Shreveport Saga: Cruise and Mardi Gras

The river banks were high as we had to board the Red River Cruise ship via a plank. Quick tour up and down the river that separates Shreveport from Bossier. After that it was Mardi Gras attending the Krewe of Centaur Parade. There was a tent for us and it was cold outside as it was the days we were here. Food...yes, more food...included. Just got a tast of the local cooking and sampled a bite of King Cake that tastes like coffee cake.

Beads, beads with medallions, plastic cups and other "soft" items were being thrown from the floats as people stretched to make the catch.

Shreveport Saga: King Cake

King Cakes are the thing going for Mardi Gras. These cakes basically look like a coffee cake with colored sugar on the top. Some places use a recipe that is more like a bread and some make it like a cake. I was at Julie Anne's where Gary Galle took us in the kitchen to view the process. I loved there's due to the cake itself and the cream cheese frosting inside and on top. All King Cakes have a small plastic baby hidden. The person who gets the slice with the baby has to buy the next cake...so long as they haven't choked on it and left the earth. The origin of this is that the baby represented baby Jesus. However, I haven't heard anyone yell, "Jesus Christ. I think I might have swollowed the baby!" Actually, the cake was so good that the person who found the baby licked every morsel from it.

Julie Anne's Bakery and Cafe is located at825 Kings Hway in Shreveport. I hear that you can order their cakes and have them sent to you. 318-424-4995

Shreveport Saga: Pep Rally and Float Loading Party

Being that the New Orleans Saints were playing in the Superbowl, most likely every city was having some pep rally or such.



Since we were really down here in Shreveport for the Mardi Gras, we had the opportunity to go to a Float Loading Party. We are able to climb up on some as well as get medallion beads from many of the floats. Drinks were "floating" and I had two jello shots. Esther was able to get up on the float and danced to the constant upbeat music. The public was invited and the set up was a row of "rooms" with floats lined up for you to walk around. A great time was had.