Author: Emily Gautreaux

Delicious and Simple Desserts Requiring Few Ingredients

Just because you’re looking for something sweet to throw together doesn’t mean that you have to travel to the grocery store for an extensive list of long-lost ingredients. Broma Bakery offers a collection of several dessert ideas that can be made with minimal ingredients on hand, helping you clean out the back of your panty and satisfy a sweet tooth.

Healthyish Monster Cookies Simple Dessert Recipe

For those not in the know, monster cookies are one of the absolute best classic cookie recipes made with a hodgepodge of ingredients found in your pantry. Though, this recipe is more health-conscious, as they’re packed full of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s. Best of all, they require no mixer!

BetterBoxed Brownies

Boxed brownies are a simple dessert staple, but don’t let the box’s instruction be your only guide! Give that old brownie mix a little something extra with this semi-homemade recipe that doctors your brownie mix into some true gourmet brownies! With just a few additions these’ll taste bakery-perfect.

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Whether you’re finding yourself unable to face the outdoors or just un-willing, this simple dessert recipe for s’mores rice krispie treats are the best substitute for the real deal. These delicious bites are loaded with graham cracker pieces, chocolate and finished off with a toasty, torched top.

Salted Caramel Brownie Pie

Semi-homemade at its best. Start with a store-bought pie crust, brownie mix, and a salted caramel sauce to make this delicious, decadent treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat.

Scotcheroos Simple Dessert Recipe

These chewy, caramel, and chocolatey rice crispy treats are made possible with only 7 ingredients provide for a delicious escape.

Vegan Peanut Butter Squares

These health and ethically-conscious vegan peanut butter squares are seriously delicious at just a count of five ingredients. You get get more of a simple dessert recipe than that.  Give Reese’s a run for their money whenever you barely have anything in your cupboard.

Peanut Butter Oat Energy Bites

These energy bites pack a much-needed punch for any time of day with only seven ingredients necessary and being freezer friendly. Whip up a big batch of these peanut butter oat bites for a guilt-free, protein-packed treat!

Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Always delicious is the cinnamon roll, though for some the task of making a batch is a huge undertaking when you’re juggling all of the obstacles that come alongside family breakfast. Luckily with this simple dessert recipe, the flavors of a cinnamon roll are still enjoyable as an easy blondie.

Dark Chocolate Bark Simple Dessert 

This deliciously delectable salted pretzel dark chocolate bark is only made with four ingredients, and the toppings can be swapped out for whatever your prefer or have on hand!

Chocolate Cake

A classic, simple, dessert doesn’t have to be complicatedly prepared to be enjoyed. This recipe is extremely fudge, decadent, and extremely easy to make. While the cake itself uses a little more ingredients than the other listed receipts, they’re all pantry staples: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and oil. Top this off with a creamy chocolate frosting for the ultimate at home dessert!

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Gulf Coast Museums and Educational Centers To Visit

Residents of the Gulf Coast know that the area is rich in music, food, and beaches, but along the United States’ most southern coast lies a vast resource of learning opportunities in the state of Mississippi. Collected in a resource article by GulfCoastWeekend, is a pleasant handful of museums and educational centers to utilize for informative, interactive, and low-cost fun. There are several Gulf Coast museums that are definitely worth the day trip to get out of the house, have some family fun, and learn something

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, GulfPort, MS

The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Mississippi’s first children’s museum, is a hands-on discovery center for children, families, and teachers. The plethora of exhibits and arts programs are designed to teach and entertain. This Gulf Coast museum was chosen by the Institute of Museum and Library Services as a 2016 National Medal winner, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries servicing their communities. 

  • Features 15,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits for kids, an oak-covered acres for outside play, field trips, cooking classes, and summer camps.
  • Admission starts at $10 for kids and adults; ages 1 and under get in free; military and seniors 65+ get in for $8. Weekdays after 3 p.m., admission is $3. Everyone gets in for $6 on Sundays.

Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs, MS

The Walter Anderson Museum of Art inspires discovery, imagination, and community-building on the Gulf Coast and beyond through its programs, exhibitions, and outreach; and embodies Walter Anderson’s vision for societies in harmony with their environments. This Gulf Coast museum is one to visit. 

  • Features the artwork of Ocean Springs’ famed artist Walter Anderson and his brothers – Peter Anderson, master potter and founder of Shearwater Pottery, and James McConnell Anderson noted painted and ceramist.
  • Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $8 for AAA members, military, seniors 65 and older, and students with a valid ID.

 Infinity Science Center, Pearlington, MS

INFINITY Science Center is a non-profit science museum dedicated to providing guests with quality, fun, and fascinating learning experiences, offering a blend of space, earth science, engineering, and technology content.  

  • Features 72-thousand square foot facility featuring STEM presentations and demonstrations, trams & bus tours, hikes and walks, simulator rides, interactive exhibits, the official visitor center for NASA’s Stennis Space Center, and more.
  • Admission starts at $18 for adults, $15 for military and seniors 55+, $11 for children ages 4-13, and free for kids 3 and under.

Ocean Adventures, Gulf Port, MS

The Ocean Adventure Marine Park offers over a dozen adventures to partake in ranging from Snorkeling with stingrays to dolphin meet and greets. Additionally, for only $25 you can get a kiss from a sea lion at this Gulf Coast museum and learning center. 

  • Features a bird aviary, tropical bird shows, dolphin/sea lion shows, stingray feedings, guided tours with touch pools, and much more.
  • General admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors and active military, and $12 for ages 3-12.

Model Railroad Museum, Gulfport, MS

This Gulf Coast museum allows visitors to explore multiple scale model train layouts and operate interactive exhibits.

  • Home of the largest LEGO railroad display in the state.
  • Free admission but donations are expected.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

Louisiana Universities Awarded Grants for 3D Printing

Looking towards the future are five universities in Louisiana that have been awarded a collective $20 million federal grant to build a sustainable research and education program in Louisiana in addition to designing complex alloys and polymers for 3D printing, as detailed in an Associated Press release this summer.

The award establishes the Louisiana Material Design Alliance (LAMDA), a board of scientists and engineers at five Louisiana universities and will have a big focus on 3D printing – Louisiana Tech, University of Louisiana Lafayette, Southern University A&M, Tulane University and LSU. The Louisiana Board of Regents is administering this grant.

The project is aiming to introduce new technologies and materials to boost a range of manufacturing industries, with federal support from the National Science Foundation, or NSF, as 3D printing technology holds the potential to reinvent the manufacturing industry, but currently available materials do not meet the needs for structural safety and integrity.

To solve this, Louisiana University scientists, engineers, and other collaborators will be discovering and testing the composition, processing, microstructure, performance, and structural integrity of materials that can be used in advanced 3D printing.

“This game-changing work is at the frontiers of science, engineering and education. We are committed to connecting our research discoveries to industry, so they can have real-world impacts,” said Michael Khonsari, the Dow Chemical Endowed Chair in Rotating Machinery in the LSU Department of Mechanical Engineering, who is the project director for the newly established LAMDA and 3D printing initiative.

The overall project aims to forge new collaborations among LAMDA institutions and establish new partnerships with federal agencies and industries to build a sustainable research and education program in Louisiana as well as development of a skilled and diverse STEM workforce which includes 3D printing. It includes summer training programs for community college faculty to provide them with educational tools to incorporate in their own classrooms, a conference series and other outreach activities.

“This is a great win for Louisiana and the economy that will provide a much-needed boost to the manufacturing industry in our state and across the U.S. We are thankful for the National Science Foundation’s support of the research expertise at LSU and throughout Louisiana,” said LSU Interim President Tom Galligan.

“The manufacturing industry plays a critical role in both state and national economies, and 3D printing will help take it to the next level,” said Sen. John Kennedy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said. “This funding will help educate university students and better equip Louisiana’s workforce.”

