Author: Emily Gautreaux

Fried Crispy Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Across the globe the deliciousness that is the crispy texture of a fried chicken thigh is called by many names: schnitzel, Milanese, tenders, but no matter the name, if you prepare, fry, and serve these crispiest chicken cutlets from Smitten Kitchen the right way, you’ll be tempted to give them a new name yourself.

Though the recipe only takes about 45 minutes to an hour to prepare, it’s done with meticulous attention, providing you and your dinner guests with a relatively simple weekday meal that won’t break the bank and may have the potential to beat out the nearest fast-food chicken tender based on texture alone.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ cups of plain breadcrumbs (homemade or panko-style)
  • Oil for frying
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • (Optional) Additional Seasoning such as a spice blend or garlic and/or onion powder

Directions:

  1. Before cooking your chicken remove it from its packaging and pat it dry on all sides with a paper towel. This will remove any unwanted moisture and prep the chicken for efficient breeding. If you’re satisfied with the thickness of your cutlets, you can arrange them on a large kitchen sheet tray and season all sides with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you’d like. If you’d like your cutlets to be thinner before seasoning you may pound them flatter by placing half of the cutlets in a gallon-sized freezer bag and beating it with a kitchen mallet.
  2. Grab a wide, shallow bowl and crack your egg into it, removing any shell pieces as needed. Beat the egg with a forkor whisk until the mixture of egg white and yolk is “very loose.” Fill another wide bowl with your breadcrumbs, and place both bowls beside your sheet tray of chicken.
  3. Taking no more than one piece at a time, dip a chicken cutlet into your beaten egg, let the excess egg drip off, and then dip both sides into the bread crumbs. Press both sides of each cutlet into the crumbs, ensuring that they’re each completely coated, and then repeat this process with all the pieces.
  4. Grab a large frying pan, and pout just under ½ inch of oil into it and heat the oil over medium-high. You’ll know when the oil is ready when a thermometer placed in it reads 350°F or when the oil hisses loudly when a drop of water is flicked into it. Begin by placing your first few breaded cutlets into the oil, keeping them as apart as possible. If they are too crowded at the beginning of the frying process, the temperature will lower significantly and lead to heavier, greasier chicken.
  5. Fry each chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on one side and 3 to 4 minutes on the reverse side or until both sides aregolden brown. Once a cutlet is finished frying, remove it from the oil, let the excess drip off for 10 to 20 seconds and place it on a baking tray atop paper towels or paper bags. If you’re without a baking tray, you can simply put the pieces atop folded paper towels to absorb the excess oil. No matter the cooling surface, you’ll want to season the cutlets with salt on each side while they’re still sizzling hot. This timing is key, as it allows the salt to form tightly to the cutlets once they’re finished frying.
  6. After all your cutlets are cooked, dispose of your frying oil through safe, legal methods and plate the cutlets for serving! You can spruce up this meal by adding some chopped herbs on top, some fresh lemon zest, or you can even make a little dip by combining together a dollop of mayonnaise, a squirt of whole-grain mustard, a dash of hot sauce,a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Notes:

If you prepared too many breaded cutlets or ran out of frying oil, know that uncooked, breaded chicken cutlets can keep in the refrigerator for only up to a day, but fried, cooled cutlets can keep up to three days. To reheat, the best method is by placing the cooked cutlets in a 350°F oven until they’re hot and crispy.

As you can clearly see, the cooking method of these breaded chicken cutlets is meticulous without being overbearing, allowing you to find your own frying rhythm. Don’t be discouraged if your first few pieces dropped into the oil are discarded; it’s all a learning process and often a delicate balance between cooking time and batter texture. Besides, once you try even a lesser-than crispy chicken cutlet, you will hardly be able to wait until your next attempt!

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Louisiana Law Premieres on Animal Planet

A new reality series from Animal Planet called “Louisiana Law” explores the daily lives of the men and women of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as they enforce the law and protect the natural resources of the state, according to this feature in the Acadiana Advocate.

The show, which premiered in early May 2021, is titled “Louisiana Law,” and it follows the narrative tradition of other shows on the network, namely “Lone Star Law” and “North Woods Law;” though it does so with a cajun approach. The series shot across the state over the past year with locations ranging from the Northern Louisiana-Arkansas border to the Gulf Coast, as the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) ranges 200 miles into the Gulf of Mexico.

The head of the Law Enforcement Division of the LDWF, Col. Chad Hebert, said of the show, “we are super excited to show the world what we do as wildlife agents day in and day out for the state of Louisiana. We are proud of the show and the jobs our agents do to help conserve the wildlife resources for this Sportsman’s Paradise for generations to come. The show will also highlight the many other facets of what it takes to be a wildlife agent for the state.”

