King Me!

It is the start of Carnival season (beginning with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th).  This will be the longest carnival season since 1943. 

Want to order your own king cake?  Here are links to a  few of my favorite king cake bakers that ship around the country.  Prices (including overnight shipping) are in the $40 - $60 range.  It is expensive (at least $20 goes toward the shipping), but well worth it and a medium king cake will feed a crowd.  The packages also include a little Mardi Gras lagniappe like beads, doubloons and cups.

• Manny Randazzo's  - https://www.randazzokingcake.com/ (my personal favorite)
• Haydel's Bakery - http://www.haydelbakery.com/
• Randazzo's Camelia City - http://www.kingcakes.com/
• Nonna Randazzo's - http://www.nonnaskingcakes.com/
• Frances Bakery - http://www.francesbakery.com/

King Cake Facts

• The original king cakes were simply cinnamon laced (traditional), the additions of fruit, nuts and cream cheese fillings were introduced about 30 years ago.  I prefer the traditional, but enjoy the praline and lemon (DS loves the apple).  Many love the cream cheese, but it is too rich for my taste.
• Early king cakes had a bean or ceramic baby/figure instead of today's plastic baby.  A popular tradition, if you find the baby in your slice, you must host the next party.  (Always check under your slice to check for the baby before you take your first big bite.)
• In September 2010, Haydel's Bakery set the Guinness record for the world's largest king cake by building a king cake that circled the Superdome (of course it was done in black and gold sugar).
• The Randazzo family bakery was a major local bakery, when the Randazzo parents passed, the children, grandchildren, cousins, etc. all opened their own competing bakeries with their "version" of the original king cake recipe.  They are all very similar, but in a side by side tasting they are subtlety different - but all delicious.)

Did I whet your appetite for more New Orleans food?  Planning a trip to New Orleans and want to know where to eat?  Check out local food critic, Tom Fitzmorris' blog http://www.nomenu.com/joomla1/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=184&Itemid=77

Skechers Moonrock Sandals
Photo from Skechers website

 Guess I will have to purchase some new toning shoes and clothes to help offset all those king cake calories. ; )  

I purchased the Sketchers toning sandals last summer and they really did work - I recaptured a little of the tone in my calves, thighs and butt without any additional effort other than wearing them during my ordinary daily activity - they were also very comfortable for running errands or working at home.  It gives you an extra boost even if you make no extra effort.  I am planning to buy a pair of the walking shoes and begin walking with DS while he begins his cross country conditioning.  I am currently researching various brands, including Reebok, Avia and New Balance.