“We are delighted that NSF has recognized the immense value of the collaborative work of researchers across Louisiana institutions, public and private, around cutting-edge manufacturing,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed. “The project’s dual emphasis on research and education ensures the broadest possible reach of the work.”

The grant will pay 14 new faculty members to work in the 3D printing program at the five universities, LSU said in a news release.

In addition to their research, the faculty will develop new courses and student-led research projects to increase Louisiana’s STEM workforce.

For more education related information, click here.

Classic New Orleans Beignets to Make at Home

The Beignet is a classic Louisiana breakfast staple, but it’s not just for the patio of the norotirous Cafe du Monde, as a“What’s Cooking America” recipe details, homemade beignets are easy to prepare!

Beignets, the New Orleans specialty, are fried, raised pieces of yeast dough, usually around 2 inches in diameter, fried, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. They are most often enjoyed with cafe au lait, a strong dark roast coffee and chicory, served with equal part hot milk, with no other establishment serving better beignets and accompanying coffee than the original Cafe du Monde coffee stand, established in the New Orleans French Market in 1862 and still operating today.

Though, if you’re ready to enjoy fresh beignets in the comfort of your own home, no matter the location, than set aside approximately 45 minutes of preparation and cooking time, and grab the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 1/4 cup sugar (granulated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature and beaten
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 4 cups flour (bread flour or all-purpose)
  • 3 teaspoons instant active dry yeast
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying
  • Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) for dusting

The Dough

If you’re using a stand-up mixer with a dough hook, place your water, sugar, salt, egg, butter, evaporated milk, flour, and yeast in the bowl.  Beat until smooth.  Remove the beignet dough from bowl and turn out onto a lightly-oiled surface.  Form dough into an oval, place in a lightly-greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until well chilled (3 to 4 hours) or overnight.

If you’re using a Food processor, place water, sugar, salt, egg, butter, evaporated milk, flour, and yeast in the bowl of the processor.  Pulse just until smooth. Remove the beignet dough from bowl and turn out onto a lightly-oiled surface.  Form dough into an oval, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until well chilled (3 to 4 hours) or overnight.

The Beignets

Remove the prepared beignet dough from the refrigerator and roll out on a lightly-floured board to 1/2-inch thickness.  Using a sharp knife, cut dough into approximately 3-inch squares, triangles, or circles (your choice); set aside.

In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 360 degrees F. Then, slide the beignet dough pieces into the hot oil (slowly!), and fry them for approximately 2 to 3 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown on both sides. These beignets will rise to the surface of the oil as soon as they begin to puff.

While the beignets are still warm, sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar.  An easy way to coat the hot beignets in powdered sugar is to place the powdered sugar an a clean bag.  Add the beignets to the bag, hold bag close and shake to coat evenly.

Serve beignets while still warm.  Grab yourself a steaming cup of Cafe au Lait or your favorite hot coffee and enjoy!

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Fourth of July Celebrated in a Socially Distant Way

In lieu of a traditional Fourth of July celebration this year consisting of an official  fireworks display over the Mississippi River in downtown New Orleans, city officials planned an equally festive, socially-distanced, drive-in mini music festival, so reports a nola.com article.

Due to the recent coronavirus pandemic, New Orleans moved their Fourth of July celebration and fireworks to have them set off over Lake Pontchartrain near Bucktown as the culmination of the night’s festivities, “Festing on the Fourth.” The event took place at Bucktown Harbor Park, and featured performances by country/Cajun fiddler and singer Amanda Shaw, the brass/stage band hybrid the Brass-A-Holics, contemporary funk band Flow Tribe, and cover band D-Play, ending with a fireworks display choreographed to music.

Given the casual atmosphere of the Fourth of July event, attendees could bring their own food and beverages, but food and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages were  available for purchase. Additionally, face masks were required when going to and from the concession area and restrooms. Otherwise, attendees were expected to remain inside or beside their vehicles as the show was broadcast via an FM transmitter.

