Author: Emily Gautreaux

Forget the Fries and Serve These Tasty Sides

There’s always an uptick in outdoor grilling during these hot summer months, so there’s a high chance of burgers being a mainstay on the menu, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the hamburgers at your picnic table need to be paired with the classic, though heavy side dish of french fries. As suggested by Martha Stewart’s recipe blog, there are a plethora of delicious, fresh, crunchy, and tasty sides recipes that are considerably healthier than the French fry, so take note of eight of these delectable dishes.

Tasty Side-Corn-and-Avocado Salad with Goddess Dressing

Pair your juicy, savory burger (no matter the content) proudly with this fresh take-and- shake salad recipe. This side is topped with a dressing of stirred-in, finely diced avocado that gives the salad a delectable creaminess without browning while you’re tending to the burgers on your grill. The dressing is placed atop a bed of fresh romaine, radishes, and corn to compliment the sheer heft of a burger-centric meal.

Tasty Side-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Buttermilk

You might not have to grab any ketchup or other condiment with this health-conscious roasting of these candied-like roasted sweet potatoes that are benefitted all the more by the tangy richness of buttermilk that leaves noted of sweet and savory in your mouth. 

Tomato and Avocado Salad

Burger lovers should have absolutely zero qualms with this easy-to-make salad that’s designed to not overextend your calorie intake. This dish adds a splash of fresh color and flavor to your meal with its array of summer tomatoes and creamy avocado. You’ll be tempted to take off the top bun of your “perfectly dressed burger” to incorporate some of this flavor as well!

Tasty Side-Seasoned Roasted-Corn Salad Cups

A summer hamburger’s partner in culinary crime has to be corn, be it on or off the cob. This particular recipe is a fresh take on esuites, or Mexican street corn cups, and it calls for the charring of the corn and tossing it with jicama, chiles, cilantro, oil, lime juice, and queso fresco, adding sweet juiciness and a bit of spice to your summer picnic table.

Tasty Side-Melon and Cucumber Salad

Sometimes, though, the savory juices of a well-prepared and dressed hamburger require your side dish be on the sweeter side of the flavor spectrum; in that event you have this sweet and refreshing summer salad. This side is brought together with whole pieces of chopped melon as well as the puree of any leftover melon added to yogurt and honey, creating a gorgeous to look at and tasty side to enjoy in the dead of summer heat.

Tasty Side- Grilled Potato Slices with Salt and Vinegar

Think of this recipe as the healthier take on salt-and-vinegar chips and having much more texture than your average french fry, as these potato slices are grilled (healthier than frying), giving the simmering potatoes a nice charred flavor. The vinegar simmering will impart a pleasant tang that will remind you of salt-and-vinegar chips without the fat that comes with them.

Tasty Side-Garlic-Ginger Cucumbers

These sliced cucumbers will provide a powerful pairing of garlic and ginger that is qual parts refreshing and crisp. Not to mention, cucumbers themselves contain an antioxidant that supports brain health, and the ginger that this recipe pairing them with is famous for fighting inflammation and helping with digestion. These beneficial spears are dressed with rice vinegar and soy sauce and topped with sesame seeds and spicy chili oil, so they’ll be set up properly to absolutely steal the show.

Tasty Side-Crisp Zucchini Panko Fries

Forgo frying the traditional potatoes, and instead mix things up with these vegetable fries that are wondrously crusted with panko bread crumbs. Though, you’re welcome to substitute the irresistible zucchini with yellow squash, haricot verts, or portobello mushroom caps, depending on the palette of your dinner guests.

For more delicious recipes and tasty side ideas, click here.

Acadiana’s Silicon Bayou Gains New Tech Firm

Over the past decade, Acadiana’s tech industry, Silicon Bayou, has caught the eye of many interested parties nationwide as “Acadiana’s Silicon Valley” has became only more prevalent and successful with time. As detailed by an Advocate article, the educational technology company, SchoolMint Inc, will move its headquarters and other U.S. operations from California to Acadiana.

