Mardi Gras is an "imported" holiday with origins in Medieval Europe, but nobody honors it more or better than the American city of New Orleans. Thanks to a French explorer, Sieur d'Iberville, the Big Easy has been celebrating Fat Tuesday since 1699, consistently improving it with exceptional food, drink, parades and endless parties. The day always falls just prior to Ash Wednesday—it's the last day of carnival before Christians begin observing Lent…one last opportunity to let the good times roll. If you can't make it to New Orleans, make your own celebration! Here's a collection of Wisconsin Cheese recipes that will be the life of the party.

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