How to Survive Mardi Gras

Did I SURVIVE Mardi Gras? I'm still not really sure, perhaps I've crossed over and am blogging from the beyond. But no matter, either I did survive or I left this world a happy person and the 3 things you see above played a huge part in my arrival/departure!

Dr. Strangelove is a new Bloody Mary mix that uses the brine of Mandingo Pickles in its peppery blend. I've found that the only Bloody Mary mix that I like at ALL is one with a pickle kick to it, so this mix is a very welcome addition to my meal/buzz combo line up. The packaging is the most awesome I've ever seen on a booze bottle and their tag line is "Take a Turn for the Nurse". I sure did.

Naked Jay Big Dill Vodka is a new flavored vodka that is an answer to my prayers. I added it to the Bloody Mary mix because there is no such thing as "too pickle-y" for me. I also sipped a few shots of this straight on Fat Tuesday at 7:30 am as my "eye opener", because getting up and dressed in full costume that early requires a little nudge but is oh, so worth it!

Cajun Chef pickled beans are a local and cheap favorite that I love to snack on at home and sneak out of other peoples' drinks since I don't typically order Bloody Marys in a bar. For Mardi Gras this year I combined all three of these pickle power house products for a Bloody Mary that really got me going for yet another day of parades, beads, marching bands and more fun that any living person should have!

Gordy's Pickle Jar: Pickle of the Month-February

Well hello and Happy Mardi Gras everyone!!

It's practically the end of February and here I am just getting around to telling you about my February Pickle of the Month-Gordy's Pickle Jar Hot Chili Spears! Why? Because I've been busy going to parades, dancing in the streets, wear wigs, making costumes, eating lots of jello-shots and oh yeah, having the time of my LIFE! You should try it sometime.

It's the busiest time of year here in New Orleans which leaves me little time to "cook". I've taken to calling the simple task of filling my ice trays with water "cooking" because it's about all I've done in my kitchen lately (I've gotta have ice for my re-hydration needs on Sundays). Ice and pickles-that pretty much sums up the contents of my fridge these days (or any day) and I'm happy to have one more jar of these guys left in there, especially since pickle juice is such a great help for hangovers and quick hydration!

My new year's resolution was to order and try a new type of pickle a month and share my finds with you guys. Gordy's Pickles are from Washington DC and have a classic kosher pickle flavor with a nice blend of spices, although as usual, if they made an "extra spicy" version that would be very welcomed in my opinion. The packaging is very appealing and I think it's safe to say these guys are holding down the fort in the artisan pickle world of DC.

OK people, I'm off to the Mardi Gras-afterwards I'm gonna need all the ice, pickles and pickle juice my fridge can hold!