SchoolMint Inc, which has previously acquired a Lafayette-based company in 2019, will asl o consolidate their offices in New York and Miami, as CEO Bryan MacDonald and Governor John Bel Edwards announced in Lafayette. The firm develops enrollment, application and behavioral management software for schools. The firm develops enrollment, application and behavioral management software for schools.

This monumental deal already has roots in Acadiana, as the history of this Lafayette success story traces back to a sophomore at Carencro High School in 2004, Casey Bienvenu. Bienvenu’s company was eventually purchased and ended up being known as Smart Choice Technologies when it was bought by School Mint in 2019.

Total, the moving of offices and the company will involve a $515,000 investment in new office spaces, and it will create 178 new direct jobs in Lafayette, with an average salary of more than $74,000 plus benefits, according to the governor’s office.

The success of the move to Silicon Bayou was rightly applauded by the governor in the announcement. “From Lafayette to Baton Rouge and New Orleans and across north Louisiana’s I-20 Cyber Corridor, Louisiana is leading the way with cutting-edge tech firms creating quality jobs for our digital future,” he declared.

Taxpayers will help out with $1 million for the company’s relocation assistance, and a healthy tax credit for development of software products, among other benefits. These are seen as valuable, especially for smaller companies, but MacDonald put an emphasis on other avenues the state and community can take to contribute to growth in the technology-based economy.

Once such avenue is to keep the “pipeline of talent” full of students from universities who can provide the educated workforce that such a tech company requires. What is seen by some to be underrated in the previous announcements is the state’s award-winning program, Fast Start, which is used to recruit qualified people to work in relocated businesses, be they blue-collar jobs in a factory or white-collar positions in a software firm.

While leaders across Louisiana applaud SchoolMint as a new, well quasi-new, star in the local Acadiana technology scene, Louisiana as a whole cannot guarantee success in any national, much less international market for digital products or services. Though, SchoolMint is seen as a massive contributor of new talents as well as old to Louisiana’s tech scene, and talent is what our state will need to be more competitive in the 21st century.

“Acadiana’s Silicon Valley” has only grown in prosperity and size over the past decades, and with the addition of SchoolMint, it’s hoped that these successes will inspire lawmakers to invest more in community colleges and universities that make Louisiana more talent-competitive.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

Record Number of High School Graduates for Class of 2019

While 2020 has seen its fair share of roadblocks and hurdles, a recent report shows some good news for 2019 grads. The state had a record number of high school graduates and also saw a record in TOPS eligibility, as reported by a Louisiana Department of Education press release.

The class of 2019 recorded a record-high 42,650 “on-time” high school graduates, according to the report released by the Louisiana Department of Education. Despite this milestone, it should be noted that the overall cohort graduation rate decreased from 81.4 percent in 2018 to 80.1 percent in 2019. This released graduation data reflects the four year adjusted cohort graduation rate, which tracks “on-time” graduation.

“We are pleased to celebrate the coordinated efforts resulting in more Louisiana students earning a high school diploma than in previous years,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “”With the good news also comes concern, however, as the graduation rate for the cohort fell from the previous year.”

The class of 2019 also saw Louisiana’s highest recorded number of TOPS scholarships and students earning college and career credentials.

Louisiana saw a record number of high school students graduate on time in 2019 at 42,650, up from 40,131 in 2018. The number of graduates earning early college credit and industry career credentials rose 9.7 percent from 24,841 students in 2018 to 27,260 in 2019. The Class of 2019 also saw growth in the number of students who were eligible for the TOPS scholarships. This class had 22,098 students eligible for TOPS, a 3.8 percent increase from the 21,280 students who were eligible in 2018.

“Moving forward, we see real opportunities to solidify career and technical education pathways that lead to higher wage jobs directly from high school,” said Dr. Brumley. “Also, we must capitalize on possibilities to further connect our high schools and universities through our Dual Enrollment programming.”

