Author: Emily Gautreaux

Louisiana Crawfish Sliders Perfect for Parties

Few foods capture the spirit of Louisiana cooking quite like crawfish. These small freshwater crustaceans have long been celebrated across the Gulf South, especially during the spring crawfish season when backyard boils and festival tables fill with bright red shells and bold Cajun spices. This recipe for Crawfish Sliders from Louisiana Cookin transforms those familiar flavors into a rich, buttery seafood sandwich that feels both comforting and impressive. The combination of crawfish tails, shrimp, herbs, and Cajun seasoning creates a savory seafood patty that pairs perfectly with soft toasted Hawaiian rolls.

These sliders also offer plenty of opportunities for customization. While the recipe suggests dressing the rolls with lettuce, tomato, and onion, many cooks like to add their own favorite toppings. A spoonful of crawfish dip, a drizzle of pepper sauce, or even a light remoulade can enhance the flavor even further. Soft Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy seafood filling.

Ingredients:

Directions

  1. 1. Set a colander over a large bowl. Empty the crawfish tails and their liquid into the colander and gently squeeze the tails so most of the liquid drains through. Reserve the crawfish tails and pour the collected liquid into a small saucepan. Heat the liquid over high heat until it reduces by about half.
  2. 2. Place the shrimp in the work bowl of a food processor. With the processor running, slowly add the softened butter pieces, allowing them to blend gradually into the shrimp until the mixture becomes smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the reduced crawfish liquid and continue processing until a smooth seafood paste forms. Roughly chop half of the reserved crawfish tails and leave the remaining tails whole for added texture.
  3. 3. Transfer the shrimp paste to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped and whole crawfish tails, garlic, green onions, parsley, minced jalapeño, Cajun seasoning, lemon zest, black pepper, pepper sauce, and salt. Fold the mixture together gently—using clean hands works best—to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. 4. Heat a large cast‑iron skillet over high heat and add enough peanut oil to coat the bottom. Place a small ball of the crawfish mixture in the skillet to test the seasoning. Once the mixture begins to sizzle, reduce the heat to medium and cook until browned. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. 5. Using a ⅓‑cup scoop, form the remaining mixture into evenly sized balls. Increase the skillet heat to high again and add oil if needed. Place the balls into the skillet and gently press them with a flat spatula to form patties. Reduce heat to medium‑high and cook, turning occasionally, until the patties are browned on both sides and cooked through.
  6. 6. To assemble the sliders, spread Crawfish Dip on the toasted Hawaiian rolls. Add a seafood patty and top with Bibb lettuce, sliced tomato, and red onion. Serve immediately while warm.

Crawfish sliders bring together many of the flavors that make Louisiana cooking so beloved. The sweetness of crawfish and shrimp, the richness of butter, and the heat of Cajun seasoning combine to create a seafood sandwich that feels indulgent yet balanced. Whether served at a casual cookout, a game‑day party, or a festive spring gathering, these sliders offer a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the Gulf Coast.

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Louisiana Sets the Standard for Transparent School Accountability

Louisiana’s approach to evaluating schools recently earned national attention after being highlighted as a leading example of education and school accountability in the United States. In the 2026 Education Policy Playbook, released by ExcelinEd, the state’s revised school grading system was praised for its transparency and focus on measurable student outcomes, as per this news release from LDOE. That recognition, also highlighted by the Louisiana Department of Education, positioned Louisiana as a model for other states seeking clearer and more effective ways to evaluate school performance.

Education leaders in Louisiana have spent years refining how school performance is measured. According to State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, the state’s reforms reflect a broader effort to strengthen academic achievement while ensuring families have clear information about school quality. The revised system aligns with the state’s larger education priorities and presents accountability in a way that is easier for the public to understand while still maintaining rigorous expectations.

The recognition came from ExcelinEd, a national education nonprofit known for advising state policymakers on reforms designed to improve student achievement. Its annual Education Policy Playbook outlines accountability ideas and policy strategies that state leaders can use when developing school systems. In that report, Louisiana was identified as the national exemplar for how states can measure and communicate school performance effectively.

The playbook specifically pointed to Louisiana’s accountability framework, Grow. Achieve. Thrive. The system was praised for using a formula that is both rigorous and understandable. Rather than leaning on overly technical measures that can be hard for parents and communities to interpret, the framework centers on three core goals that track student success across multiple stages of schooling.

Louisiana’s revised accountability model focuses on helping students progress academically, reach proficiency in core subjects, and graduate ready for the future. The Louisiana Department of Education describes the framework through three clear priorities that give schools and families a shared understanding of success.

