Author: Emily Gautreaux

A Taste of the Gulf: Oyster Cakes with a Zesty Twist

There’s nothing quite like the rich, briny flavor of oysters paired with the crispy, golden crunch of a well-made cake. This recipe for Oyster Cakes with Spicy Mayo from Louisiana Cookin brings together the essence of coastal Southern cooking with a little bit of heat and a whole lot of flavor. This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover Oyster Dressing, transforming it into a dish that is both elegant and comforting. Whether you serve these as an appetizer, a main course, or a delightful snack, they are sure to impress with their blend of textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8-ounce) container shucked oysters, drained well, quartered if large
  • 4 cups leftover Oyster Dressing (recipe to follow)
  • 4 cups cubed day-old French bread
  • 5 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped spicy pickles
  • 2 tablespoons capers, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Garnish: lemon slices

Preparing the Oyster Cakes:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the leftover Oyster Dressing with the beaten eggs. Mix until well incorporated.
  2. Shape the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties, using about ½ cup for each. If the mixture is sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour to help shape the cakes. Gently dredge the patties in the all-purpose flour, ensuring a light, even coating.
  3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and add the olive oil.
  4. Carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, about 1 to 1½ minutes per side.
  5. Transfer the patties to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the cakes registers 170°F.

Preparing the Oyster Dressing (Base for Oyster Cakes)

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Place the cubed day-old French bread in the prepared dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate,reserving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in the reserved bacon drippings. Stir frequently and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Spoon the onion mixture over the bread.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, eggs, salt, pepper, Creole seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and onion mixture.
  5. Add the crispy bacon and quartered oysters to the dish and toss until well combined.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 190°F in the center.
  7. Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, it is ready to be used for the oyster cakes.

Oyster Cakes with Spicy Mayo are a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the Gulf Coast and make the most of leftover Oyster Dressing. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, these cakes are the perfect balance of texture and taste. The spicy mayo adds a creamy, tangy kick that takes this dish to the next level. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, these oyster cakes will quickly become a favorite at any gathering.

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How UL Lafayette Students Are Building the Future of Experiential Learning

A five-acre parcel of land near Arnaudville, Louisiana, is set to transform into a dynamic center for education, scientific exploration, sustainability initiatives, and cultural events. According to this new release from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, this ambitious project, named the Levity and Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park, is being spearheaded in part by students from UL Lafayette. Through their expertise in architecture and design, these students will play a significant role in both the planning and construction of the site.

The development of the S.T.E.A.M. Park is being guided by students from the UL Lafayette School of Architecture and Design, including both undergraduate and graduate participants. The project is multidisciplinary, involving students from architecture, industrial design, and interior design programs. Their involvement extends beyond design work, as they will also contribute to the physical construction of the park’s various structures.

The university’s role in the project is being coordinated by the School of Architecture and Design’s Building Institute. This institute facilitates experiential learning opportunities by allowing students to engage in community service-oriented projects that integrate academic coursework, practical research, and collaboration with industry professionals, including contractors, engineers, and suppliers. Additionally, these projects often lead to scholarly publications that document the students’ findings and innovations.

At the core of the initiative is the vision for a research and entertainment campground where science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics converge with music and cultural traditions. This fusion of disciplines will be reflected in the diverse offerings planned for the park. Features for the new UL Lafayette location will include a planetarium, an amphitheater, a sculpture garden, and a community garden. Additionally, plans include an artist’s residence, a farmer’s market, a woodshop, a native food forest, a sensory meditation area, a camping zone, a café, and a coffee roastery.

The first structure scheduled for construction is the Aqua House, a 70-foot by 30-foot bathhouse that will include showers and restroom facilities. The groundbreaking for this innovative building is expected to take place in the spring or summer. The Aqua House will be a testament to sustainability and modern construction techniques, as it will be built using modular blocks created from recycled plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills. These blocks are designed to interlock like Lego pieces, allowing for efficient and environmentally friendly assembly.

According to Geoff Gjertson, an architecture professor and director of the Building Institute, the use of these unconventional building materials reflects a deliberate effort by students to challenge traditional expectations for public bathhouses and restrooms. The interior design will incorporate porcelain tile flooring and walls reaching up to approximately the height of an average adult. Above this level, the structure will transition to the innovative plastic blocks, which are not only durable but also require minimal maintenance.