The show follows pairs of LDWF agents from the state’s major regions, including Thibodeaux, Lake Charles, Minden, and New Orleans regions in just the first episode of the series. The 41-minute pilot, titled “Monster Crabber” premiered on Sunday, May 9, 2021, and it followed LDWF agents as they patrolled bayous for a crab fisherman accused of stealing dozens of crab traps, tracked down a hunter who crosses state lines with an illegal deer, and saw the agents rescue an injured bald eagle. The TV-14 premiere was generally well-received by both critics and viewers and was talked about on social media with viewers using the hashtag #LouisianaLaw to converse.

For many Louisiana residents, the day-to-day lives of LDWF agents are unknown with many being unaware of the fact that these men and women are on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Agents hold the authority to enforce state and federal criminal laws in addition to all fish and wildlife laws, and as Louisiana’s diverse geography is often known by its nickname as the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” there’s plenty of action to catch when enforcing the latter.

The state of Louisiana is home to over one million alligators, shrimp, crawfish, oysters, black bear, bobcats, deer, over 150 bird species, and an abundance of salt and freshwater fish, all of which are to be protected to the full extent of the law by the LDWF agents. The show tracks the patrol of these agents along with Louisiana’s thick pine forests, humid marshlands, moss-laden swamps, expansive river deltas, and breathtaking bayous as they aim to keep law and order, often alone and miles from backup.

Jack Montoucet, a secretary with the LDWF hoped that viewers would be able to not only be entertained by the program but also educated in saying, “this show is a window into the day-to-day experiences of our dedicated and professional wildlife agents. I am happy and proud that the public will get to see the decisions these men and women have to make daily to maintain our Sportsman’s Paradise.”

“Louisiana Law” is produced for Animal Planet by Warm Springs Productions in Association with Watson Pond Productions, and it can be found on Sunday evenings at 8 pm throughout May 2021 on Animal Planet.

 For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.

 

 

Southern Day Trips to Take in Summer 2021

If you live in the American South, then you’re familiar with the majesty of the surrounding area, and due to the close proximity of the interesting attractions, you might not always feel inclined to spend multiple nights or days visiting what’s practically in your backyard. If that is true, then consider taking a southern day trip to a spectacular, nearby state, and it’s easy thanks to Southern Living’s list of suggested day trips to take in the Southern United States.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park; Gatlinburg, Tennessee

While this park isn’t for the faint of heart, it is for those who are unafraid of incredible heights and breath-taking sights. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park that gives you the perfect vantage point from which to see the majesty of the expansive Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re looking down at Crockett Mountainfrom 500 ft. above, taking a breather at the SkyDeck atop the mountain, or braving a stroll down SkyBridge, the longest suspension bridge in the United States, your adventurous side will no doubt be satisfied. After taking the SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain or walking down the 680 ft. SkyBridge, you can stop by the SkyCenter to check out the gift shop, grab your professionally-taken photo of you atop the Skylift, or just relax with delicious concessions while looking at the greatest view imaginable.

The United States Naval Academy; Annapolis, Maryland

Since 1845 the United States Naval Academy has been rigorously training officers for the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps in Annapolis Maryland, and the campus is available for public visitation. Once you’re at the academy, there’s plenty of history to uncover about the prestigious entity that is the nation’s Naval and Marine forces. Visitors stopping by on a day trip might be attending a raucous sporting event at the Brigade Sports Complex or the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, where recruits are often engaged in a Navy game of football, lacrosse, or hockey. Those more inclined to learn about the history of the United States Navy or its academy might want to take in an exhibit at the Naval Academy Museum, see what academy life is like for a midshipman by booking a guided tour, or pay resorts at the crypt of naval hero John Paul Jones. The Naval Academy is located on the northeastern coast of Annapolis, Maryland, and while many residents have grown up with training officers jogging or marching down the streets of the city’s downtown area, many go their whole lives without visiting the Naval Academy, so book a day trip and learn about the history of the famed branch of the U.S military.

Everglades National Park; Florida Everglades

It’s not every day that you can visit a near-mythological landscape that emcompasses 1.5 million acrees of wetlands.Book a day trip to Southern Florida and see the truly unforgettable sights of Everglades National Park, where anything is possible. One popular entry point to the Everglades is located deep in the heart of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and it has a 2.1 mile-long boardwalk from which you can see the towering sights of the cyprus trees above. Not only are some of the trees 135 ft. in height, but the Sanctuary is the single-largest stand of old-growth cypress trees in the world. While visiting, you can also check out the hundreds of alligators that line the canal banks of the 720,000-acre Big Cypress National Preserve. Many want to experience the Everglades first-hand and fast-paced, so if that sounds like you, then you’d be well-off booking an airboat adventure ride at the Sawgrass Recreation Park. Once aboard, you’ll be able to hear authentic, Florida-specific stories and see over 100 mammals and reptiles that have been adopted and rescued over the past few decades.