  • Grow focuses on yearly academic progress. Schools are evaluated on whether students demonstrate meaningful improvement in their learning from one year to the next. This part of the framework recognizes that growth matters greatly, especially for students who may begin below grade level.
  • Achieve measures whether students meet grade-level proficiency standards in key academic subjects. By emphasizing proficiency, the system keeps schools focused on helping students master foundational skills in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
  • Thrive looks at long-term outcomes, especially whether students graduate prepared for what comes next. In Louisiana’s model, readiness includes preparation for college, career pathways, or military service. This final category connects school performance to the practical question of whether students are leaving high school with real options and real preparation.

Together, those three priorities create a balanced scorecard designed to measure both immediate academic progress and long-term readiness. That balance is one reason the ExcelinEd playbook held up Louisiana as an example other states may study.

The revised framework will begin generating official school performance scores in late 2026, reflecting data from the 2025–2026 school year. When those scores are released, families, educators, and policymakers will gain a clearer picture of how schools are performing across the state through the lens of Grow. Achieve. Thrive.

Supporters of the system believe the framework will provide a stronger and more useful picture of school quality than older accountability models. By emphasizing growth, proficiency, and readiness after graduation, Louisiana is aiming to show not only how students perform on paper, but also how well schools prepare them for life after high school.

As Louisiana moves toward releasing its first official results under the Grow. Achieve. Thrive. framework, the state’s national recognition suggests these accountability reforms may shape broader conversations about how school quality should be measured in the years ahead.

For more education-related information, click here.

Between Orlando and Tampa, Lakeland Is Florida’s Rising Star

In recent years, the city of Lakeland, Florida has quietly emerged as one of the most dynamic destinations in the Sunshine State. Positioned between the tourism hubs of Orlando and Tampa, this Central Florida community has transformed from a quiet pass‑through stop into a rapidly expanding boomtown. According to research from moveBuddha, and this travel article from Southern Living, Lakeland recorded a remarkable population increase of more than 34 percent over the past decade, making it the fastest‑growing boomtown in the United States. Census data compiled through the U.S. Census Bureau and relocation trends showed a strong move‑in ratio, indicating that the city’s momentum is likely to continue.

Statistics only tell part of the story, however. What truly fueled Lakeland’s growth is its character. The Polk County city offers a compelling blend of historic charm, lakeside scenery, cultural landmarks, and locally owned businesses that give visitors a reason to linger rather than simply pass through on the interstate. Located in the heart of Polk County, Lakeland sits along the busy corridor connecting Orlando and Tampa, making it a convenient detour for travelers exploring Central Florida. From boutique bakeries to botanical gardens, the city has steadily developed a personality that rewards those who slow down and explore.

One of Lakeland’s most remarkable attractions sits on the campus of Florida Southern College. The college hosts the largest single‑site collection of buildings designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright designed more than a dozen structures for the campus, each reflecting his philosophy of organic architecture and innovative geometric design.

Visitors can explore these landmarks through guided tours offered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. The experience provides insight into Wright’s creative process while allowing guests to step inside buildings such as the iconic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. For architecture enthusiasts, Lakeland offers a rare opportunity to experience Wright’s work in a cohesive campus setting rather than scattered across multiple states.

Another popular outdoor destination is Bonnet Springs Park, a modern public green space that includes botanical gardens, walking paths, playgrounds, and a canopy walk that offers sweeping views of the surrounding environment. The park also connects visitors to the Florida Children’s Museum, adding an educational dimension to the experience.

In the heart of downtown, travelers frequently stroll along the waterfront of Lake Mirror before visiting the nearby Hollis Garden. This formal botanical garden overlooks the lake and features tropical plants, fountains, and beautifully arranged terraces that create one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

Lakeland has long maintained a strong sense of community, something visitors notice quickly when exploring the city’s downtown district. One of the most popular weekly events is the Downtown Farmers Curb Market, a lively Saturday gathering where local farmers, artists, and craft vendors fill several blocks with food, handmade goods, and live entertainment.

Lakeland’s dining scene reflects its Southern roots while embracing creative twists from local chefs. At LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, diners enjoy bold variations of fried chicken paired with comforting side dishes such as gouda macaroni and collard greens. Another long‑standing favorite is Fred’s Market Restaurant, a beloved Southern buffet known for traditional comfort dishes prepared with time‑honored methods. For a more intimate dining experience, visitors often step into Cob & Pen, an American bistro located inside a renovated historic home that blends contemporary cuisine with a British pub atmosphere.

Like many vibrant college towns, Lakeland supports a lively café culture. Locals gather at Hillcrest Coffee for specialty drinks made from regional coffee roasters and inventive latte flavors. The café’s bungalow setting creates a relaxed atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the moment. Another favorite is Concord Coffee, a minimalist café known for high‑quality espresso and creative breakfast offerings. If coffee calls for a pastry on the side, travelers head to Born & Bread Bakehouse, a small bakery famous for naturally fermented sourdough loaves and flaky French‑style croissants that often sell out shortly after opening.