Last year’s announcement that the the number of high school graduates rate exceeded 80% sparked a gathering of state leaders on the steps of the Louisiana Capitol to celebrate the state finally meeting a target that, while low by national standards, was the goal of a 2009 state law.

The Louisiana graduation rate was 67.2% in 2010 and 77.5% in 2015. The national average for the graduating class of 2018 was 85%, the latest data available, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

The Louisiana Department of Education has made a library of data available to the public in their High School Performance library on the Department’s website.

As Dr. Brumley stated, “”The graduation and credential data released today will most certainly factor into the development of our short and long term goals. It’s our mission to ensure every student is career or college ready when they leave our schools.”

For more education related information, click here.

Classic Road Trip Mistakes to Avoid

There’s nothing quite like setting out on the open road for a classic American Road Trip. As outlined by Travel + Leisure in the full list, as liberating as a road trip can be, there are classic road trip mistakes to avoid so that your trip can be as effective and memorable as possible. Below are a few essential avoidants to take care of before setting off

Road Trip Mistake-Leaving Home Without a Cooler of Snacks and Drinks

There’s little else more frustrating than being 5% into your cross-country trip and needing to stop immediately to appease one traveler’s hunger pains due to the family’s inability to plan. Chances are, there are plenty of gas stations and fast food joints along the way, but a trip sustained by burgers, fries, candy, and chips will get old fast. Pack a cooler with pre-cut veggies and fruit, nuts, sandwiches, and of course, some healthy snacks. To keep you hydrated and lightly caffeinated on a long day, try caffeinated sparkling water.

Road Trip Mistake-Planning Every Moment with No Room for Spontaneity

Roadtrips are liberating and free, made possible by a schedule that leaves essential wiggle room for the frivolous. One of the best parts of road tripping is having the freedom to stop, explore, and reroute at any moment. “Once you plan out your trip, you can always deviate from your plan, but it’s a good idea to do some research ahead of time to get the most out of your trip,” said Sanna Boman, editor-in-chief at Roadtrippers. “Road trips are all about the journey — of course, time or budget constraints can dictate the route, but detours and unexpected stops are often the most memorable moments from a trip.”

Road Trip Mistake-Not Stopping Often to Stretch Your Legs

Keeping your mind’s eye on your final destination tends to tempt the driver to drive straight through, contributing to burnout and missing out on the attractions and opportunities you’re passing up.  Side trips and highway attractions are a big part of road tripping — you never know when you’ll come across an Airbnb that’s shaped like a giant beagle or pass a beautiful hike that’s right off the road. To keep your mind fresh to focus on driving safely, I recommend stopping once an hour to move around and stretch, whether that means getting gas or grabbing a cup of coffee, then enjoying a 30-minute break every four to five hours for a short walk or hike,” said Dr. Suzanne Bartlett-Hackenmiller, an integrative medicine physician and the medical advisor for AllTrails.“

 Road Trip Mistake–Forgetting to Download Maps, Entertainment, and Apps

If you want to avoid data charges at the end of your trip, you’ll need to download everything over Wi-Fi before you leave. Andrew Moore-Crispin, director of content at Ting Mobile, recommends downloading your maps on Google Maps in advance, so you don’t have to use data (or need it) to navigate. The same goes for Spotify playlists and any shows or movies you’ll need to keep young road trippers entertained.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

Taste the Best of Summer with this Creole Caesar Salad

Here in the dead heat of summer, it’s necessary that we make the most of the summer produce made available to us, and this creole Caesar salad recipe does just that. Chef Alexander Smalls details many summer recipes in his writings, but this Creole Caesar Salad recipe, as shared by Epicurious.com, is said to capture the entire essence of a southern summer.

Smalls’ creole Caesar salad recipe is fully loaded with fresh tomatoes, fried okra, and cornbread croutons, all tossed in a zesty red bell pepper dressing. The dressing especially is the real star of the show, as you’ll need to roast half of a red bell pepper in the oven until it becomes soft, charred, and intensely sweet. Then you sauté onions and garlic, and put it all in a food processor with chopped celery, vinegar, cayenne, mayo, and Parmesan cheese. With all of that flavor, it’s natural that Smalls refers to it as much more than a simple salad topping, but instead it’s a ““a Creole or gumbo sauce” that you can pair with almost anything.”

