In honor of Fat Tuesday, let's get a little fatter! Here are a bunch of recipes to put you in the Mardi Gras mood, from jambalaya to King's Cake (watch out for the plastic baby!) to pancakes. It's called "Fat Tuesday" or "Shrove Tuesday" because it's the day before Ash Wednesday when Catholics traditionally use up fat—in the form of pancakes, fried foods, or really anything fattening—before a period of fasting in anticipation of Easter. And since most people associate Mardi Gras more with drinks than food, don't miss these classic New Orleans cocktails.

10 Pancake recipes »
King's Cake »
Creole Gumbo »
John Besh's Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo »
Beignets »
Speedy Creole Jambalaya »
Food Lab: Roast Beef Po' Boys »
Oyster Po' Boys »
Classic N'Awlins Remoulade »
Shrimp Creole »
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp »
Dirty Rice »
Pecan Pralines »