Clockwise from top left: Will Montague; courtesy of Sucre; Berit Baugher; courtesy of Tops Malibu.
New Orleans is in the swing of celebration season and don't we wish we were all there together? Though it's a little late to book a flight down South, we can still party with the best of them. Gather up a few friends and a fistful of disposable beads. A laissez les bons temps rouler attitude and a few more finds are all you need to throw a New Orleans-style jazz brunch.
Set the Mood
First thing's first, a jazz brunch calls for majorly good tunes — of the toe-tappin', head noddin' variety.
The Big Easy is brimming with culinary talent and attracts many of the world's best chefs. Plan a Southern-inspired menu with their help.
Crescent City Cooking: Unforgettable Recipes from Susan Spicer's New Orleans Available at:amazon.com
Cooking Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found from The Times-Picayune of New Orleans Available at:amazon.com
Gumbo: A Savor the South Cookbook by Dale Curry Available at:amazon.com
Break Bread
Italian charcuterie, cheese, and a tangy olive salad piled onto a giant round loaf of Italian bread. Delicious. Recreate the ultimate New Orleans sandwich at home.
Gambinos's Muffuletta Loaf Price: $25 Available at:gambinos.com
Central Grocery Olive Salad Price: $23 Available at:amazon.com
Cover the Classics
It's hard to go wrong with a big bowl of red beans and rice. Simmer a pot of Camellia red kidneys (a Gulf Coast staple that dates back 80 years) and serve it over white rice.
The preferred confection of Mardi Gras season. Sucre's is a refined version of the traditional Danish-like pastry. One lucky reveler will find a tiny plastic baby in their slice; next year's cake is on them!