Creole Caesar Salad:

  • 2 cups Fried Okra
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1 cup cooked fresh corn kernels, chilled
  • 2½ cups cubed cornbread, toasted
  • ½ cup sliced grape tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced seedless cucumber
  • ¼ cup sliced red onion
  • Creole Caesar salad dressing (recipe follows)

Creole Caesar dressing:

  • ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ½ roasted red bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Preparing the Creole Caesar Salad:

  1. Place half the fried okra in a large bowl and add the romaine, corn, corn bread, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Add the dressing and toss until well coated.
  2. Divide the salad among six serving plates and top evenly with the remaining okra. Serve immediately.

Preparing the Creole Caesar Salad dressing:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the oil, garlic, and onion. Cook over low heat until the garlic and onion are golden and tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic and onion to a food processor; reserve the oil.
  2. Add the vinegar, bell pepper, celery, sugar, cayenne, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse until smooth. With the machine running, add the oil in a thin stream and process until emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Smalls knows you may be tempted to take shortcuts with this salad. But he asks that, at least the first time you make it, you don’t leave anything out. Just stay the course. As you prepare this salad, keep in mind the chef’s own words, “Once you’ve mastered the recipe, you’ll be equipped to branch out and make it your own,” he says. “Think of the salad as life in a bowl—you’ve got to learn the rules, then break them.”

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Audubon Zoo & Aquarium Awarded Spots Reader’s Choice Awards

After tallying the votes, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Zoo are winners of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest.

As learned from a  My New Orleans press release, this year, the Aquarium held tightly to its 3rd place ranking from 2019, and Audubon Zoo moved up from its 9th placing in 2019 to 6th place. The 20 total nominees were hand-picked by a panel of travel experts, and nearly all are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The USA TODAY’s 10Best begins with the following sentiment: “Someday, we’ll all be ready to pack our suitcases again and head out on our next adventures. In the meantime, we’ll keep supporting the places that inspire us.”

Recently, Audubon Zoo reopened on June 3, 2020, following a nearly three-month hiatus period, and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas reopened on July 16, 2020, following a four-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After following State and City public health directives, Audubon is reopening its family of parks and museums following a phased approach that strictly limits attendance and programming. Advance tickets to the Zoo and Aquarium are now required and can be reserved here.

All 20 aquariums nominated by the USA TODAY ranking are highly-visited establishments, and the list creators have great respect for them. “Aquariums put us face to fin with aquatic life from the world’s oceans, lakes and waterways in a fun and educational setting. The best aquariums also play a vital role in animal conservation by taking part in rescue efforts and advocating for the environmental health of our oceans. These 20 aquariums, nearly all accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and nominated by a panel of 10Best experts, represent the best in North America for their high quality exhibits and visitor interactions.”

Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO had this to say about the rankings: “We’re thrilled to be honored by the most meaningful judges we could ask for—our guests. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been devastating to non-profit, accredited zoos and aquariums across the country, including Audubon’s, so receiving this recognition of our value to our community and the nation as we work to fully reopen to the public means so much to all of Audubon’s staff and supporters.”

In a similar line of thinking, Zoos are composed of internal and majority- external habitats, so the pandemic hit them differently, but our appreciation for Zoological parks didn’t waiver. “North America is home to hundreds of zoological parks, including more than 200 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Short of heading out into the world’s wild places, nothing beats a visit to the zoo to foster an appreciation for the striking animal diversity of our planet. We asked a panel of travel experts to nominate their favorite North American AZA-accredited zoos – facilities that excel in the fields of animal care and enrichment, while also facilitating meaningful interactions between animals and human visitors.”

For information on Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium’s hours of operations and current guidelines for visiting, you can visit their site.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.