Preparing my taste buds for the 2011 International Food Blogging Conference

This Easter, my family decided brunch should include a round of Ramos Gin Fizzes, a cocktail that originated in New Orleans in 1888.  We mostly wanted to make them because they're deliciously decadent, but also to get ready for our upcoming trip to Louisiana.  My mom and I plan to attend the International Food Bloggers Conference there in August, so we're preparing our taste buds accordingly.  

For our Easter celebration, we paired the cocktails with a huge spread: a quiche, an enormous ham, traditional dyed hard-boiled eggs, a cheese platter, croissants from Newport Beach's C'est Si Bon, zucchini dip, and several other festive dishes.  My mom was the mastermind behind this feast and everyone enjoyed it thoroughly.  I'm a big fan of the Ramos Gin Fizz, although if I had to choose one New Orleans drink to devote myself to, the Sazerac would be my libation of choice.  Luckily, I don't have to make that choice.