Foods So Decadent You Can Only Eat Them Once Every 4 Years

By Carl Hanson
Good news, it's Leap Year! February 29, leap day, comes around only once every four years. Through a complicated quadrennial quirk in the space-time continuum and the flippity-flopping of physics, February 29 is a day when calories don't count. Leap day is a free day, food-wise, a day for guilt-free indulgences when anything goes and the Food Police are all on vacation. Yes, on February 29th, "nothing exceeds like excess." So you'll want to keep these ultra decadent recipes on hand for this one day only! And then, in March, stash them away for four long years. 
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Lobster Colorado

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Filet mignon, lobster, and bacon, and a rich butter sauce make this a stand-out special-occasion meal. "Amazing, amazing, amazing," raves armywife571. "I loved the browned butter spooned over top and gave it such richness. It was a perfect medium rare and so tender."

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Bacon Explosion

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So you say you love bacon. Well, the Bacon Explosion dares you to prove your love. You'll weave a bacon blanket snug around a meaty filling of sausage, Cheddar cheese, garlic, green onions, and, you'll find it easy to believe, more bacon. Bake this meaty masterpiece in the oven -- or for even smokier flavor pop it into a smoker. Enjoy on its own or sandwich a slice between halves of hot biscuits. As gumby 101 says, "Remember, moderation is the key when eating a bacon explosion." Maybe next year.

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Cholesterol King Heart Stopper 2000

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Primary care physicians would remind you that cold cuts should be a sometimes thing. It's fair to say, then, that six pounds of cheese and cold cuts on a single sub sandwich are an every four years kinda thing. For best results, share with a friend or eight. "The ultimate Super Bowl party sub," says Bradley. "Serve with chips and a cold dill pickle. And remember to lift with your legs, not your back. "

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Tartiflette (French Potato, Bacon, and Cheese Casserole)

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Sliced potatoes are layered with fried onions and bacon and topped with crème fraiche and a funky-sharp melty cheese. It's pure cheesy decadence. "This is an excellent dish, the flavor profiles are so striking, and go together so well, that it almost overwhelms the taste buds!" says Dennis Hyman.

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Chef John's Lobster Mac and Cheese

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Lobster tails and homemade mac and cheese exist at the intersection of elegance and indulgence in a place called delicious town. Chef John's cheese sauce combines sharp white Cheddar and Gruyere with a Parmesan and panko crumb crust. 

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Turducken

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Join us in lobbying to make turducken the official main dish of February 29th. A  chicken inside a duck inside a turkey, each bird stuffed with dressing? That's as crazy as having an extra day every four years.

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Poutine Gravy

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The key to deliciously decadent poutine is to make your own savory gravy to pour over the French fries and cheese curds. Chef John recommends using beef chuck, short rib, or brisket to achieve a "marvelously meaty, super savory, ridiculously rich gravy." 

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough + Cupcake = The BEST Cupcake. Ever.

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If ever there was a day when there's no reason to choose between cookies and cupcakes because the obvious choice is both, that day is February 29th.  These cupcakes have a secret chocolate-chip cookie-dough center! The very best of both worlds. 

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S'mores Mega Milkshake

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Do not try this at home! Except, of course, on February 29th. "This over-the-top ice cream treat is fun to share with a crowd," says Leslie Kelly. "Put toppings out buffet-style and it's time for a make-your-own-milkshake party. Serve with straws and iced tea spoons and loads of napkins."

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Bananas Foster Belgian Waffles

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"As a special treat for my mother, I created this recipe, which includes one of her favorite desserts and one of her favorite breakfast items," says prell2k4. "Also great with French toast." To take decadence one step further, consider an upgrade to Chicken and Bananas Foster Belgian Waffles. 

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Bourbon Street New York Strip Steak

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Booze, brown sugar, and a hot grill develop delectable caramelized flavors on marinated steaks!  "My husband and I love this recipe," says VERONICA30. "The bourbon taste adds so much to the steak. I am not a huge bourbon fan, but these steaks are delicious!" 

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