Author: Emily Gautreaux

Top 3 Holiday Dessert Recipes

Holiday desserts are my worst vice so I’m thankful that they are in abundance only once a year.  When else do you find the glorious holiday flavors of gingerbread, eggnog or peppermint? It’s rare.  Holiday desserts almost seem to take on the magic of the season. These desserts with their festive flavors and familiar aromas remind us of our childhood and we can’t help but recall making gingerbread cookies with grandma, sipping on some eggnog while adorning the tree with your favorite ornaments, helping mom make fudge for the neighbors.  Holiday desserts are an experience, not just a treat, and they should be created with that kept in mind.  Below, we have compiled a list of our top 3 holiday faves but you can click here for tons more.  Which is your fave?

  1. Peppermint Brownies

This minty chocolate deliciousness won our number one spot because of its ease, deliciousness and rarity.  Surprisingly, we don’t see a lot of people making this dish even though it’s a completely logical mix. Boxed brownies- is there anything easier or more classic?  The answer is a hard No. Mix in peppermint candies to give it that Winter Wonderland feel, and all your coworkers will think you are Martha Stewart and begin pressing you for your “homemade peppermint brownie recipe.”  Tell them it’s your grandma’s secret, from-scratch recipe. Your secret is safe with us.

INGREDIENTS
1 box brownie mix (I used Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate) – mixed up according to package directions
9 peppermint bark candy chocolate squares, unwrapped

DIRECTIONS
Line a 9×9 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly with non-stick spray. Mix up brownie mix according to package directions. Pour half of the brownie mix into the pan and top with peppermint bark candies. Drop remaining brownie mix in spoonfuls over the top of the peppermint bark candies and spread gently. Bake according to the package directions (about 45 minutes) but be sure to not over bake. Allow to cool, cut and enjoy!

  1. Red Velvet Cake

Our #2 winner is also a unique take on a classic recipe.  RED- The official holiday color. So it makes total sense to whip up something with red velvet to fit in with the holiday theme.  Fancy it up with sugared cranberries and you’ve won Christmas dinner with your fam.

Ingredients
1 2-layer size package German chocolate cake mix
1 8 – ounce container dairy sour cream
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup cooking oil
3 eggs
1 1 – ounce bottle red food coloring (2 tablespoons)
White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting
1 1/2 cups coconut shards, purchased coconut chips or flaked coconut, toasted
Sugared cranberries (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9×1-1/2-inch round cake pans or two 8x8x2-inch square baking pans or coat with nonstick spray for baking; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat cake mix, sour cream, water, oil, eggs, and food coloring with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of the bowl. Beat mixture on medium speed for beat 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides again if needed. Spread batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake cakes for 25 to 30 minutes for 9-inch pans or 30 to 35 minutes for square pans or until a toothpick inserted near centers comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.
Spread White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and over sides and top of the cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Cover and chill cake to store. If you like, garnish with sugared cranberries. Makes 12 to 16 servings.

  1. Roasted Pears with Lemon Cream and Roasted Pine Nuts

Our #3 winner is the show stopper.  Complex enough to be served at a 5 star restaurant and embodying that old school holiday feel, this roasted pear dessert will be the talk of the Christmas celebration.  It makes for an amazing presentation so be prepared to wow…. As long as you are up for the challenge. It takes about 45 min of prep time.

Ingredients
Candied Pine Nuts
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Lemon-Cream
1/2 cup lemon curd
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup whipping cream, chilled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Roasted Pears
1/2 of a lemon
8 medium Bosc pears
3/4 cup apple juice
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 whole cloves
Pinch salt

 

Directions
Candied Pine Nuts

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a dry, medium heavy skillet, toast pine nuts over medium-low heat, shaking frequently, until golden and aromatic, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a dish; set aside. In the same skillet, cook sugar over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt. Shake pan occasionally, but do not stir. Once the sugar begins to melt, reduce heat to low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until fully melted and golden brown. Stir in pine nuts. Pour onto prepared baking sheet. Cool completely. Break or chop into small pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Lemon-Cream

In a chilled medium bowl, beat lemon curd and sour cream with an electric mixer until just combined. Add whipping cream and vanilla. Beat on medium-high speed for 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened and mounds. Chill, covered, for up to 8 hours.
Roasted Pears

