Author: Emily Gautreaux

St. Bernard Parish Teacher Finalist for National Teacher of the Year

On January 16, 2020, the Louisiana Department of Education announced Chris Dier is one of four finalists for the 2020 National Teacher of the Year award. Dier is currently Louisiana state’s current teacher of the year and teaches history at Chalmette High School in St. Bernard Parish. Since 1989, Dier is the first Louisiana educator to become a finalist in this national competition.

State Superintendent, John White, says “Chris has spent his teaching career focused on equity, creatively and effectively bringing aspects of his students’ identity and culture to the forefront of their education. Louisiana is honored to have such a dynamic and deserving educator represent it on the national stage.”

Dier’s decision to become a teacher was inspired by his own mother, a lifelong teacher. He was in high school when Hurricane Katrina hit, which relocated him to Texas, where he finished his high school diploma. After high school, Dier continued his education at East Texas Baptist University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Once he completed his bachelor’s degree, Dier returned to his home parish to begin his career. Now a ten-year teaching veteran, Dier teaches world history and AP human geography at Chalmette High School in Chalmette. Before being named Louisiana State’s Teacher of the Year in July of 2019, he was voted St. Bernard Parish District-Wide Teacher of the Year twice.

St. Bernard Parish School District Superintendent Doris Voitier, inspired by Dier’s journey in public education, said “From an outstanding student to being recognized as one of the best educators in the nation, Chris really exemplifies all that is good in our school system,” she said. “His ability to connect with students from various backgrounds and abilities is a true testament to his compassion and professionalism.”

Dier continued his education at the University of New Orleans, where he obtained Master of Arts degrees in teaching and educational administration. He also participated in a program at Stanford University as a Hollyhock Fellow that brings educators together in an effort to create inclusivity in classrooms. While there, he developed an equity project with the purpose of legitimizing student language. Now, he is in a professional development program at Harvard Business School.

Dier has been featured in many publications and outlets for his work in both the community and classroom, such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation.

Dier also wrote the book “The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre: Blood in the Cane Fields”.

The other three finalists are educators from the states of Ohio, Montana, and Kansas. In the spring of 2020, one of the finalists will be named National Teacher of the Year by the 2020 National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. The winner of the title will spend the next year traveling the United States as an ambassador for education and as an advocate for teachers and students.

For more education related information, click here.

Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy to make dinner, this is the right recipe for you! These creamy honey mustard chicken thighs will make the perfect mid-week meal to grace your table. This recipe was created by Chris from Don’t Go Bacon My Heart and can easily be made in under 30 minutes, which makes it even more appealing.

Even better? You only need one 12 inch non-stick pan to make this recipe! That’s right – no extra dishes, nothing to marinate, no making the sauce in a different pan. Add a side of mashed potatoes or rice and a canned veggie, and dinner is ready to go!

Ready to get started? First, you’ll need to grab a 12-inch nonstick pan, a wooden spoon, tongs, a sharp knife, and a chopping board.

Then, you’ll need to grab these ingredients:

  • 6 chicken thighs(bone in, skin on)
  • 3/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy/double cream (room temperature)
  • 5oz pancetta (or bacon)
  • 2 shallots,finely diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • few sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Olive oil, as needed
  • Salt & black pepper

Now, add a drizzle of olive oil to a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin down and let fry until that side is crispy, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then flip. Turn heat to medium, season with salt and pepper again, and dry until thoroughly cooked through the center. Remove thighs from pan and drain excess fat.

(Cooking Tip: Keeping the skin on and bone in of the chicken thighs helps the meat cook more evenly because the bone heats the center, and also results in juicier meat.)

Add the pancetta or bacon to the pan and fry until it begins to brown. If there is extra fat, drain it, and then add the shallots and cook until soft. Next, add the garlic and cook for about a minute or until it starts to brown.

Then, add in the chicken stock, honey, cream, and both mustards, then stir to combine. Add the thyme and allow the sauce to simmer until it begins to become thick. Season with salt and pepper, then add chicken thighs back into the pan. Coat with the sauce, then serve!

Love the sauce? This recipe compliments pork well! If you choose to use pork chops, begin by pan-frying them, then basting in butter and herbs – similar to steak. You can find a similar recipe here.

Prefer to use chicken breasts? The prep for these takes a little longer, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort. You’ll start out by marinating the breasts for at least 30 minutes in oil, lemon juice, and herbs. You can see the perfect recipe for this marinade here. You’ll also want to butterfly 2 large breasts, making 4 smaller breasts.

And that’s all! This recipe is perfect for school nights or busy nights when you need a quick meal for the family.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

The Perfect Warm-Weather Getaways To Escape The Cold

With the cold fronts that have been coming through the US, it’s understandable if you find yourself daydreaming of warmer days by the ocean, with the sun beating down on you. If you’re longing to get away to warmer climates, you’re in good company! Thankfully, Travel + Leisure has created a roundup post of affordable warm-weather getaways that take you from snow to sand.

