Destinations Diva

     This dish is a family favorite and given to me by a dear friend. She first brought it to my annual Christmas Eve party.  She decided to bring it early because she was going to be a little late.  Well, that was a mistake on her part, because my nephews found it first!  I barely was able to scrape a half serving for myself after they attacked it and there was none left when my friend arrived!  Ever since that Christmas, I put out a giant pan of  Mac and Cheese first for the hungry boys to fill up on so the rest of us can enjoy this amazing Crawfish pasta! Crawfish MiMi Pasta Makes a half catering size foil pan of pasta or 8-10 party servings--or enough for four teenage boys. Ingredients: 1 pound unseasoned crawfish tails 16 ounces of Rotini or bowtie pasta 2 sticks unsalted butter 8 ounces Velveeta cheese 2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon BBQ seasoning (I used McCormick brand) 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1/2 teaspoon basil 1 tablespoon dried parsle

    I was recently planning a Mardi Gras themed engagement party and deciding on a menu.  We decided on the main courses to be chicken and sausage gumbo (check out my turkey gumbo recipe at the provided link)--the groom's favorite and a crawfish pasta (see the link).  We also had mini muffuletta  sandwiches which are very popular in New Orleans, and a large charcuterie with Cajun pepper jellies, smoked sausages, Hog's Head Cheese, Tasso and pickled okra.  For dessert, our friend made her famous King Cake and another friend made Mardi Gras themed cookies in the colors of Mardi Gras--purple, green and gold.     I wanted to add something to the menu that I had not made for or 25 years.  I got this recipe from a co-worker at my first job out of college.  Since then I've seen many recipes but I  think this is the best.  You must use a high sided microwave safe bowl because there will be lots of bubbling up! Microwave Pralines Yield: 1 1/2 dozen Ingredients 2 cups sugar 2 cups co