Preheat oven to 400 degrees . Squeeze lemon into a large bowl half full of cool water. Peel pears, leaving stems, and cut a thin slice off bottoms. (Submerge pears upright in water as you work.) In a saucepan, combine apple juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until butter melts and sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Pat pears dry and arrange upright in a 3-quart baking dish. Pour syrup over pears. Roast for 45 to 50 minutes or until tender and beginning to brown, basting with syrup occasionally. (If syrup thickens too much, add water to pan.) If not serving immediately, pears can sit at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 hours. Rewarm slightly before serving. To serve, arrange pears on dessert plates or a platter. Drizzle with some of the syrup. Dollop Lemon Cream around pears. (Gently stir first if necessary.) Sprinkle with Candied Pine Nuts. If desired, pass remaining syrup, cream and nuts.

For more holiday dessert recipes, click here.  For general recipes, click here.

Best Tropical Winter Escapes

Looking for a way to warm up your winter wonderland?  Lots of people choose to forgo icicles and flurries and opt instead for a warm, bikini-clad holiday.  If this is you, you’ve found the Holy Grail of travel blogs although this one has some great suggestions as well.  Leave the parka at home and get your AC ready! Read on for the best tropical winter escapes and remind Santa to bring his shades when dropping your gifts this year.

Kampot, Cambodia
The provincial town of Kampot in southern Cambodia doesn’t look like much at first sight because it is small and sleepy with unpaved streets and run down buildings, but Kampot’s sleepiness is part of its charm. Traffic is light and it’s easy to get around on foot, bicycle or motorbike. Life is slow and unrushed, with hot afternoons meant for lounging in hammocks or swimming.  The riverside location is at the foot of the Elephant Mountains and is a huge part of Kampot’s attraction. The river attracts everyone (both tourists and locals) at sunset for strolls. Just outside town you can swim and kayak from one of the riverside guest houses.  Known throughout Cambodia as the coveted weekend getaway destination, Kampot is a much needed reprieve from the chaos of Phnom Penh. Try out one of the eco resorts like Ganesha and Eden Eco Village that line the river while secret lakes and waterfalls abound for early morning canoeing and swimming. Rent a moto and take a drive up the winding roads of Bokor Mountain or over to La Plantation’s organic pepper farm and sample some of the world’s best.

Honduras

Do you like waterfalls, scuba diving, mountains and untouched rainforests? Who doesn’t? This second largest central American country is for you. It has colonial villages (Gracias, Comayagua), ancient Maya ruins (Copan), natural parks (Moskitia), a Pacific and Caribbean coastline, and the Bay Islands.  These all offer great beaches and coral reefs where snorkelling and diving are exceptional by any standard.  The country is bordered by Guatemala to the northwest, El Salvador to the south and Nicaragua to the southeast.  The Lodge at Pico Bonito lies in the middle of the gorgeous Pico Bonito National Park, putting some of the world’s most dazzling natural environments at your doorstep.

Mexico City

Mexico City is, and has always been, the center of Mexico in terms of population, events, politics and fun. Though it has a riddled past, these days the city is cleaning up its act. Revamped public spaces are springing back to life, the culinary scene is exploding and a cultural renaissance is flourishing. On top of all that, by somehow managing to distance itself from the drug war, the nation’s capital remains a safe haven of sorts. In the past few years, the ancient city has enjoyed a vibrant resurgence thanks to a close knit artist community and a world class food scene. Stay at the Four Seasons in the center of the city, enjoy the rooftop pool and the open courtyard, and save time in your trip to float the Xochimilco Gardens in the colorful trajineras.

Belize

Explore the ancient Mayan Ruins, an award winning historical site where you can get guided tours and learn more about Belizean history.  After that, swim through translucent seas and be treated to a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, whale sharks and turtles, while divers go deeper, investigating underwater caves and walls and the world-renowned Blue Hole. With one foot in the Central American jungles and the other in the Caribbean Sea, pint-sized Belize is packed with islands, adventure and culture.  Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world, after Australia’s, and with more than 100 types of coral and some 500 species of tropical fish, it’s pure paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Add to this island life on the sandy cays, where you can spend your days kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, fishing or lazing in a hammock, and you’ve got a perfect tropical vacation.