The Cayman Islands

Dreaming of white beaches and turquoise waters? Then the Cayman Islands is the perfect warm-weather getaway for you. Grand Cayman is the biggest of the three islands, so there is plenty of opportunity for shopping trips and delicious cuisine. You can also visit Stingray City, where you get the chance to swim alongside stingrays.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This town is set when it comes to culture, dining, and experiences for travelers who are looking for a relaxing warm-weather getaway! Make sure to swing by The Cabo Arch, which is a rock formation jutting out of the sea.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Want to visit somewhere that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard? Then you’ve picked the right place! You’ll find glimmering beaches, crystal clear water, and coral reefs. Go shopping in the morning and snorkeling in the afternoon. You’ll literally be living your daydream!

Grenada

Ranked one of Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018, Grenada is home to brilliant teal waters and welcoming locals that love to show you around. If you visit in February, you’ll be able to see the island’s Independence Day celebrations for the United Kingdom in 1974! This island is perfect for your next warm-weather getaway.

Little Torch Key, Florida

One of the Florida Key islands, you’ll find Little Torch Key about two thirds of the way west. Here, you can stay at theLittle Palm Island Resort, where no television or cell phones are allowed. This resort is on a private island and completely cuts you off from the outside world, which is the ultimate relaxation technique.

Barbados

This is the perfect getaway for those that are looking to get in touch with nature. You can paddleboard, go diving, or explore a wildlife preserve. You can also touch up on your history and learn about the Native Americans, British Colonizers, and West Africans who once took up residency here.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Ready for year-round sunshine? Playa Del Carmen is the place to go in the winter months when you are looking for a warm-weather getaway due to the teal waters, shimmering white beaches, abundance of activities for the entire family, shops, and authentic cuisine. You can also experience tours of the Mayan ruins nearby.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Famous for reggae and chill vibes, you won’t be disappointed by a warm-weather getaway in Montego Bay. Experience crystal-clear waters and inviting locals for an authentic Jamaican stay. You can spend your entire day lounging by the water or head to some shops to find some souvenirs. Stay at the Half Moon, a luxury resort that includes two miles of beachfront, an award-winning spa, and golf course.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

A Guide To Cajun Mardi Gras

You already know about the carnival-style Mardi Gras, but what about a Cajun Mardi Gras? Cajun Mardi Gras is exactly what it sounds like – Mardi Gras – Cajun style. Traditionally, this festival is known as Courir de Mardi Gras and takes place throughout Acadiana.

This festival is rooted in French medieval history and was brought to Louisiana in the 19th century. Cajun Mardi Gras is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, which is February 25, 2020, and is commonly referred to as “the real Mardi Gras”. There are plenty of traditions that take place during Courir de Mardi Gras, like chasing chickens, a unique twist on trick or treating, and gumbo cookoffs.

Luckily,Louisiana Travel put together a guide to the traditions of Courir de Mardi Gras. Here they are!

Trick or Treat: Gumbo Style

 This main festival event is rooted in the name; a couriror “run” led by thecapitaineof the Mardi Gras. Participants will dress up in costumes and masks and will travel by horseback, foot, or trailer to make their way through the neighborhood while doing the other ancient ritual of begging. In Tee-Mamou, the capitaine will raise a flag to let the Mardi Gras runners to dismount their transportation and begin chanting the “begging song” called Le chanson de Mardi Grasand approach the houses.

The participants will then go from house to house singing and dancing for the owners so they can get different ingredients for the communal gumbo that is served later in the evening. The last ingredient and the main spectacle of the entire festival is the chicken.

Chase the Chicken

Much like most traditions, each town has a unique take on how they put on the Courir De Mardi Gras. Since the chicken is the highlight of the celebration, it’s hilarious to watch people chase the chicken throughout the neighborhood! In addition to the chicken run, you’ll see beautiful costumes and masks, hear traditional Mardi Gras songs, and try delicious homemade Cajun cooking.

Certain towns, like Mamou, Iota, Elton, Church Point, Faquetigue, and Soileau, you’ll experience food and events more authentic than the towns hosting the festival.

Want to experience a Cajun Mardi Gras yourself?

In Eunice, Louisiana, the week long festival begins on February 21, 2020. The first couple days set the tone for the celebration with music, crafts, and every traditional Cajun dish you can imagine, from boudin and crackins to backbone stew. Then, on the day of Mardi Gras, you can participate in the Courir de Mardi Gras downtown and collect ingredients for the communal pot of gumbo. You can end the celebration with a Cajun dance party at Lakeview Park and Beach.

If you head to Church Point, you can catch their 59th annual Courir de Mardi Gras that takes place on February 23, 2020. Here you can see buggies, wagons, and horseback riders decked out in colorful costumes, listen to live music, chase the chickens, catch a greased pig, and enjoy delicious gumbo!

