Author: Emily Gautreaux

Spice Up Summer with This Creole Tomato Pie Recipe

A staple of summer dining in South Louisiana, Creole Tomato Pie is a celebration of peak-season tomatoes, layered with bold Cajun flavors and rich Southern ingredients. With its vibrant colors, juicy textures, and savory depth, this dish brings together the best of Louisiana’s culinary traditions—from fresh seafood and smoked sausage to the herbs and vegetables that define Creole cooking. Whether served warm from the oven or chilled the next day, this tomato pie captures the soul of summer in every bite.

This version, inspired by a recipe featured in Louisiana Cookin’, takes the classic Southern tomato pie and adds a coastal twist: sweet crawfish tails and spicy andouille sausage. It’s all cradled in a golden, flaky pie crust and layered with a medley of cheeses and herbs. The result is a rich, flavorful entrée perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light summer supper.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a layer of paper towels. Core the Creole tomatoes and slice them into ¼-inch-thick rounds. Spread the slices on the prepared baking sheet and allow them to drain for about one hour. This step is crucial—it prevents excess moisture from making the pie soggy.
  2. Once the tomatoes have drained, begin assembling the pie. Start by scattering ¼ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese across the bottom of the pre-baked pie shell. Then add a single layer of tomato slices. Lightly brush the tomatoes with olive oil. Over this layer, sprinkle a portion of the torn basil, andouille sausage, crawfish tails, Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, along with another ¼ cup of Monterey Jack. Add a few slices of Bermuda onion and season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Continue building the pie in this fashion—layering tomatoes, oil, herbs, meats, cheeses, and onion—until the pie is filled to the top. You’ll typically get two to three full rounds of layering depending on the size of your tomatoes and depth of your pie shell.
  4. Finish the pie by generously topping it with Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, any remaining cheeses, and the rest of the basil. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the cheese is fully melted, the top is golden brown, and the breadcrumbs are toasted. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
  5. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This rest period allows the layers to settle and flavors to meld. The pie can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It also freezes beautifully if you’d like to prepare it in advance for a future gathering.

Creole Tomato Pie is more than just a recipe—it’s a tribute to Louisiana’s unique culinary heritage. With its layers of ripe tomatoes, smoky sausage, succulent crawfish, and rich cheeses, it brings together the heart of Southern hospitality and the bounty of the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer gathering or simply savoring the season’s freshest ingredients, this dish promises flavor in every bite and comfort with every slice.

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A Seasonal Guide to Experiencing Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, with its blend of historical splendor, rich cultural offerings, and picturesque landscapes, stands out as one of the South’s most captivating cities, as per this travel guide from Travel + Leisure. While every season casts its own charm over the cobblestone streets, travelers will find that some months offer a more comfortable and enriching experience than others.

Fall is widely regarded as the optimal time to visit. With daytime highs in the 70s and lighter tourist crowds, autumn in Savannah delivers both comfort and beauty. November, in particular, is praised as a prime travel window; this stretch of time before Thanksgiving brings the added bonus of seasonal festivals without the congestion of peak tourism. The city’s famous oak-lined streets take on a golden glow, and outdoor exploration is at its most enjoyable.

Travelers hoping to explore Savannah without contending with summer’s intense heat or spring’s tourist rush may find the shoulder season—from August through December—especially appealing. October is rich with events such as the SCAD Savannah Film Festival and the Savannah Greek Festival, while September hosts the popular Savannah Jazz Festival, with live music echoing across public squares and venues throughout the city. Art lovers also gravitate toward the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival, held in spring, when students transform Forsyth Park’s sidewalks into vivid chalk masterpieces.

Spring in Savannah is breathtaking. Azaleas bloom in vibrant pinks and purples, and temperatures range from the high 50s to the mid-80s. However, as this is also the high season, expect larger crowds, especially around St. Patrick’s Day in March. The holiday is marked by a multi-day celebration featuring a parade, a themed 5K, and even the ceremonial “greening” of the fountain at Forsyth Park. Though the festivities energize the city, the evenings can become rowdy, with some businesses opting to close early to sidestep the revelry.

Nature in Savannah is not confined to its parks and gardens. Just a short drive from downtown, Georgia’s coast offers serene beach escapes that pair beautifully with the city’s historical charm. While summer brings challenges in the form of 90-degree temperatures and soaring humidity, it can still be a worthwhile time to visit if beach days and indoor activities are high on your itinerary. The city’s acclaimed restaurants and cultural venues, many of them air-conditioned, provide welcome retreats from the heat.