Oman

These picturesque deserts are like nothing you’ve ever seen before this holiday season. Explore the great canyon of the Al Hajar Mountains and rip through the dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Head into Muscat to see the traditional architecture of the Royal Opera House Muscat and Grand Mosque, and be sure to take home some of the city’s famous fragrances.  Oman’s capital is very family friendly, with malls having dedicated fun zones and parks with play areas. It is, however, the beach that draws most tourists, whether it is for a picnic, to swim, a game of beach football, or just to stroll and enjoy the sunset. Water sports activities such jet skiing or banana boat rides are available at Qurum Beach and most beachfront resorts.  The afternoon can be spent watching dolphins frolic in the sea, followed by a beautiful sunset Dhow cruise starting from Marina Bandar Al Rowdah or Al Mouj Muscat.

Los Angeles

For some of us, the quickest way to cure the winter blues is to go where both the palm trees and the stars are. Los Angeles has something for everyone, with 75 miles of sunny coastline, a flourishing Downtown, lifestyle playgrounds for the rich and famous, acclaimed restaurants, trend-setting art and fashion scenes, and internationally flavored neighborhoods. One of the most popular ways to experience L.A. is by enjoying free activities, such as a scenic drive or visiting top cultural attractions. Los Angeles has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to green travel, from public transit to eco-friendly hotels. L.A. Tourism celebrates the city’s incredible diversity with its LGBT and ethnic guides. And you can bring your canine companion to L.A.’s dog-friendly parks, hotels, restaurants and attractions. Whether it’s luxury or budget, family friendly or singles, L.A. Tourism has the best itineraries and guides to explore this amazing city!  To relight your inner fire, jump between tanning at Venice Beach and taking in LA’s burgeoning art scene.

Costa Rica

December ushers in the dry season, so you can enjoy the warm weather without getting caught in a torrential downpour. There’s also a number of local festivals from January through March, perfect for experiencing the culture.  Costa Rica’s beaches offer the perfect escape from noisy cities. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or that special someone, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. From big hotels with comfortable facilities to ultra-posh boutique hotels, there’s something for everyone. Besides great accommodations, Costa Rica is increasingly renowned for its widely varied and delicious foods distinct to each region. One thing they all share in common is their excellent taste.  Costa Rica’s beaches are surrounded by forests, and have great natural diversity. Many contain beautiful coral reefs, perfect for diving and exploring. Depending on the beach, complementary activities may include hikes to mangroves, diving, surfing, sport fishing, hiking on trails or horseback rides. With easy access to many beaches, you can make the most out of both coasts. Most have warm water throughout the year, so they can be enjoyed year round. If it’s variety you’re interested in, each coast offers different shades and textures of sand. White, yellow, gray and black beaches are the result of the constant crashing of varied seashells on coral reefs.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

December marks the off-season on Italy’s South Eastern coast. Though you won’t see temperatures as high as in June or July, you can expect days as warm as 55 degrees Fahrenheit and won’t have to deal with quite as many tourists. Magically suspended between the blue sky and the iridescent colored sea, the Amalfi coast seems to be born from the palette of a painter. It is the land where the sweet scent of lemon blossoms mixes with lush Mediterranean vegetation and the salty sea air; where the brilliant colors of bougainvillea and carnations stand out among whitewashed houses, clinging to the last offshoots of the Lattari Mounts that plunge dramatically into the sea. A vertical landscape houses a picture perfect labyrinth of stairways and alleys. The shift from the sea to mountain is seamless: the mountain sides were terraced over the centuries, shaped by human labor to create flaps of arable land and already compared, during the Renaissance period, to the legendary Hesperides by the Italian writer and naturalist Giambattista Della Porta.

Miami

Get ready for sun-filled days and temperatures on the mid-70s. Miami hosts several winter events to make sure to keep the city alive during its off season.  The largest holiday theme park in the world, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is back for another season at Tropical Park. Enjoy carnival rides, shows, games, a 92-foot tall Christmas tree and more than three million Christmas lights. Ride the ferris wheel, race speedy cars, or risk it all on the “Mega Drop.” The park is open until the beginning of January. Check out the Deering Holiday Wonderland located at the elegant and historic Deering Estate located on the edge of Biscayne Bay when it’s festively decorated for the holidays and decked out in beautiful Christmas lights. Highlights include story time and photos with Santa Claus and a Festival of Trees evening stroll.  Lounge on idyllic beaches, take advantage of the city’s numerous water sports and explore the famous and colorful Art Deco District.

