Mardi Gras is underway in New Orleans and just the thought of it is making me hungry. I'm craving the Holy Trinity (onion, bell pepper and celery), Cajun spices and sweet baked things.

You feeling hungry for New Orleans now, too? Luckily, we have some recipes to satiate that desire. So laissez les bon temps rouler.

The Story of The Hurricane

This popular French Quarter concoction has a surprisingly design-inspired origin, as it was originally served in glass hurricane lamp shades in the early 1940s. These days, it’s more often served in a plastic "go-cup."

Make It: Frozen Hurricane Cocktail

A Perfect Blend

Creole food reflects the influences of French, Spanish, West African, American Indian, German, Italian and Irish culture on Louisiana. And made with Creole seasoning, this dish is an easy weeknight meal, which alone is something to celebrate.  

Make It: Peppers Stuffed With Creole Fried Rice

Throw Me Some ... Bread

Beignets and bread pudding are two New Orleans classics inspired by French cuisine, and this recipe combines both delicious desserts into one even more delicious dessert. Now that’s an innovation we can get behind.

Make It: Beignet Bread Pudding

The King of All

A Mardi Gras tradition since the 1800s, King Cake is like a big cinnamon roll with colored icing (purple, yellow and green, the official colors of Mardi Gras) and a surprise — a baked-in plastic baby who brings good luck to whoever gets it in their piece. Just beware that being "lucky" also means you supply the cake next year.

Make It: King Cake

Mac-Daddy Dessert

For a fun and gluten-free alternative to the King Cake, try French-inspired macarons made with almond flour and decorated in that same color trio. Not for the faint of heart, macarons require a little extra time and skill, but they’re sure to impress.

Make It: Mardi Gras Macarons