Visitors seeking lower prices and quieter surroundings will benefit from traveling in the off-season, which spans January and February. Though temperatures are cooler and some flowers lie dormant, the city’s architecture and charm remain on full display. This period often sees reduced hotel rates and discounted airfare. Budget carriers flying into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, such as Allegiant, make the city accessible from various U.S. hubs, and lighter tourist traffic means easier navigation through Savannah’s walkable neighborhoods.

Spring and fall also bring brief afternoon rain showers, typically around 3 p.m. Marks notes that these showers last about 30 to 40 minutes, and far from detracting from the experience, they add to the ambiance. Spanish mossglistening with raindrops in the sunlight offers a uniquely Savannah moment—one that enchants visitors and locals alike.

Even in early summer, around June, it’s possible to experience the tail end of pleasant weather before the arrival of peak heat. Whether you’re drawn to Savannah for its seasonal festivals, vibrant arts scene, or the sheer romance of its historic streets and coastal proximity, there’s never truly a wrong time to visit—just different ways to experience its beauty, each offering a uniquely memorable Southern getaway.

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Southeastern Louisiana University Launches Sustainability Project with Statewide Grant

Southeastern Louisiana University has earned a notable distinction by receiving the University Affiliate Grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Louisiana’s leading organization focused on reducing litter and improving communities. According to this article from AN17 and Hammond Star, The $5,000 grant, awarded as part of a larger environmental initiative, will support the university’s Water Bottle Refill Stations project. This sustainability project aims to encourage the campus community to reduce their reliance on disposable drink containers by promoting the use of refillable bottles and raising awareness about sustainable choices.

The Water Bottle Refill Stations project is designed not only to provide convenient access to hydration but also to educate students, faculty, and staff on the environmental impact of single-use containers. Chris Asprion, Director of Physical Plant at Southeastern, emphasized the importance of shifting daily habits. He explained that single-use beverage containers are a significant source of waste, much of which can be avoided by simply opting to refill rather than toss. Asprion pointed out that choosing reusable bottles helps cut down on landfill waste and reduces the likelihood of litter polluting storm drains, waterways, and natural habitats.

The University Affiliate Grant is a component of a larger environmental initiative funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 2021, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette secured a $500,000 five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant. As a sub-recipient, Keep Louisiana Beautiful has used that funding to establish the University Affiliate program and support various anti-litter and sustainability initiatives across the state.

This program has resulted in the development of a mobile litter assessment app, educational video resources tailored for college campuses, and direct grants to help universities like Southeastern implement their own sustainability projects. The initiative reflects a growing interest among Louisiana’s colleges and universities in reducing waste and fostering environmental responsibility.

Becoming a Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate carries both symbolic and practical significance. It signals that a university has made a public commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Affiliates are expected to engage in continuous improvement, encourage student involvement in environmental efforts, and track measurable outcomes. This designation also brings statewide recognition and aligns Southeastern with a broader network of over 600 National Affiliates and 43 Community Affiliates known for their leadership in effecting positive environmental change.

By joining this movement, Southeastern is reinforcing its dedication to sustainability and setting a strong example for its students. As part of this network, the university will have access to resources, training, and collaborative opportunities that can help it expand its efforts and achieve long-term impact.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s mission is rooted in fostering individual, corporate, and community responsibility to protect and enhance Louisiana’s natural beauty. The organization focuses on four core areas to fulfill its goals: Policy and Infrastructure Improvements, Law Enforcement Support, Behavioral Education, and Community Empowerment.

With this new grant and through their new sustainability project, Southeastern Louisiana University is not only reducing waste but also deepening its investment in student awareness and environmental action. This initiative supports a campus culture where sustainability is seen as an ongoing effort, not just a one-time project. The refill stations symbolize a practical solution, but they also represent a broader shift toward mindful resource use and long-term environmental responsibility.

As Southeastern joins the growing ranks of institutions working to protect Louisiana’s landscapes and waterways, the message is clear: small daily actions, like refilling a water bottle, can collectively lead to significant and lasting change. These seemingly minor choices, when adopted across a campus community, foster a culture of sustainability, promote environmental awareness, and inspire the next generation to take ownership of their ecological footprint.