Hawaii

When considering a vacation to Hawaii for the month of December, choosing when to go greatly impacts both costs and crowds. The first few weeks are very quiet and relatively inexpensive, while the last week — including Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays — is a popular and expensive time. Hawaii’s weather is almost always wonderfully warm. Daytime temperatures typically reach the low 80s while evening temperatures dip in the middle to upper 60s. Even in December, tropical flowers continue to flourish as usual. You may also see poinsettia plants and shrubs growing and blooming outdoors.  With the exception of Hawaii’s Big Island, December is the wettest month for Hawaii. That doesn’t mean that you’ll likely encounter rain all the time. From our experience, we’ve enjoyed some wonderfully sunny days in Hawaii in December. We do recommend that you bring a breathable, rain-proof jacket and/or an umbrella so that a passing shower typically won’t interfere with your plans for very long. Even though this time of year is one of Kauai’s busiest, but with sunny days in the high 70s, it’s worth pricier hotel rates. Don’t worry about dealing with pesky crowds: The rural island only has two highways and visitors are encouraged to travel on foot through the gorgeous, rural terrain.

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Top 2018 Holiday Events in Louisiana

Though Louisiana rarely gives its residents a white Christmas, there are still tons of fun holiday events for them to participate in.  Louisiana Travel recently put out a full list of Louisiana holiday events and we have compiled our Top 10 favorites below!

