Quick – name the two foods most associated with Mardi Gras.

Treat yourself during the Mardi Gras season!

Hints: Both are circular in shape. One is associated with parades while the other will be found at the parties (often masked balls) of the season, although both will often show up as a treat in homes and businesses.

Mardi Gras balls and seasonal gatherings are not complete without a king cake. Generally speaking, the king cake is a large round or oval cinnamon coffee cake that is glazed or frosted and then sprinkled generously with sugar colored in the royal hues of purple, green and gold. A small plastic trinket is inserted through the bottom of the cake for a lucky person to find. The person who receives the trinket is said to be the king or queen for the day and will have good fortune for the coming year. Another interpretation explains that the person who finds the trinket must host the following week’s party.

As for the other food, you may be surprised to learn that although Mardi Gras is most often associated with the southern coastal states, the moon pie actually originated in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the early part of the 20^th century. It was made by placing marshmallow cream between two graham crackers, then completely coating the sweet, spongy sandwich in chocolate. Years later, in Mobile, Alabama, it became a parade throw (an item tossed from parade floats) due to its soft yet sturdy consistency. Today, moon pies come in a variety of flavors and colors, and parade-goers expect to catch their share of this extremely popular item.

February 16, 2010, is Mardi Gras Day. Since mid-January, numerous organizations have been leading their masked members along parade routes throughout the South. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the fun and gather some colorful throws. Local parades are as follows:

Fri., Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Wintzell’s Oyster House to Hwy. 161

Sat., Feb.13, noon – Foley – east on Roosevelt St.

Sat., Feb.13, 6:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Live Bait to Perdido Pass Bridge

Tues., Feb.16, 10:00 a.m. – Gulf Shores – Hwy. 59 from south end of the Intracoastal Bridge to the beach

Tues., Feb.16, 1:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Wintzell’s Oyster House to Hwy. 161

Tues., Feb.16, 3:00 p.m. – Gulf Shores – boat parade begins at 3:00 at Bear Point Marina and ends by 4:30 at LuLu’s Homeport Marina

Come to the beach soon and “laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!”

If you do not have your Mardi Gras beach accommodations yet, we can help! Now through Feb. 17, 2010, you can stay five nights but only pay for three nights! If you can’t stay that long, or will be here during a different time frame, take a look at Meyer Real Estate’s many specials and hot deals to make your getaway more affordable.