{ please visit sucré here }

Today is a day of celebration and revelry for Louisiana and much of the south, for it is Mardi Gras. Between the celebration of our victory and the general liveliness of this time of year, the entire state has been in party mode! Music, parades, parties, beads, festive cocktails, dancing and of course yummy food abound in the Big Easy and all throughout the state.  Perhaps one of the most notable icons of Fat Tuesday is the King Cake.

Beginning on January 6th these cakes are sold in bakeries statewide. These simple twisted bread-like cakes are laced with cinnamon and sugars. Iced in colors of purple, green and gold these hues represent justice, faith and power. Inside each one is a tiny plastic baby doll, which represents the infant Jesus. New Orleans tradition dictates that whomever bites into the slice of cake with this trinket must buy the next cake.  An easy way to keep the party going right?

In New Orleans there are plenty of sources to find King Cakes but my favorite would have to be Sucré. Nestled in the trendy, eclectic Garden District on Magazine Street, Sucre is a sweet boutique that is one of a kind. Executive Pastry Chef Tariq Hanna has been featured on the Food Network and owner Joel Dondis has been a important part of the New Orleans culinary scene for over a decade. Artisan sweets like gourmet chocolates, French macaroons, gelatos and fabulous cakes will delight any sweet tooth. Their version of the King Cake is a ring of twisted, buttery dough sweetened with cinnamon and sugar and filled with a whipped cream cheese filling. Beyond being tasty they are a feast for the eyes.

Best news of all? Sucré ships the majority of their yummy confections including King Cakes so you can satisfy your craving no matter your locale. If you want to read more about Sucré and my latest visit there check out my blog. King Cakes will be available for purchase until the end of the month so as we say “laissez les bon temps rouler!” That means “let the good times roll!”

Sucré is giving one lucky winner a taste of NOLA by way of a King Cake, delivered right to their door. To enter to win, please answer the following question by February 23, 2010 when one winner will be randomly chosen.

Of the traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple, gold and green, which is your favorite?

Please begin checking the winners box on February 24, 2010 to see if you’ve won. Good luck!