Gjertson further emphasized that the Aqua House is designed to be an inviting space, countering the typical perception of public restrooms as dark, enclosed areas. Instead, the structure will feature an open, airy design that maximizes natural light, creating a more pleasant and accessible environment for visitors.

The development of the S.T.E.A.M. Park is a collaborative effort involving two nonprofit organizations: Levity and Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park. Levity functions as a think tank and multidisciplinary space, while Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park is dedicated to promoting science, technology, entertainment, arts, and mathematics, along with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Together, these organizations and the university are working to solidify Arnaudville’s reputation as a cultural and educational hub.

The Building Institute has a history of contributing to Arnaudville’s cultural landscape. Since its founding in 2003, the institute has overseen 18 multi-semester projects involving more than 600 students. One of its notable projects is the House of Cards, a 256-square-foot artist’s retreat situated along Bayou Bourbeau.

For more education-related information, click here.

Retention and Recruitment: Louisiana’s Answer to Teacher Shortage

Over the past two years, Louisiana has seen a promising trend in its efforts to address the teacher shortage crisis that has plagued its public schools. According to data from the Louisiana Department of Education, the teacher workforce in traditional public schools grew by approximately 1,000 educators in the 2022-2023 academic year, marking the second consecutive year of workforce expansion. As per this article from The Advocate, this growth suggests that strategies implemented to retain educators and attract new talent are starting to show results.

The data reveals that fewer teachers are leaving their positions. In the 2023-24 school year, the percentage of teachers exiting traditional public school systems dropped from 15% to 13%. This improvement comes alongside a noteworthy increase in the number of individuals completing teacher preparation programs. For the first time in over a decade, the number of aspiring educators completing state-approved training programs rose by 13%, reaching 1,776 graduates in the 2022-23 school year.

While these signs of growth are encouraging, Louisiana continues to face significant hurdles. The teacher shortage remains acute in several subject areas, contributing to larger class sizes and placing additional pressure on those who stay in the profession.

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the state’s largest teachers’ union, highlights several reasons educators are leaving, including high workloads, oversized classes, and inadequate pay. Although the state’s recent data doesn’t directly address compensation as a factor for teacher attrition, broader studies paint a stark picture. Louisiana’s teachers earn, on average, $5,000 less than their peers in other Southern states and $15,000 less than the national average.

In a bid to address the wage gap, the state legislature approved a measure in November to permanently increase teacher salaries by $2,000 and support staff pay by $1,000. However, this measure is contingent on public approval of a constitutional amendment to unlock the necessary funding.

Surveys conducted by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers underscore the difficult conditions educators face. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported having to oversee additional classes more than once a month due to a lack of substitute teachers. This staffing shortage has led to situations where schools with unfilled teaching positions must distribute students among other classrooms, sometimes exceeding the state’s legal class-size limits.

Louisiana educators also voiced concerns about the challenges of maintaining classroom discipline and autonomy in their teaching. These issues prompted state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley to convene a task force of two dozen educators, who proposed several reforms to improve working conditions.

The recommendations from Brumley’s task force were approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in August and are expected to be implemented before the end of the current school year. These measures aim to provide teachers rated “effective” or higher with greater control over their teaching methods and lesson planning. Additionally, the reforms propose reducing mandatory teacher trainings and empowering educators to immediately remove disruptive students when their behavior disrupts the learning environment.

While these reforms and improvements are promising, sustained investment and attention are necessary to ensure long-term success. Addressing the teacher shortage not only involves retaining current educators but also creating an environment that attracts and supports new talent. Competitive salaries, manageable workloads, and supportive teaching conditions are critical for achieving this balance.

Louisiana’s case underscores the interconnected nature of teacher retention, recruitment, and working conditions.Supporting educators effectively requires a multifaceted approach that addresses financial, logistical, and professional development needs. By focusing on these areas, policymakers and educational leaders can create a more stable and thriving teaching workforce.