Lakeland’s rapid growth reflects far more than population statistics. The city combines lakeside scenery, architectural heritage, community traditions, and a thriving local business scene into a destination that feels both energetic and welcoming. Located between two of Florida’s largest tourism centers, Lakeland offers travelers something refreshingly different: a city where culture, nature, and creativity quietly flourish. For anyone driving the busy corridor between Orlando and Tampa, a short detour into Lakeland reveals a community experiencing a remarkable transformation and becoming one of Florida’s most rewarding places to explore.

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A New Vision for Louisiana Higher Education Begins at LSU

Louisiana State University is moving forward with a bold vision aimed at strengthening both opportunity and academic achievement across the state in Louisiana higher education. During a recent meeting of the LSU Board of Supervisors, LSU President Wade Rousse outlined a strategy designed to elevate how the LSU system serves students and communities throughout Louisiana, as per this news release from the school. The plan focuses on expanding research, improving facilities, and refining admission standards so the university system can continue progressing toward its goal of becoming one of the nation’s top research institutions.

Rousse explained that LSU’s future success depends on balancing academic excellence with meaningful access to higher education. According to his remarks, achieving this balance requires clear measures of success, responsible stewardship of resources, and an education system that prepares students for real-world opportunities. By strengthening these areas, the LSU system hopes not only to improve its national reputation but also to positively impact Louisiana’s workforce, economy, and long-term prosperity.

A key component of the plan involves revisiting admission standards at the flagship campus in Baton Rouge. The Board of Supervisors approved a recommendation from LSU Chancellor James Dalton to reinstate mandatory standardized test scores for admission. Leaders believe this step will align LSU with peer institutions and help the university recruit students who are prepared for the academic rigor of a major research institution.

While the decision reflects a renewed emphasis on academic benchmarks, university leaders also emphasized that access remains central to the LSU system’s mission. President Rousse described a statewide network of campuses that collectively serve students with a wide range of goals. Some students may pursue two-year degrees or professional certifications, while others may begin at regional campuses before transferring to the flagship university. The broader LSU system aims to ensure that every Louisiana student can find a pathway that matches their ambitions.

Another notable development approved during the meeting involves new accelerated bachelor’s degree programs atLSU Alexandria. These programs allow students to complete a baccalaureate degree after earning 90 credit hours rather than the traditional 120-hour requirement. By shortening the timeline to graduation, LSU hopes to help students enter the workforce more quickly while also reducing the cost of earning a degree.

Accelerated degree programs like these reflect a growing trend across Louisiana higher education. Universities increasingly recognize that many students seek flexible and efficient academic pathways that connect directly to career opportunities. The new programs at LSU Alexandria are designed with that goal in mind, providing students with a faster route to completing their undergraduate education while maintaining academic quality.

The Board of Supervisors meeting also included leadership transitions that will help guide the LSU system through these changes. Lee Mallett was sworn in as the board’s new chair, and Supervisor John Carmouche of Napoleonville was elected vice chair. Their leadership will play an important role as LSU continues implementing policies that shape the future of higher education in Louisiana.

Higher education institutions nationwide face similar challenges: balancing accessibility, affordability, and academic excellence. LSU’s strategy attempts to address all three priorities simultaneously. If successful, the initiatives could strengthen Louisiana’s educational pipeline and create new opportunities for students seeking both traditional and innovative routes to college success.

Ultimately, the vision presented by President Rousse reflects a long-term effort to position LSU as both a premier research university and a statewide engine for opportunity. Through collaboration among campuses, strategic academic programs, and renewed admissions standards, the LSU system hopes to expand opportunity while continuing to raise its academic profile.

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Saving a Coastal Sanctuary for Louisiana’s State Bird

Just off Louisiana’s coast, a small island that once faced the threat of disappearing beneath the tides has been brought back to life through an ambitious restoration effort, as shown in this article from The Advocate. The site, known as Houma Navigation Canal Bird Island, now stands as a renewed coastal sanctuary for colonial waterbirds and an example of how coastal restoration can support both wildlife and nearby communities.

Located roughly five miles from a marina near Cocodrie, Louisiana, the coastal sanctuary island may appear modest at first glance. Its shoreline is lined with rock dikes, hay bales, and newly planted grasses rather than towering trees or dense marshland. Yet its ecological importance reaches far beyond its simple appearance. The restoration project revived a critical nesting habitat for hundreds of birds, including the beloved brown pelican, which serves as Louisiana’s official state bird.

Bird Island forms part of the Terrebonne Barrier Islands, a chain of coastal landforms that play an important role in protecting south Louisiana’s fragile wetlands. Barrier islands act as the first line of defense against storm surge and wave energy during hurricanes and tropical storms. Even relatively small land masses can reduce the impact of incoming tides, helping shield inland marshes and coastal communities.