 For more travel-related news and information, click here.

 

LDOE to offer Free Virtual Therapy through Ochsner Health

After teaching during a pandemic and one of the most active hurricane seasons ever recorded, Louisiana teachers will soon receive free mental health virtual therapy visits thanks to a partnership between the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) and Ochsner Heath, according to this press release from the Louisiana Department of Education.

This partnership will offer four free virtual therapy visits to over 160,000 public school educators and support staff across the state, where they can connect with licensed mental and behavioral health providers through a secure virtual platform. The visits will be accessible through participants’ smartphones, tablets, and computers, and they can be booked after individuals browse profiles of healthcare providers and choose a clinician who best supports and serves their particular needs.

The four virtual visits will be available to Louisiana public school teachers and support staff at all K-12th grade school systems and early child care centers that serve children from birth to age four, including all traditional Louisiana public and public charter schools. After the four initial visits are booked and completed, participants can choose to continue their sessions by booking new ones at a discounted rate.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley said of the state’s educators, “Louisiana educators have done hero’s work through a pandemic and one of the most active hurricane seasons on record for our state. They have been there for our children and families during this stressful year, and this partnership with Ochsner is one way we can be there for them.”

According to a survey published in August 2020 by  The Hechinger Report, approximately 40 percent of surveyed Louisiana early childhood educators reported clinically relevant signs of depression, likely caused by not only personal problems but also the uncertainties of the upcoming school year as a result of the Covid-19 landscape.

The initiative to offer virtual mental health services from Ochsner Health to the state’s educators is a part of a three year, a million-dollar initiative that’s funded by the LDOE’s allocated funds from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) to adequately respond to the health needs (both mental and behavioral) experienced as a result of the pandemic.

Governor John Bel Edwards said of the initiative, “It is critically important that the state provide mental and emotional support for our teachers and support staffs who unselfishly give so much of themselves to ensure that education continues for our students during this unprecedented pandemic. The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) is being used to fund the partnership between the Louisiana Department of Education and Ochsner, and I’m grateful that we are able to support our education workforce.”

Qualifying educators and support staff unfamiliar with virtual therapy visits will be surprised by how much they resemble in-person office visits and also be thankful for their convenience. When joining a secure video conference call with their selected, licensed provider, patients will be first asked about the medical history, current symptoms, and goals for therapy. Taking in this information, the provider will assess the situation and then develop and recommend a treatment plan. The visit is a part of Ochsner Health’s Anywhere Care, a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that enables patients to consult online with a provider safely and confidently.

After a whirlwind year of uncertainty, confusion, and unfamiliarity, it’s helpful to know that the state Department of Education is supporting the mental health of its teachers. Ochsner Heath’s Vice President of Telemedicine, April Radford said, “We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to educators – both frontline teachers and administrative staff.”

For more education-related information, click here.

Two “Make Ahead“ Appetizer Dishes

Whether you’re hosting or attending an event, it’s always a great idea to have a delicious appetizer recipe stowed away in your back pocket, and it’s even better when you can make that recipe hours ahead of the event, leaving you plenty of time to prepare. Well, with this collection of “Make-Ahead” Appetizers from Martha Stewart, you’ll be quite prepared and celebrated for your next event.

Artichoke Dip with Fontina Appetizer

A well-prepared artichoke dip is never underappreciated or under-valued at a social function.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ medium-sized yellow onions (diced small)
  • 3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
  • 3 14 oz. cans of whole artichoke hearts (drained and coarsely chopped)
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • 4 oz. of room-temperature Neufchatel cream cheese
  • 2 ¼ cups Fontina Cheese (¾ lbs, cubed)
  • ¼ cup of fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 8 pitas, each cut into 6 wedges

Directions:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet that is set to medium heat. Once heated, add your chopped onion and cook it until it’s softened. After about 5 minutes, add garlic and cook until it’s fragrant. After approximately 1 minute, add the artichokes and wine, and cook it all until the liquid evaporates, totaling about 8 minutes.
  • Remove your skillet from the heat and stir in the cream cheese until it’s all blended, then fold in 1 ¼ cups of Fontina cheese and parsley.
  • Afterward, transfer the mixture to a 2 qt. baking dish and sprinkle 1 additional cup of Fontina on top. Place the dish in the oven, baking it until it’s golden and bubbling, which will be about 30 minutes.
  • While the dish is baking, toss your pita with 1 tablespoon oil and spread the pitas out on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until it’s golden and crisp. This is usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve your dip alongside warm pita chips.