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Rich and Flavorful Oven-Braised Short Rib Pasta

Comfort food meets culinary finesse in this decadent Oven-Braised Short Rib Ragu with Rigatoni. This dish is a symphony of tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, richly flavored vegetables, and a velvety sauce that clings to hearty rigatoni. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting a dinner party, this recipe from Food 52 will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite. It’s not just a dish—it’s an experience, blending simple techniques with bold, satisfying flavors.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its reliance on time-honored techniques rather than complex measurements. By searing the short ribs to perfection, crafting a flavorful sofrito, and allowing the sauce to simmer low and slow, you’ll coax out every ounce of flavor. Plus, it’s adaptable: while paccheri or rigatoni are ideal, any pasta shape that holds sauce well will work. Pair it with a crisp, citrusy arugula salad to balance the richness, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients for Short Rib Pasta:

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C). Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches until deeply browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Using the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery over low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 10–15 minutes). Add the tomato paste and cook until it deepens in color, approximately 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom, and simmer until the wine is slightly reduced (3 minutes).
  3. Stir in the beef broth, Parmesan rind, and fresh herbs. Return the short ribs to the pot, ensuring they’re mostly submerged. Cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Braise for 3 hours, checking after 2 hours to ensure the liquid hasn’t evaporated. If needed, add ½–1 cup of broth.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the rigatoni 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Reserve ⅔ cup of the pasta water before draining.
  5. Remove the pot from the oven and discard the herbs. Transfer the short ribs to a plate and shred the meat, discarding bones and excess fat. Return the meat to the pot, stir in the cooked pasta, and add half the reserved pasta water. Mix well and adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
  6. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Pair with an arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing contrast.

Perfect Pairings with the Short Rib Pasta:

To round out your meal, consider serving:

  • Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
  • Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up every bit of ragu.

This Oven-Braised Short Rib Ragu with Rigatoni isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of slow cooking and bold flavors. With a few simple techniques and high-quality ingredients, you’ll create a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether for a cozy weeknight or a special gathering, this ragu is guaranteed to impress.

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Exploring Huntsville: A Vibrant Blend of Space, Culture, and Nature

Known affectionately as Rocket City, Huntsville, Alabama, offers a fascinating blend of innovation, history, and vibrant culture. This Northern Alabama gem is most famous for its ties to NASA and space exploration but is also a city on the rise in countless other ways, as per this travel blog article from Southern Living. From exquisite dining experiences to serene natural escapes, Huntsville is a destination that combines modern attractions with Southern charm.

No visit to Huntsville would be complete without exploring its most iconic landmark, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. As the visitor center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, it showcases a rich history of space exploration, from the rockets that launched the first U.S. satellite to the propulsion systems that sent astronauts to the moon. Interactive exhibits, simulators, and virtual reality experiences bring space travel to life, making this museum a can’t-miss destination for anyone curious about the cosmos.

Huntsville’s dining options cater to every palate, making it a foodie’s paradise. Start your day with a visit to Honest Coffee Roasters, where you can enjoy specialty coffee, acai bowls, and breakfast sandwiches. For those looking to discover local flavors without the hassle of planning, Scene That Tours offers guided food tours that highlight Huntsville’s hidden culinary gems.

Downtown Huntsville boasts an impressive array of eateries. Indulge in upscale dining at Nick’s Ristorante or savor innovative dishes at The Bottle. For a casual yet flavorful experience, try the popular Commerce Kitchen, where Southern favorites like fried catfish and buttermilk chicken are served with a contemporary twist.

Art and creativity thrive in Huntsville, particularly at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. Housed in a renovated textile mill, this arts hub features galleries, artist studios, and live music venues. Visitors can browse works in various mediums, from ceramics to photography, and even watch artisans at work. Culinary options at Lowe Mill include unique treats like small-batch chocolates from Pizzelle’s Confections and Mediterranean-inspired fare at Poftà Bunà International.

For live performances, Huntsville offers venues that suit every taste. The Orion Amphitheater hosts major concerts and outdoor movie screenings, while the Von Braun Center features everything from Broadway productions to sporting events. Smaller venues like Mars Music Hall and The Electric Belle provide intimate settings to enjoy local and touring acts.

Huntsville’s scenic offerings are just as diverse as its cultural attractions. Big Spring International Park is a downtown oasis, perfect for a leisurely walk along shaded paths lined with blooming cherry trees. The park also hosts annual events like the Panoply Arts Festival and Concerts in the Park.

A trip to Monte Sano State Park is another way to connect with nature. This sprawling park encompasses over 2,000 acres, offering hiking trails, campgrounds, and breathtaking overlooks. Whether you visit in spring to admire vibrant blooms or in fall to enjoy the changing leaves, Monte Sano provides a tranquil retreat from city life.