The coastal sanctuary island’s restoration also provides critical nesting habitat for a wide variety of birds. Beyond the brown pelican, species such as terns, herons, and egrets frequently gather there to breed and raise their young. Before restoration efforts began, however, much of the island had eroded away, leaving only a fraction of its original nesting area. By the time engineers began work in 2024, less than one‑third of the island’s approximately 28 acres offered suitable habitat for nesting birds. Without intervention, coastal erosion and rising seas would likely have erased the remaining land within a few years.

The restoration project drew heavily from strategies used at two other successful Louisiana bird habitat projects: Queen Bess Island near Grand Isle and Rabbit Island within Calcasieu Lake. These earlier efforts demonstrated how dredged sediment, strategic land elevation, and protective rock barriers could rebuild vulnerable nesting grounds for colonial waterbirds.

Using those lessons, engineers expanded Bird Island from roughly 28 acres to approximately 35 acres. Sediment dredged from a borrow area in Cat Island Pass was pumped onto the island to raise its elevation and provide a stronger base for vegetation and nesting areas.

Rock dikes were then installed around the perimeter to slow erosion and protect the newly restored land from wave action. The end result was an island where nearly 100 percent of the surface could once again support nesting birds. Much of the project’s $40 million price tag came from settlement funds connected to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. These funds were specifically designated for environmental restoration projects, including initiatives that support bird habitats along the Gulf Coast.

Data from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries demonstrated just how important the island already had become for bird populations. In 2024 alone, researchers documented more than 800 brown pelican nests and over 1,400 nests belonging to shrub‑nesting birds. For coastal restoration officials, those numbers highlighted the urgency of protecting the island before it disappeared entirely. Like much of coastal Louisiana, Bird Island’s history reflects a blend of natural processes and human activity. The island originally formed around 1,500 years ago when sediment carried by the Mississippi River built the Lafourche‑Terrebonne delta and surrounding marshlands.

For Louisiana’s iconic brown pelicans and the many other birds that rely on coastal nesting grounds, the revived island represents more than just land—it provides a secure place to thrive along a changing Gulf Coast.

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.

A Crowd-Pleasing Bacon Cheddar Cornbread Recipe

Few dishes capture the heart of Southern comfort cooking quite like a warm slice of cornbread. This Sweet Bacon Cornbread recipe from Louisiana Cookin blends smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and a touch of cane sugar into a tender loaf that feels both familiar and a little indulgent. Cornbread has long been a staple across the American South, often served alongside hearty meals such as chili, barbecue, or slow-simmered greens. This version adds extra flavor and texture, making it just as suitable for a holiday table as it is for a casual weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray or greasing it with butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 tablespoons of cane sugar until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and whisk until the mixture becomes light and well combined.
  3. Stir in the milk, grated cheddar cheese, chopped onions, cooked bacon pieces, and cream corn. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the self-rising cornmeal, cake flour, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and kosher salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently. Fold the batter just until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, filling it about three-quarters full.
  7. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top may crack slightly during baking, which is completely normal for cornbread.
  8. Once baked, sprinkle the top lightly with extra cane sugar if desired. Allow the loaf to cool slightly before slicing, then serve warm with butter.

If you find yourself with a little extra batter after filling the loaf pan, simply pour it into a small greased baking dish or ramekin. Bake the smaller portion for about 30 minutes until golden and cooked through. This is a great way to create an extra tasting portion while the main loaf bakes. For even deeper flavor, consider cooking the bacon until it becomes extra crispy before chopping it into the batter. Some cooks also like to sauté the onions briefly in the bacon drippings to soften them and enhance their natural sweetness before mixing them into the batter.

What Pairs Well with Sweet Bacon Cornbread

This rich cornbread works beautifully as a side dish with many classic comfort foods. A warm slice complements a hearty bowl of chili or a thick stew, where the bread can soak up flavorful broth. It also pairs wonderfully with barbecue dishes such as smoked ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.

For a lighter meal, serve the cornbread alongside vegetable soup or a crisp garden salad. The slight sweetness of the bread balances savory or spicy dishes especially well. Many families also enjoy leftover slices at breakfast with eggs, bacon, or even a drizzle of honey.

Sweet Bacon Cornbread brings together the best elements of Southern baking—cornmeal richness, smoky bacon, creamy cheddar, and a touch of sweetness. The loaf is simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests, making it a versatile addition to any home cook’s recipe collection. Whether placed on the table next to a pot of chili, served with barbecue at a backyard gathering, or enjoyed warm with butter for breakfast, this cornbread proves that humble ingredients can create something truly memorable. One slice often turns into two, and before long the entire loaf disappears.

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