  1. Lake Charles knows how to get in the Christmas spirit. With parades, concerts, fireworks, food and Santa Claus, it is the place to be to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. The annual Cajun Christmas festival begins Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, 2018. Some of its featured events are The Holiday House where you can enjoy an evening of good food, great music and an amazing holiday market from 6:30-9: 30 pm; $35 per person for the preview party. The Holiday House features more than 35 different shops with Christmas decorations, gifts, ornaments and plenty more; A Magic Cirque Christmas, a holiday entertainment blockbuster set to dazzle audiences of all ages. Featuring the best talent from around the globe, jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts, and the most angelic voices singing your favorite Christmas carols with incredible live musicians on stage; Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, This beautiful story told through the wonder of classical dance and music is a Lake Charles tradition. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is originally choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus and founder, Lady Leah Lafargue Hathaway, the current production is directed by Lady Holly Hathaway Kaough, Artistic Director of LCCB. Children of all ages will delight as they experience Santa and his elves working furiously to finish all the toys for the trip around the world and the triumph of Rudolph as he saves Christmas! From dancing toys and reindeer to Santa and his elves, this performance has it all – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a classic from the LCCB repertoire!; AND MORE!
  2. Discover the 12 Days of Christmas in Sulphur that include holiday theatre and concert performances, carnival rides, a holiday market, live music, a balloon parade and the Spectacle of Lights. Have some Community Coffee and breakfast with Santa at the Christmas Under the Oaks of Sulphur Festival.
  3. Don’t miss the Light Up the Lake Christmas Celebration.  The excitement kicks off at 6:30 pm with a street parade through downtown Lake Charles. The event continues with the lighting ceremony at 7:30 pm on the Civic Center’s front lawn. Round out the evening with the spectacular Lighted Boat Parade at the seawall at 8:15 pm, topped off by fireworks over the lake at 8:45 pm.
  4. Discover even more Christmas events in Northern Louisiana on the Holiday Trail of Lights. Celebrate with eight cities across central and northern Louisiana.  The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights formed in 1992 to enhance the holiday experiences for locals, visitors and group tours. The trail runs along I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana and incorporates Shreveport and Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Alexandria/Pineville.  Festivities generally start in mid-November and run through the New Year. Some of the popular and recurring events include shopping/dining/entertaining at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Shreveport-Bossier, Fasching Fifth Season Celebration and Old World Christmas Lights Spectacular in Minden, shopping and dining in Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe, Festival of Lights in Natchitoches, and the Christmas parades and safari zoo tour in Alexandria/Pineville.  The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights can be experienced in one day or a week with each day totally unique and special. The cities are all within driving distance of one another, making the tour a convenient hour-long trip from any one city to its neighboring city. Visitors are encouraged to see the brilliant downtown and neighborhood lights, dine at local restaurants, dance at the festivals, and shop in all of the eight festive cities.
  5. Head to St. James Parish for the Festival of Bonfires, in Lutcher on Thursday, Dec. 14 – 16, 2018. Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend.  Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting!  Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!!  This tradition dates back to the 1800s and was a carryover from French and German traditions of lighting bonfires around the holidays. The bonfires are constructed as four-sided wooden plank structures that easily burn bright. The festival is, of course, accompanied by live entertainment, food and even carnival rides.
  6. Lafayette rings of zydeco beats throughout the holiday season at their annual Cajun & Creole Christmas Celebrations from Nov. 18 – Dec. 31, 2018. The celebrations include everything from Christmas parades and tree lighting ceremonies, to symphony orchestras, carolling and shopping extravaganzas. Don’t miss the Noel Acadien au Village in Lafayette. LARC’s Acadian Village will host its 23 night Christmas festival fundraiser annually in December to benefit LARC, a local 501c(3) non-profit organization benefiting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit Chapel, new displays for our Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store and much more! All proceeds directly benefit LARC’s Acadian Village and the residential, vocational, and community supports and services at LARC. Enjoy nightly entertainment, local cuisine and photos with Santa.
  7. Pineville, Louisiana, is jam-packed with Christmas-themed events, including the annual Christmas parade in early December. The time is upon us again!  The Parade will be on Friday, December 7, 2018, beginning at 7 PM.  The Parade this year will begin on Main Street at Hospital/Napoleon Blvd., in front of Huey P. Long.  The parade will continue up Main Street to Military Highway and end at the Trotter Center (Military Highway at Claiborne Street). The parade features homemade floats with Santa and Mrs.Claus along for the ride. Spend your days in this popular vacation destination touring historic homes decorated to the hilt for the holidays or viewing the annual Holiday Light Safari in nearby Alexandria. The Alexandria and Pineville areas are known for decking the halls of the cities during their 12 Nights of Christmas celebration, complete with visits from Santa.
  8. Start off your holiday season with a bang when opting for a vacation rental in the Shreveport and Bossier areas of Louisiana. Each year on the first Saturday of December, the Earl Williamson Park lights up with the Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival. Spend the evening sampling southern cuisine from the local vendors, listening to live music, and browsing the gifts from the craft vendors. The festival offers entertainment for the kids, too, with clowns on-site and interactive games featuring a holiday twist. If you’re travelling in mid-November, don’t miss the Louisiana Boardwalk’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, located right on the banks of the Red River.
  9. The annual Christmas Festival of Lights in Natchitoches brings visitors from near and far to see the 300,000 lights strung along the riverbank in November and December. The festivities for 2018 begin November 17th and continue with a variety of celebrations, entertainment, tours, food, music, shopping, and of course, Santa, through January 6, 2019. Book your room today for this season of lights and festivities where Natchitoches’ elegant past meets a vibrant present! The Landmark Historic District of the city hosts multiple events you can enjoy at this premier vacation destination for the holidays, such as carriage rides and visits with Santa. Time your vacation to coincide with the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade on the first Saturday of December to see live music, creative holiday-themed floats, and a light show. The Christmas celebrations kick off in late November with a fireworks display on Cane River Lake.
  10. New Orleans is a magical place to visit anytime, but it is especially magical over the holidays.  Start your trip with a visit to the Celebration in the Oaks, where City Park is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights. The French Quarter is in close proximity to the Christmas concerts at the St. Louis Cathedral and the carolers who stroll down the downtown streets nightly singing classic Christmas medleys. Sightsee some more with tours of historic homes decorated for the holiday, such as the Louisiana Museum’s 1850s house or the Old Ursuline Convent. If you want a calmer experience in this busy city, opt for a Christmas Tea experience at the Windsor Court Hotel.

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The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for Paris

Thinking about spending 3 days in Paris? That is an excellent choice because it is the perfect amount of time to spend in one of the best European cities, giving you the chance to see many of the top sights and attractions and really get a feel for the city. Of course, if you have longer, that’s even better, but three days is certainly enough to see a lot.

Let’s get started!

Day 1
1. Eiffel Tower
What better way to start of your trip to Paris than with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. This is without a doubt the most iconic landmark in Paris (if not France!). The construct is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.  Constructed from 1887–1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair, it was initially criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world; 6.91 million people ascended it in 2015.

2. Seine River Cruise
Another must-do experience in Paris is a river cruise on the Seine. Enjoy unique views over Paris on a Seine River Cruise and pass under top attractions from the Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Get a unique perspective on Paris and take a majestic trip along the Seine River on the Bateaux Parisiens to discover the City of Lights from the water.