Given that national and state-wide guidelines have altered previously scheduled music events and festivals, drive-in-style events have become the default model for live music, as nothing will deter a Louisiana city’s right to party. Earlier this summer, Kenner hosted a drive-in concert at the Pontchartrain Center on May 30, and soon a three-week drive-in concert series on the UNO Lakefront Arena will kick off on July 10 with Tank and the Bangas and continues with Galactic on July 17 and the Revivalists on July 24.

One group featured at the Fourth of July event was Flow Tribe, a group who would have entertained crowds at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, but instead played a similarly raucous outdoor show at the Abita Brew Pub in Abita Springs on June 20.

“It’s all up in the air,” singer/trumpeter K.C. O’Rorke said. “Everybody’s trying to figure out a formula that works. So many things go through your mind: ‘Should I be doing this? Is this the right time?’ You want to be responsible.” This ever-shifting landscape requires “constantly being on your toes and figuring out what will actually happen and what won’t. We’ll take what we can get, but we won’t push it. We’ll figure out something else to stay alive.”

During the band’s downtime, O’Rorke and his bandmates have finished a new album and live-streamed monthly performances from their New Orleans-based studio, though the reception could take some adjusting. “We’ve gotten used to no applause and playing to a screen, which is strange. So this will be cool. We’re grateful for the gig,” said O’Rorke in a an interview with nola.com prior to the Fourth of July event.

The Fourth of July event, “Fest-ing on the Fourth”, kicked off at 3pm with live music at Bucktown Harbor Park. For optimal visual and audio reception, attendees had the option to go just over the levee near the Coast Guard Station on the grassy field for a lively, celebratory evening.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

What To Consider For a 2020 Summer Road Trip

More and more families are emerging from their homes this summer in favor of the classic American Road-trip, in lieu of a jet plane excursion. So, if planning a cross-country traversal this summer, check out these expert tips provided by Travel and Leisure.

For many vacationers who usually hop on a jet plane to travel to faraway destinations this summer, road trips are looking more appealing. According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association in partnership with MMGY Travel Intelligence, 68 percent of travelers admit that they “feel safest when traveling by personal vehicle and when visiting outdoor destinations.” Nearly half (45 percent) of the respondents said they are likely to travel more by car. And due to recent national health events, that trip in the car is looking much more appealing, as traveling with family and friends limits unnecessary contact with others as it’s wise to avoid public transportation, crowded waiting areas, and strangers for the time being. Thus, the American road trip is looking ever-more appealing.

Record Low Gas Prices

Often cited as a top deterrent for cross-country travelers, abundant gas station receipts can make or break a vacation, though this summer, that concern is a concern of the past. As of June 2020, per gallon averages are just under $2, the lowest it’s been in the past five years. Road trippers are even more benefited by accompanying their driving with an app like GasBuddy that offers fuel prices, destination routing, and budget planning. Additionally, indoor gas station prices will seem much less appealing once your backseat is stocked with a cooler, limiting the frequent, non-frugal purchases of soft drinks, snacks, and meals from the convenience store counter.

Travel in Style

When planning a road-trip, it’s often found that traveling in your own vehicle might not be the best option, whether due to its size or general reliability So, why not rent a vessel that bigger and more fun to drive? Be it a picturesque convertible or sturdy, safe SUV might be the way to go, as many modern models offer Wi-Fi, satellite radio, navigation, wireless phone charging, and safety features like lane assistance, emergency braking, and blind-spot warnings. In fact, renting a new model vehicle is like borrowing the top road trip machine. No matter your vehicle preference or chosen rental company, be sure to review their policies, especially cleanliness, pickup, return, and pricing. For budget planners, be sure to check with Offers.com for current deals, and look for specials, discounts, and low daily rates.

Plan Twice; Panic Never

No matter the destination or vehicle, you should prepare a list of items you’ll need and want along the way, a decent medical kit (Global Rescue compiles great suggestions), an extra phone charger, as well as many other oddities oft-forgot. Thankfully, the Auto Club published a very helpful checklist as a reminder to make sure your vehicle is as ready for your road trip as you are.

For more travel related news and information, click here.