the longest to thaw out. All you need is 2 bags of traditional meatballs (not Italian), 2 bottles of BBQ sauce (I use Stubb's) and a crock pot.

Put the meatballs in the crock pot, drown them in BBQ sauce and crank up the heat to high for a couple hours. CAUTION: These suckers are hot when they are done so be careful!

I then let some cream cheese soften on the stove for the chicken spread and corn dip.

The chicken spread is just a big can of white meat chicken, drained, a packet of ranch dressing mix, and a block of cream cheese mixed together. Stick it in the fridge until it is time to serve.

My world famous corn dip is everyone's favorite. 3 cans of Mexicorn, drained, 2 TBS of minced pickled jalapenos, Tony's and cream cheese.

Melt the cheese on the stove, add corn, Tony's and jalapenos. Stir together until creamy. Put in a bowl and serve with chips.

I found some little cheeseburgers at the grocery store so I grabbed some of those and a meat and cheese tray. Of course there was little food left after the parade which is great because I hate leftovers.

If you have never been to Mardi Gras, then Dauphin Island is the perfect place to get your feet wet, literally. The parade's on the Island are very family oriented. There is no flashing of certain body parts and there's not people shoving you and fighting over throws like they do Downtown. We will be at it again next Saturday when the Island Mystics roll, but just remember that the KDLD is and will always be the "big dogs" on Dauphin Island.

See you Saturday and if not then, then we will hopefully see you next year! Happy Mardi Gras!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!