 

  1. Hop on Hop off Bus
    Talking of sitting back and relaxing, we find that a great way to get oriented in a new city and get an idea of the sights we want to see is to take a Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus tour.  Paris is no exception to this rule, and you can pick up a HOHO bus in Paris from right next to the Eiffel Tower, which will then take you around Paris’s key attractions. There are multiple operators running different routes around the city. We took this tour and enjoyed it – it’s both an easy way to get around the city, plus you can learn about many of the sights as you go.

 

  1. Paris Walking Tour
    All this sitting around on buses and boats is great for getting oriented, but at some point you’re going to need to put your feet on the pavement! The company Paris Walks has amazing tour guides who are all certified multilingual and very knowledgeable of the area.  All guides are university graduates and are enthusiastic about Paris and its history. Paris is an excellent city to tour on foot!
  2. Tour Montparnasse
    Last on our list for your first day in Paris is a trip up the Tour Montparnasse.  This is arguably the location with the best view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. This is particularly the case at sunset, so if you can time your visit for sunset, you will get to witness a wonderful sunset across the Eiffel Tower, and then watch the city lights come to life.  The observation level is across two levels, one is inside and one is outside. The outside area is surrounded by glass, but there are cutouts so you can get reflection-free shots of the view. You can also bring a tripod up here!

    Paris Itinerary: Day 2
    Our second day in Paris takes in some more iconic sites including some of Paris’s most famous museums and churches.

  3. Saint Chapelle
    The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style, within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, on the Île de la Cité in the River Seine in Paris, France. Construction began some time after 1238 and the chapel was consecrated on 26 April 1248. This is a relatively small chapel that is not too far from Notre Dame, but the interior, which consists of almost floor to ceiling stained glass, is absolutely outstanding. It will definitely take your breath away.
  4. Notre Dame
    No more than ten minutes walk from Sainte Chapelle is Paris’s most famous religious building.  It is a medieval Catholic cathedral and is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. The innovative use of the rib vault and flying buttress, the enormous and colorful rose windows, and the naturalism and abundance of its sculptural decoration all set it apart from earlier Romanesque architecture. Reserve your tour by using the “Jefile” app, available on iOS and Google Play.

 

  1. The Louvre
    The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum, is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris.  This is one of the world’s most famous museums, and is home to an incredible collection of art, including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, to name but a few.  True art lovers could lose themselves for days in the vast collection here!

 

  1. Arc de Triomphe
    We’re going to finish off the second day of our three day Paris itinerary with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, another of Paris’s iconic landmarks. From the Louvre you can either take public transport here, or you can walk up the Champs Elysees, Paris’s most famous shopping street.  The Arc de Triomphe, built in memory of those who died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, is wonderfully photogenic. If you arrive in time, you can go to the top for an excellent view of the city, which includes the roads spanning out into the distance and the Eiffel Tower.  As you journey up into the monument, you will also come to a museum which details some of its history.

 

Paris Itinerary: Day 3
On the last day of our 3 day Paris itinerary we’re heading out of the city center to take in one of Paris’s most famous Royal Palaces.

  1. Versailles
    First on the list for day 3 is Versailles, the incredible palace that was the seat of French political power and home to French Royalty, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.  There is easily enough to see here to fill an entire day. We suggest starting off by touring the Palace. You’ll want to get here for opening time, as this is a really popular tourist attraction and it get busier as the day goes on. Afterwards, head outside, where there is a great deal more to see. A walk in the incredible gardens is a must.
  2. Montmartre
    Head to the Montmartre region to finish off your day. Montmartre is a large hill in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. It is 130 m high and gives its name to the surrounding district, part of the Right Bank in the northern section of the city.  This area of Paris was particularly famous as being home to artists, and folks like Dali, Picasso and Hemingway all either lived or frequented this area. It’s still popular with artists, and the Place du Teatre is the place in Montmartre is the place to go to get your portrait or caricature painted. Montmartre is a maze of cute little streets, cafes and shops.

For more things to do in Paris, click here.  For more general travel information, click here.

 

Best Recipe for Chorizo Tacos

Is there a more delicious, savory meat than chorizo?  No matter the recipe, it’s delicious in everything. It’s pretty hard to screw up a recipe that calls for chorizo.  Fresh homemade Mexican chorizo is cooked until charred and crisp along with onions, poblano peppers, and smoky chipotles. The mixture gets stuffed into soft warm corn tortillas and topped with salsa verde, cilantro, and a slew of other garnishes. It’s one of the simplest and most delicious tacos you can make and, lucky for you, here is the recipe!