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Restoring a Landmark: Lincoln Beach Project Gains Momentum

The long-awaited master plan for the restoration of Lincoln Beach in New Orleans has finally been unveiled, offering a detailed vision for how the historic site will be transformed. According to this article from Nola.com, once Lincoln Beach is fully operational, it will offer not only scenic access to Lake Pontchrtrain but also a restored piece of New Orleans history. Among the highlights of the draft proposal is the reimagining of the 1950s-era Carver House Restaurant, which will be converted into a dining space that pays homage to the beach’s past, along with a museum dedicated to telling the story of Lincoln Beach as a beloved recreational escape for Black residents during the Jim Crow era.

The draft master plan is the result of an 18-month collaborative effort that included community input and was led by the nationally recognized design firm Sasaki and Associates. The project, which has been in discussion for decades, finally appears poised to move forward. Located on Hayne Boulevard in New Orleans East, Lincoln Beach was officially closed in 1964 following the passage of the Civil Rights Act, which ended the segregationist policies that had originally necessitated its creation. For years, the site remained abandoned, even as community groups and volunteers continued to clean and visit the beach, often at personal risk, due to safety concerns raised by the city.

Greg Nichols, a representative from the City Hall Office of Resilience and Sustainability, noted that the community’s primary desire has been clear throughout the planning process. According to Nichols, residents simply want access to the beach restored in a safe and simple way. This feedback shaped the focus of the plan’s first phase, which centers on reopening the site with minimal but critical infrastructure.

The initial phase is projected to cost between $17 million and $23 million and is already funded through a combination of city-issued bonds and federal grants, including allocations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nichols expressed confidence that the federal funds will remain secure despite broader national budget cuts.

Key components of phase one include addressing the complex and currently unsafe access routes. Today, visitors must traverse a busy four-lane road, a seawall, and railroad tracks to reach the beach. The plan proposes draining the long-flooded pedestrian tunnel once used for entry and constructing an elevated pedestrian bridge that will safely connect the parking area to the beach. Additional features include the partial reconstruction of the parking lot, the establishment of a new beachside restaurant, and the demolition of decaying waterfront structures.

A central feature of the master plan is its focus on climate resilience. Recognizing the environmental threats facing the area—such as rising sea levels, hurricanes, and heat waves—planners have incorporated numerous adaptive measures. Most new buildings will be elevated on pilings, and facilities closer to ground level, such as restrooms and shower areas, will be built with breakaway walls to reduce storm damage. To mitigate extreme heat, designers will integrate shaded areas, tree canopies, and misting stations throughout the property.

Nichols emphasized that the draft plan not only sets forth a vision but also outlines actionable steps toward making Lincoln Beach a sustainable, accessible, and culturally significant destination. The city is actively pursuing additional funding sources and exploring revenue-generating features like the restaurant to support ongoing operations.

To ensure long-term management and sustainability, the plan proposes establishing a dedicated nonprofit or conservancy to oversee the site’s upkeep and activities. Public feedback on the plan is encouraged and will be accepted until June 2. Following the comment period, the city plans to select a contractor, with construction expected to begin by late 2025 or early 2026. If all goes according to schedule, Lincoln Beach could reopen to the public as early as 2026 or 2027

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Southern Sliders Done Right: Cajun Crawfish Edition

If you’re craving bold Louisiana flavor in a bite-sized package, these Crawfish Sliders from Louisiana Cookin will hit the spot. Packed with fresh Gulf shrimp, seasoned crawfish tails, vibrant herbs, and fiery Cajun spices, these sliders offer a satisfying mix of creaminess and heat. Whether you’re entertaining guests at a backyard boil or preparing a fun weeknight dinner with Southern flair, this recipe delivers indulgent comfort with a splash of spice and plenty of regional character.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Start by preparing the crawfish. Place a colander over a large bowl and empty the crawfish tails into it. Gently press the tails to release most of the flavorful liquid into the bowl below. Reserve both the crawfish and the extracted liquid. Pour the liquid into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce until the volume is halved—this concentrated essence will enhance the flavor of the sliders.
  2. Next, place the shrimp into the bowl of a food processor. While the processor runs, gradually add softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Scrape down the sides as needed until the shrimp and butter form a smooth, emulsified paste. Add the reduced crawfish liquid and blend until you have a creamy, cohesive mixture.
  3. Chop half of the reserved crawfish tails, leaving the rest whole for texture. Transfer the shrimp paste into a large mixing bowl and fold in the crawfish tails—both chopped and whole. Add in the garlic, green onions, parsley, jalapeño, lemon zest, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, pepper sauce, and salt. Use your hands to thoroughly combine the mixture. This step ensures all the flavors are evenly distributed.
  4. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat and coat the bottom with peanut oil. To test your seasoning, cook a small ball of the crawfish mixture first. Reduce heat to medium once it sizzles, and cook until browned on both sides. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Use a ⅓-cup scoop to portion the mixture into balls. Return the skillet to high heat, adding more oil if necessary. Flatten each ball slightly with a spatula, then cook over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through on both sides.
  6. To assemble the sliders, spread Crawfish Dip on the bottom half of each toasted Hawaiian roll. Add a crawfish patty, then top with Bibb lettuce, sliced tomato, and red onion. Crown it with the other half of the roll and serve immediately.