Huntsville is home to several museums that showcase its rich history and creative spirit. The Huntsville Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century American art, with rotating exhibits that highlight contemporary works in glass, clay, and other mediums.

For a botanical escape, the Huntsville Botanical Garden offers 118 acres of landscaped gardens, including a butterfly house and an aquatic garden. Seasonal events and educational programs make it a delightful destination year-round.

Lastly, step back in time at Burritt on the Mountain, a historic home and museum perched atop Round Top Mountain. With its panoramic views and tranquil trails, it’s a perfect spot for quiet reflection and a deeper appreciation of Huntsville’s past.

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Millennials on the Move: Lafayette and its Growing Popularity

For years, millennials seeking dynamic, urban lifestyles gravitated toward cities like Seattle, Denver, and Austin. However, the tides of popularity are shifting as these traditional hubs begin to lose their appeal. Rising from the shadows of these millennial magnets, Lafayette, Louisiana, has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for young professionals in 2024, as per this article from Houma Today.

According to a recent report by relocation company MoveBuddha, Lafayette ranks as the third most popular city for millennials to move to in 2024. The study, titled “2024’s Move-to Hotspots with the Most Millennials,” analyzed over 200,000 relocation-related searches, uncovering 67 cities with in-to-out move ratios above 1.25 and millennial populations higher than the national average. Lafayette stood out as the only Louisiana city to make the list, claiming a prestigious spot in the top three.

Lafayette’s inclusion in the top 10 list, alongside cities like Charleston, Savannah, and Bend, highlights the growing trend of millennials migrating to mid-sized cities that offer affordability and community-oriented lifestyles.

One of Lafayette’s biggest draws for millennials is its affordability. The city’s average home price is just $213,000, making it the most affordable location among the top 10 destinations on MoveBuddha’s list. This figure stands in stark contrast to Bend, Oregon, the most expensive city in the top 10, where the average home price soars to $736,000. The staggering $522,000 price difference underscores why Lafayette is increasingly attractive to millennials who prioritize financial stability and homeownership.

For young professionals seeking a high quality of life without breaking the bank, Lafayette provides the perfect balance. Its vibrant culture, rich history, and tight-knit community contribute to its charm, offering a sense of connection often lost in larger metropolitan areas.

While cities like Lafayette and Asheville are gaining popularity, former millennial strongholds such as Austin, Denver, and Seattle are experiencing a slowdown in growth. These cities, once celebrated for their bustling job markets and cultural amenities, now see nearly as many people moving out as moving in.

Though the millennial population in these cities remains high — Austin leads with 27%, while Denver and Seattle each boast 25% — their in-to-out move ratios tell a different story. Austin’s ratio is just 1.03, while Denver and Seattle sit at 1.05 and 1.12, respectively. These numbers indicate that the cost of living, housing affordability, and urban congestion are driving millennials to seek alternative destinations.

Lafayette’s rise as a millennial hotspot speaks to a broader trend of young people prioritizing affordability, cultural vibrancy, and a slower pace of life. The city offers a rich cultural tapestry, deeply rooted in Cajun and Creole traditions, which is evident in its cuisine, music, and community festivals. Millennials relocating to Lafayette can enjoy a unique blend of modern amenities and Southern charm, making it a compelling choice for those looking to escape the high costs and fast pace of larger cities.

Moreover, Lafayette’s economic accessibility allows millennials to invest in homeownership and build a stable foundation for their futures. With its growing population of young professionals, the city is poised to continue its upward trajectory, carving out a reputation as a millennial-friendly destination.

The migration of millennials to cities like Lafayette reflects changing priorities among this demographic. As affordability, work-life balance, and community take precedence over urban sprawl and sky-high living expenses, mid-sized cities are gaining the edge over traditional millennial hubs. This shift signals not only a change in where millennials are moving but also a transformation in the type of lifestyle they value most.

Lafayette’s emergence as a top destination for millennials in 2024 is no surprise given its affordability, cultural richness, and welcoming community. As young professionals continue to leave behind the challenges of living in larger cities, Lafayette stands ready to welcome them with open arms. The city’s unique blend of accessibility and vibrancy positions it as a beacon for the millennial generation seeking a fresh start.

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