A quick, homemade chorizo needs barely any seasoning to form a delicious taco filling, but the addition of cooked down onions and poblano peppers, along with some chopped chipotle chilies will add another dimension of flavor that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Note: Store-bought fresh Mexican chorizo and salsa verde can be used in place of the homemade.

Homemade Chorizo:

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb ground lean pork, ground turkey can be substituted
1⁄4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1⁄8 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄8 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS
Combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, garlic powder, coriander, oregano, red pepper flakes, ground cloves and black pepper in mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
Add cider vinegar and stir until dry ingredients are moistened.
Add ground meat and knead until spice mixture is well incorporated into the meat.
You can use the chorizo immediately, but for best flavor development, place chorizo mixture in an airtight container and store overnight in fridge.
Form chorizo meat into small patties or just scramble and fry the meat in a skillet until done.

Salsa Verde Recipe:

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds tomatillos, husks and stems removed
1 to 2 jalapeño or serrano peppers, stem and seeds removed
1 small white onion, skin removed, split in half
1 bunch fresh picked cilantro leaves and tender stems
Kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:
1.Combine tomatillos, serranos, and onion in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until vegetables are completely softened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure all sides are softened.

2.Drain vegetables then transfer to a blender. Add cilantro and a large pinch of salt. Blend on medium speed until a chunky puree is formed, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl, season to taste with more salt or lime juice if necessary, and serve. Cooled salsa can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Taco Recipe:

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 large white onion, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
1 poblano pepper, finely diced (about 1 cup)
1 1/2 pounds fresh Mexican chorizo (see note)
1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

 

TO SERVE:
24 warm corn tortillas
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and fine stems
1 recipe salsa verde
1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
2 limes, cut into 12 wedges each
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
12 radishes, scrubbed clean
1 avocado, sliced

 

DIRECTIONS
1.Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of onions and all of poblano and cook, stirring, until softened and starting to color, about 6 minutes. Add chorizo and cook, stirring and breaking up meat with a spoon, until completely cooked through and starting to crisp and char in bits, about 15 minutes total. Stir in chipotle chilies and remove from heat.

2.Transfer chorizo to a warm serving bowl, draining excess oil if desired. Combine remaining onion with cilantro. Serve chorizo immediately with warm tortillas, salsa, cilantro and onions, crema, queso fresco, radishes, avocado, and lime wedges.

 

Click here for more on the Chorizo Taco Recipe.  Click here for more general recipes.

 

Nicholls Hosts Journalist Joseph Galloway

Nicholls State University has announced on its website that it will be hosting a lecture with award-winning correspondent, Bronze Star recipient and best-selling author Joseph Galloway on campus later this month.  Nicholls frequently hosts poets, authors, presenters and experts in order to better serve and educate not only its students and staff but the public. However, rarely has Nicholls seen such a decorated and awarded hero and journalist as Galloway.

Galloway plans to elaborate on his experiences as a civilian journalist during the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War, as well as the ethical dilemmas of being involved in a war. This topic is sure to generate many questions from the audience but don’t fret, Galloway has agreed to engage in a question-and-answer session will follow his presentation.

Also a Southerner, he is a native of Refugio, Texas, Galloway is an award-winning correspondent, columnist and best-selling author. He spent much of his five decades as a reporter with United Press International, reporting from all over the world such as Kansas City, Tokyo, Vietnam, Jakarta, New Delhi, Singapore, Moscow and Los Angeles.

Galloway knows first hand the danger and necessity of war journalism and is prepared to describe his experiences in this one of a kind question/answer format.  The Ethical Journalism Network, which aims to strengthen the capacity of media professionals to report in an accurate, fair and humane way, discusses these subjects in length, arguing that in times of war people need more access to reliable information. It discusses in detail not only the ethical dilemma of War Journalists, but also the grave importance of their job.  It states that since the “communications revolution, the world has become more connected and people are closer to the frontlines than they have ever been, but they struggle to find unbiased and reliable information when the news agenda is crowded out by intolerance and war-mongering.