These sliders are bold enough to stand alone, but they also shine alongside classic Southern accompaniments. Serve them with crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing corn maque choux for a true Louisiana experience. A cold potato salad or tangy vinegar slaw will also balance the richness of the crawfish mixture. Perfect for Mardi Gras gatherings, game day parties, or summer cookouts, these sliders are easy to prepare and impossible to resist. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a New Orleans backyard, where the cast-iron skillet is hot, the seafood is fresh, and the spices dance.

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Trail to Tower: The Best Hikes and Views in the Smokies

Tucked between eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains (the Smokies) stretch across 800 square miles of protected wilderness, rich with biodiversity, scenic landmarks, and year-round beauty. Whether you visit during the vibrant burst of spring wildflowers, the lush greenery of summer, the fiery foliage of fall, or the snow-dusted stillness of winter, this iconic Southern mountain range delivers an unforgettable experience. No single trip can capture all its treasures—but this well-selected travel guide from Southern Living ensures a deep appreciation for its natural wonder.

A prime starting point is Cades Cove, a wide valley nestled within the Smokies that offers some of the most immersive views of the surrounding peaks. This scenic area in Townsend, Tennessee, features an 11-mile, one-way loop road that winds past panoramic vistas, historic cabins, and serene picnic areas. Cyclists and hikers will especially appreciate that on Wednesdays from May through September, motor vehicles are prohibited, offering a peaceful, uninterrupted experience of the cove’s quiet splendor.

Those craving elevation should make time for Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet. Situated along the Tennessee–North Carolina border, this destination draws crowds to its circular observation tower for panoramic views above the clouds. Arriving early is wise, as the parking area often fills quickly. The short—but steep—half-mile paved trail to the tower rewards visitors with sweeping vistas that stretch for miles.

For a more intense ascent, consider hiking to Mt. LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies. The strenuous 11-mile round trip hike offers no shortage of visual rewards along the Alum Cave Trail, including natural rock formations like Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and Alum Cave Bluffs. Near the summit, hikers can reserve a stay at the rustic, century-old LeConte Lodge, which offers cozy cabins and multi-room shelters.

Another worthwhile drive, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, loops through 5.5 miles of mountain landscape, delivering forested turns, old log cabins, and bubbling streams from the comfort of your car. This one-way loop near Gatlinburg is especially breathtaking in the fall, when the trees erupt in a blaze of gold, amber, and crimson.

Adventurers in search of a challenging trek with a waterfall payoff should explore Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove.Though the waterfall itself stands just 20 feet tall, the powerful rush of water and the immersive trail make it a sensory experience. Equally photogenic is Laurel Falls, accessible via a 2.6-mile trail that leads to an 80-foot cascade divided into upper and lower sections, linked by a footbridge over the stream.

No visit is complete without a drive on the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, which begins at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains and stretches 469 miles to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The route offers one striking viewpoint after another, where you can pause and take in the rolling expanse of forest and misty ridgelines.

Another stop for sweeping views is Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass through the national park, yet still nearly a mile above sea level. The 34-mile road through the gap crosses several forest zones, and a large parking area invites travelers to pull over and capture the scenery with their cameras.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina presents one of the best chances to view elk in the wild. The remote valley is also home to black bears, over 200 species of birds, and an impressive array of amphibians and reptiles, reinforcing the Smokies’ status as one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the temperate world.

The Great Smoky Mountains offer an experience that lingers long after the journey ends. From peaceful drives and bold hikes to misty mountain top vistas and encounters with wildlife, each corner of this park promises discovery.

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