Italian Seafood Salad Appetizer

This light, fish-filled salad that is packed with flavor, protein, and color always surprises guests with how wonderful it tastes.

Ingredients for Appetizer:

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together your lemon zest, salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic. After it’s combined, whisk in your oil and chopped parsley. While you’re mixing these, bring 4 qt of water to a boil, after having put 6 tbsp sugar and ¼ cup of salt in the pot.
  2. Once the water is at a rolling boil,  add the squid, and blanche for 30 seconds until it is slightly tender. Then, transfer the squid to an ice bath with a slotted spoon to stop its cooking. Once it’s cool. Drain the squid of water, place it on a paper towel to dry, and transfer it to the bowl of dressing.
  3. Return your pot of water to a boil, add your shrimp, stir it once, cover it, and remove it from the heat. After letting it stand for three minutes, use your slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place the pieces onto a plate to cool slightly. Pat dry, and place in the dressing with the squid.
  4. Return the pot to a boil and add the mussels. Then, lower the temperature to medium heat, cover it, and simmer until the mussels open (approximately 3 to 5 minutes). Drain the pot, transfer the opened mussels to a plate, allowing them to cool, and remove all but 10 from their shells and add them to a bowl with the rest of the seafood. Reserve the remaining mussels left in their shells for serving.
  5. Then, it’s time to toss your seafood and dressing together with the fennel, bell pepper, celery, crab, and parsley leaves. Toss thoroughly, seasoning with salt and pepper and either store it (up to 8 hours) or serve immediately with reserved mussels and lemon wedges.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Louisiana Film Crews Starting to Return to Work

As safety measures begin to loosen across the state, many Louisiana cities are seeing a resurgent increase in film production, according to an article from The Advocate that details just how local film crews are getting back to work.

The article featured a spotlight on local film director Richie Adams as he was framing the streets of downtown Baton Rouge to look like New York City for his upcoming feature The Road Dance, which is set to be shown in festivals later this year. The film is an adaptation of the John MacKay novel of the same name, and it chronicles a young woman’s overcoming of adversity in a pre-World War I landscape.

Just as The Road Dance was using shots of the brick buildings of France Street for an afternoon, many film production crews began April by finding their footing once again as camera operators, boom microphone holders, lighting technicians, and others are picking up the phones to return to Louisiana’s film productions that were halted as a result of 2020’s stay at home ordinances. If Louisiana production crews weren’t returning to paused projects, then they were accepting contracts for new productions as a result of the Film market’s increased demand to produce and release content for various streaming platforms and reopening theatres.

Todd Lewis is a producer for Crimson Pictures, a New Orleans-based production company that has been a part of many film and television productions filmed in the south like Looking for Alaska (2019), Fantastic Four (2015), and 21 Jump Street (2012). When interviewed, he remarked that as of recently most film crews across the state are booked throughout the fall saying, “we kind of stayed down most of the summer like everyone else, then we got geared up again in September. It’s been a boom ever since. It’s a great thing that we’re having a hard time finding local crew. It means that everybody is working.”

Business is definitely beginning to pick up again, as there were at least a half-dozen film productions actively filming in the state of Louisiana in March and another six slated to begin filming sometime before the end of May. These twelve or so film productions spaced out over a three-month period are approximately the same number of projects that found themselves in various stages of completion when the stay-at-home order was declared on Friday, March 13, 2020.

According to Director Richie Adams, local film production crews are still about “a year out from” being back to some semblance of normal or at least pre-March 2020 levels of efficiency, productivity, and financial competency. As per Adams’ perspective, when it comes to actively filming in the wake of the pandemic, the question becomes: “can your production handle the extra burden of COVID safety and protocols because it’s a financial burden to the production?”

In 2020, there were 44 filed applications by film and digital media companies that estimated that they would spend $542 million in the state, which is nearly 31% lower than the 75 applications estimating an expenditure of $783 million in 2019.

Chris Stelly, the executive director for Entertainment and Digital Media at Louisiana Economic Development (LED) said of the gradual resurgence of the state’s film industry, “what we’re noticing is traditional supply and demand economics. The supply has been exhausted, while demand continues to remain at an all-time high. You’ve got all these streaming options that just need content.”

As local pandemic measures continue to cautiously scale back, and many are returning to work in Louisiana’s film production industry, some signs give a glimmer of hope to “return to normal.” As of April 2021, seven companies are estimated to spend $61.7 million across the state this year on various productions, and while it may not match the pre-pandemic costs, it’s definitely a refreshing step in the right direction.

 For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.