Reporting conflict provides the greatest ethical challenge to journalists. It is not easy to maintain the highest professional standards and there are many shocking examples of media failure and even complicity in acts of violence and inhumanity as shown by the genocide in Rwanda, war in the Balkans and grotesque propaganda around the Ukraine conflict.

Nevertheless, journalists must do what they can to avoid hate speech and inflammatory coverage. But how is that done in the heat of battle? Quality journalism is vital for people to:

-Better understand the roots and reality of conflict;
-Create an information space for dialogue;
-Provide context and analysis that may open the door to reconciliation and peace.

Without accurate and sensitive reporting that provides insights into the mindsets of all those involved, people cannot make judgements and potentially influence the course of events by giving or withholding their support for the conflict.

But in times of war, all sides engaged in conflict do so without any sense of balance – no one says the other side probably believes their cause is just, or acknowledges the bravery of enemy soldiers. They abandon notions of fairness and objectivity and use propaganda and lies to demonise the enemy, its leadership and its people. Journalists have a responsibility to counter this threat.”

Nicholls State immediately recognized the unique information a person like Galloway would have to share with others and jumped on the opportunity to have him speak.  Dr. James Stewart, Nicholls mass communication department head said, “I’ve read his book, and I’m a big fan of the book, so for me it will be great to meet him. But this is also an excellent opportunity for our students to hear directly from someone who has gone through that experience. This event is an effort of our students, our Veterans and our mass communication department. It’s really great when various segments of the Nicholls community can come together to make something like this happen.”  Nicholls loves an opportunity to collaborate between student organizations.

One leader of a student organization, Gilberto Burbante, coordinator for veterans services at Nicholls stated “During my time with the military, I worked with embedded reporters and I couldn’t imagine those reporters putting down their cameras or notepads and picking up a rifle to survive.  I’m excited to have him at Nicholls and to hear him share his experiences.” He is just one among many students excited for this special glimpse into the journalistic world.

Galloway and Lt. Gen. Harold Moore together co-authored the 1992 best-seller, “We Were Soldiers Once…And Young.” The book was the basis for the 2002 film, “We Were Soldiers.” This compelling drama tells the true tale of the first major battle between United States and North Vietnamese. It is a film about loyalty among soldiers, uncommon valor and nobility under fire, and the heroism and sacrifice of men and women both home and abroad. The movie has been described as one of the most brutally violent movies ever released, with up-close, graphic, and relentless violence and the deaths of many characters.  It could be said that his is the most realistic representation of war that has ever been put to film but, of course, this film is not suitable for young children. If you or someone you know is interested in journalism or, more specifically, war journalism, this film is very highly recommended.

Galloway received a Bronze Star in 1998 to recognize his heroic actions during the 1965 Battle of la Drang. The Bronze Star award is a United States decoration awarded only to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.Covering the Vietnam War as a journalist, Galloway bravely risked his own safety to assist wounded soldiers. Galloway has witnessed things most of us could never dream of.  By authoring his books and helping with the film versions, he hopes to give the general public a more visual representation of what it means to engage in war from several perspectives.

Together, Moore and Galloway wrote a sequel in 2008 titled “We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam.” In this novel, they return to Vietnam’s Ia Drang Valley more than forty years after the battle they recalled in their #1 New York Times bestseller We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young. Renewing their relationships with ten American veterans of the fabled conflict—and with former adversaries—the authors explore how the war changed them all, as well as their two countries. We Are Soldiers Still is an emotional journey back to hallowed ground, putting a human face on warfare as the authors reflect on war’s devastating cost.

Galloway has been a recipient of several prestigious awards for his bravery, character, and clout, including the National Magazine Award in 1991, the New Media Award of the National VFW in 1992, the Robert Denig Award for Exceptional Service of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Assn. in 2002 and the Tex McCrary Award of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in 1995.  These, among others, are even more proof of Galloway’s brave choices in the face of unthinkable violence and death.

Besides authoring and partnering with filmmakers, Galloway has since worked as a special consultant for the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Vietnam War 50th anniversary Commemoration project and served as a consultant on Ken Burns’ 2017 documentary on the Vietnam War.

This event is open to the public and is no cost.  It will be at 1 p.m. on Nov. 30 in the Mary and Al Danos Theater. A reception with hors-d’oeuvres and drinks will be held before the event.

Sponsors include several student organizations on campus such as the Nicholls Veterans Organization, Student Government Association and Student Programming Association.

For more information on the Nicholls State event, click here.  For more general education news, click here.