The crawfish beignets are a lot of fun to serve because they're so different and the sauce is really good with them.

The recipe book I was referring to is the TD recipe book in the first post in the recipe thread at the top of the page. There are a few recipes that haven't made in into the book that are in the thread, but most are there thanks to Wink. You'll see the recipes I was referring to even though my name isn't next to them. No names are listed. My crawfish cardinale recipe is there on page 53. It's from the old Plantation Cookbook by the New Orleans Junior League. You'll see quite a few recipes from that book. It's a worthy purchase because it's tried and true. You can probably get a good used one on Amazon.

On the cardinale, I also serve it as a cocktail food that you load onto toasted French bread, but I have served it as an entree in the puff pastry shells and it's mighty tasty that way. Some folks put it over pasta, as well.
My corn and whatever soup is there. Mr. Balls makes it regularly for his wife to earn hunting nights.

Mine has the option of andouille, crawfish, shrimp or crab.

The white cheddar soup and shrimp and grits recipes are there. I haven't posted a roasted red bell pepper soup, but you've already made one, so you have one you like. Mine is a pretty simple one with the base and cream.

I don't make desserts myself. I'm just not interested in making them, but I like to eat them. I'm sort of tired of cheesecake. Seems to be a go to dessert. I never tire of a good bread pudding, but my favorite dessert is creme brulee.It's so fun to brulee the sugar with the torch. The guests get all excited and impressed with that, though there's nothing to it. It's a show. Have whatever desserts are your Mom's faves.

If you can't find a recipe I listed in the TD book, let me know and I'll look up the page for you.

One more idea is shrimp and crabmeat stuffed eggplant. Those are make ahead and I love, worship and adore them. Don't know if that's something different for your Mom or not.

Oh, and without the shrimp in it, you can make the sauce for the shrimp and grits, days ahead, actually. Another reason it's a good recipe for a crowd when you're making a lot of other things.

Do tell us what you decide on and report back when it's said and done. Your Mom is going to have a great birthday party!