I had hoped to get this post to you yesterday but I was just too busy trying to finish up my current sewing project. I hope you don’t mind 🙂
Yesterday was Joe Cain Day and I thought this would have been just what the doctor ordered. At least I still got it to you before Fat Tuesday so you can mix up a batch to enjoy during the festivities tomorrow.
And now for the Mardi Gras trivia I promised earlier:
1. Mardi Gras was started right here in Mobile, Alabama, in 1830 by a bunch of revelers called the Cowbellion de Rakin Society. They plundered local stores for various implements (rakes, hoes, cowbells), and took to the streets on New Years Eve. The Cowbellion de Rakin Society traveled to New Orleans in 1857 to establish the the traditon there. You’re welcome, New Orleans 😉
2. Joe Cain is the man responsible for reviving the Mardi Gras tradition after the Civil War. He donned Chicasaw Indian clothing and rode around in a decorated coal wagon pulled by a mule.
3. Joe Cain Day is celebrated the Sunday before Mardi Gras.
4. The Polka Dots were the first women’s society in Mobile, first parading in 1949.
5. Finallly, which two of the Mardi Gras colors originated in Mobile? Purple and yellow. Green was added in New Orleans.
Fun trivia facts from: http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Mardi-Gras-29719.html
Category 4 Hurricane Cocktails
I made these last month for our supper club and wanted to find a recipe that was similar to Pat O’Brien’s without using a mix. These were tasty, simple to whip up, and packed a powerful punch!
I scaled the recipe up to make 1 gallon of punch for our supper club but I have given you the original recipe for 1 serving below. If you are having a hard time finding passion fruit juice, I found mine by the refrigerated orange juice. It is actually passion fruit cocktail so I don’t think it is the same color as pure passion fruit juice. I added some extra grenadine to get a nicer red color. You may find pure passion fruit juice in the ethnic aisle or at the health food store.
If you want to go all out and take these babies to the category 5 level of all-out destruction, add a splash of 151 rum 🙂
- 2 oz light rum
- 2 oz dark rum
- 2 oz passion fruit juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- juice of a half a lime
- 1 Tbsp simple syrup
- 1 Tbsp grenadine
- orange slice and cherry for garnish
Combine all ingredients except garnish in shaker full of ice and shake well. Strain into hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with fruit and serve immediately.
Adapted from about.com.
Susie Homemaker, MD 
I’d have to make mine a catagory 5!