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

Why You Should Travel More in 2020

Traveling is something everyone has on their bucket list. I mean, who doesn’t want to be a cultured nomad, roaming the earth and having only the best experiences? Unfortunately, life tends to get in the way. Traveling means planning, money, packing, reservations, and time off from work. It’s easy to get sucked into your nine to five, daydreaming of the day you’re finally given the opportunity to pursue your heart’s wildest dreams.

Did you know that traveling can actually be really cheap? Don’t have time to take off from work? Weekend getaways can be really fun and just as fulfilling. Plus, traveling offers physical and physiological health benefits!

Here are some benefits of traveling you should get prepared to experience!

  • It improves your health.

That’s right. Traveling can help cut down on stress and lower your chances of developing heart disease. Going out of your comfort zone can make a huge impact on your mental health, and the physical exercise that usually accompanies sightseeing will help improve your physical health.

For some, traveling may even be a way to help improve depression and anxiety symptoms! As always, make sure to contact your physician when going abroad to make sure you’re up-to-date on your physical.

  • It helps you disconnect.

Traveling is a great way to take a step back from your day to day life and focus on something new. With traveling, you’re able to get out of your routine and remove yourself from the stressors in your life.

When you’re traveling, you can shift your focus and put down the phone. So go ahead, book that flight and set up your “away from the office” email and R E L A X.

  • It makes you smarter.

Whether it’s book smart or street smart, traveling seems to have an impact on both. When you travel to other countries, you’ll most likely learn small phrases or words to help you communicate with the locals. Just learning bits and pieces of other languages helps your brain function, according to the Huffington Post.

As is the rule of life, where something can go wrong, it often will. Traveling will help improve your problem solving skills and critical thinking, which can be easily applied to other aspects of your life.

  • It improves your understanding of other cultures.

The world is filled with rich culture, so why not learn about it? Traveling to experience other cultures first hand is so much more filling than reading about it or watching it on TV. You’re able to see what they see, eat what they eat, smell what they smell.

Understanding other cultures will help enrich your life and develop empathy towards those different from you.

  • It helps you develop lifelong memories.

You loved hearing your grandparents and parents traveling stories, so why not create a few stories of your own? You never know the kind of experiences you’ll have when you travel abroad. Maybe you’ll see some amazing views or try food you’ve never tried before. Maybe you’ll make lifelong friends, or learn something about yourself.

Regardless, when you travel you’re bound to create lifelong memories you’ll be able to tell your own children and grandchildren.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

Top Five Dessert Recipes

Almost everyone loves desserts, whether it’s ice cream, cookies, or cake. So, when Taste of Home shared their most liked, most shared, and highest-rated dessert recipes, we knew we had to share it here too!

“Awesome, delicious, and so easy to make. I took it to a Christmas party and they had a contest for the best dessert. I won! Everyone loved it!!”  – Estelle

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°.

Line a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or cast-iron skillet with the pastry. Then, trim and flute the edges.

Next, beat cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Spread into pastry shell and sprinkle with pecans.

Whisk remaining eggs in a small bowl, then gradually whisk in caramel topping until egg and caramel are blended. Slowly pour mixture over pecans.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Once finished cooking, cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight before slicing. Garnish with additional caramel ice cream topping.

“This has turned into a family favorite, especially with the grandkids. Easy to make!!” – Cheryl Green

Directions:

Let cookie dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Press into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan and bake at 350° until golden brown, about 14-16 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Beat cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in 1-3/4 cups whipped topping. Spread over crust.

Whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes in a large bowl. Spread mixture over the cream cheese layer. Top with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate curls if desired.

Cover and refrigerate until firm, 8 hours or overnight.

“Delicious! A light, sandy cookie. I like the addition of the cherries. Would make again!” – Sue Falk

Directions

Cream butter and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. Flour and cornstarch gradually, beating until well blended.

Dust hands lightly with additional cornstarch and roll dough into 1-in. balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Press lightly with a floured fork. Top with nonpareils or cherry halves.

Bake at 300° for 20-22 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

“Every time I make these delicious banana bars, they get gobbled up so fast! A great way to use use up ripe bananas and have a great desert. I always half the amount of frosting because it makes so much.” – Laurie Par

Directions:

Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, bananas and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt and stir into creamed mixture just until blended.

Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a small bowl until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Frost bars.

“The family loved getting more of their favorite part, the filling! Total hit!” – Kim

Directions:

Pulse cannoli shells in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Add sugar, cracker crumbs and melted butter and pulse just until combined. Press onto bottom and sides of a greased 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Beat the first four filling ingredients until blended. Then, beat in ricotta cheese and extracts. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread into crust.

Refrigerate, covered, until set, about 4 hours. If desired, top with pistachios.

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