As the Mardi Gras celebrations filled with parades, parties and masquerade balls gives way to Lent with the arrival of Ash Wednesday, menus of many South Louisiana families and restaurants will change to accommodate the dining choices of Catholics and many others who abstain from eating meat every Friday during Lent, an observation continuing until Easter Sunday.

It’s not just about a Friday evening seafood boil or fish fry for a meat-free Friday. Teche Area cooks are always looking for new and creative ways to prepare fish, shellfish and vegetable-based selections during the Lenten season.

Juanita Ransonet always prepares a meatless dish each Friday of Lent for her family.

Ransonet, who has been cooking since age 14, prepares mostly Cajun food, but is always open to the idea of trying something different.

“I like to play around and try different dishes,” she said. “I was cooking in a restaurant when I was 14 years old, so I have plenty of experience. It is always fun to try different recipes and change a few ingredients,” said Ransonet.”

As one of her Lenten meals, the New Iberia resident said she will be preparing a pesto and parmesan crusted grilled tilapia with a cream sauce flavored with coconut extract over angel hair pasta, a recipe passed on by her son-in-law Roman Wesley Jr.

“It sounds like a dish that would take a lot of time to prepare, but it is really simple and fast. It’s a little something different for the Lenten season,” she said.

“Add a spring mix green salad and French bread and you have a delicious and fast Lenten meal.”

Janice Broussard of Jeanerette often turns to a seafood casserole or vegetable-based selection when preparing a Lenten meal for her family.

Eggs, whether you cook them for breakfast, lunch or dinner, are always a great ingredient for a meatless spring dish, Broussard said.

Broussard said omelets are always perfect for any Lenten meal since there is such a wide variety of ingredients that can be added to fit any individual taste.

“Cheese, asparagus, mushroom, spinach or broccoli always make a plain omelet a little tastier and special. Any leftover seafood can be added,” she said.

Broussard’s jalapeno cheese pie made with a mixture of three different cheeses has also become a favorite Lenten dish among family members.

“Just add your favorite salad and you have a quick and easy meal,” she said.