Author: Emily Gautreaux

Backyard BBQ Favorite: Peach Barbecue Chicken

When summer hits its stride and the peaches are at their juiciest, it’s time to fire up the grill and celebrate one of the season’s most flavorful pairings: grilled chicken and fruit-forward barbecue sauce. This Grilled Chicken with Roasted Peach Barbecue Sauce recipe from Louisiana Cookin is a bold, mouthwatering recipe that infuses classic grilled chicken with the rich, caramelized sweetness of roasted peaches and the subtle heat of smoky spices. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout, a casual dinner on the patio, or a festive gathering with friends, this dish will steal the show and satisfy every craving for Southern-style barbecue with a twist.

Inspired by seasonal ingredients and steeped in the traditions of American backyard grilling, this recipe blends the tang of vinegar, the earthiness of chili powder, and the rich depth of brown sugar with the brightness of fresh peaches. The result? A sticky, thick barbecue glaze that clings beautifully to tender grilled chicken, turning every bite into a balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Begin by heating your grill to a steady medium-high temperature, somewhere between 350°F and 400°F. In a shallow, ovenproof Dutch oven, combine the chopped peaches, brown sugar, ketchup, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. This mixture will serve as the foundation of your barbecue sauce, offering both sweetness and depth.
  2. Bake the mixture at 350°F, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick, glossy, and caramelized—this usually takes about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the peaches have broken down and the sugars are bubbling.
  3. Once the mixture is bubbling, stir in 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken and develop flavor. Let it cool completely before using.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder to create a dry rub. Massage this seasoning mix into the chicken pieces until well coated. Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cover with the lid. Grill for about 20 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and slight char.
  5. Set aside 1 cup of your peach barbecue sauce for brushing. After the initial 20 minutes of grilling, begin brushing the sauce onto the chicken. Continue grilling for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  6. Just before serving, brush the chicken with another layer of sauce. Remove from the grill and serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and additional peach barbecue sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

This Grilled Chicken with Roasted Peach Barbecue Sauce recipe takes the best of summer produce and turns it into a deeply flavorful, memorable meal. The sweetness of ripe peaches blends beautifully with smoky spices and tangy vinegar, creating a sauce that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just exploring fruit-forward barbecue flavors, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your warm-weather rotation. Serve it up with your favorite sides, pour a tall glass of sweet tea, and enjoy a delicious nod to Southern grilling at its finest.

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Nicholls Hosts Hybrid Environmental Summit with Global Partners

Nicholls State University recently took center stage in an international dialogue about environmental issues. On July 17, the university hosted “The Global Conversation,” a hybrid environmental summit that focuses on urgent ecological challenges, cultural preservation, and collaborative conservation, as per this news release from Nicholls. The free event was open to the public and was accessible both in person at Powell Hall Room 208 and virtually via Zoom, with a livestream provided by the United Nations. Scheduled to run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the summit invited participants from across the globe to contribute to a growing discourse about environmental responsibility.

Kellie Daniels, founder of Students Against Species Extinction and lecturer at Newcastle University, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in environmental activism. She noted that young people worldwide are stepping up to safeguard biodiversity and preserve their cultural heritage. Daniels added that by uniting students, scientists, and storytellers from various nations, the summit underscores the power of global collaboration. The issues discussed, she explained, are deeply interwoven and affect everyone, making it essential that we work together to create solutions.

The summit explored four central themes: global connections, effective communication strategies, conservation practices, and cultural exchange. A diverse slate of speakers from both Louisiana and the United Kingdom will lend their expertise, including Windell Curole, former director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program; Dr. Gary LaFleur, professor and director of the Center for Bayou Studies at Nicholls; Laci Melancon, executive director of the Coastal Center at Nicholls; and Dr. Alisha Renfro, lead scientist for the Mississippi River Delta coalition with the National Wildlife Federation.

Beyond the summit itself, Nicholls welcomed the visiting Newcastle academics on an environmental road trip across south Louisiana. Their itinerary included visits to the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, the unique Chauvin Sculpture Garden, the coastal village of Cocodrie, and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. This hands-on tour will give participants a deeper understanding of the Bayou Region’s environmental and cultural richness.

Dr. James Stewart, chair of the Nicholls Mass Communication Department, expressed pride in hosting the event. He credited ongoing partnerships with Newcastle and financial support from the Matherne family, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta initiative as essential to making the summit a reality. Stewart noted that these international collaborations have helped students at Nicholls expand their worldview and realize that the environmental challenges they face in Louisiana echo those experienced in communities around the globe.

Laci Melancon, who leads the Coastal Center at Nicholls, highlighted the local-to-global significance of the university’s environmental work. She explained that south Louisiana is on the frontlines of climate change, with rising sea levels, land erosion, and cultural displacement threatening the region. Melancon emphasized that through collaboration with local, state, federal, and international partners, Nicholls students and researchers are generating knowledge that not only strengthens the Louisiana coast but also contributes to the global conversation on sustainability and resilience.

Nicholls continues to grow as a leader in environmental research and coastal protection. The Coastal Center serves as a hub for collaborative scientific efforts, inviting researchers from agencies such as the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the Water Institute of the Gulf, and various departments within Nicholls itself to work together on forward-thinking strategies to combat coastal degradation.

The success of this international event has been supported by the Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communication within the Mass Communication Department. Through the institute’s programming, Nicholls students are learning how environmental communication can bridge geographic and cultural divides, helping to protect ecosystems and heritage around the world.

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New Orleans Recognized as Second-Best U.S. City to Visit in 2025

New Orleans, Louisiana, has once again earned national recognition, this time by securing the number two spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2025 list of the best travel destinations in the United States, as per this article from The Shreveport Times. Each year, the magazine’s World’s Best Awards survey gathers input from readers around the globe, inviting them to rank their favorite destinations based on a range of criteria. For this particular category, readers evaluated cities according to walkability, cultural richness, historic significance, and the overall quality of the culinary experience.

Topping the list this year was Santa Fe, New Mexico, with New Orleans trailing close behind in second place. Readers overwhelmingly praised the Crescent City for its legendary food culture, which remains deeply rooted in its diverse heritage. According to the survey results, what truly set New Orleans apart was its vibrant and distinctive culinary scene, where bold flavors and multicultural traditions converge in unforgettable dishes.

As Travel + Leisure highlighted, the essence of New Orleans cuisine lies in the harmonious blend of Cajun and Creole influences. Creole cooking draws from French, Spanish, West African, and Native American traditions, resulting in iconic dishes like gumbo, shrimp Creole, and red beans and rice. Meanwhile, Cajun cuisine, which originated with the French-Canadian Acadians who settled in Louisiana’s rural bayous, brought forth flavorful offerings such as crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and classic seafood boils. These culinary traditions remain central to the city’s identity and offer travelers an edible window into Louisiana’s layered history.

Yet food is only one part of what makes New Orleans so magnetic. The city’s deep sense of history is evident at every turn, from its cobblestone alleys and wrought iron balconies to its lovingly preserved architecture. Historic landmarks are woven seamlessly into everyday life, offering visitors countless opportunities to engage with the past. A walk through the French Quarter immerses guests in a timeless atmosphere, punctuated by jazz music drifting through the air and the sight of centuries-old buildings surrounding Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark.

From there, tourists often find themselves exploring nearby icons such as St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, or venturing out to the Garden District, known for its majestic oak trees and antebellum mansions. Other stops that allow for deeper historical engagement include Chalmette National Historical Park, which preserves the site of the Battle of New Orleans, and storied structures like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Napoleon House, and the LaLaurie Mansion, each offering a window into the city’s multifaceted past.

Beyond architecture and cuisine, New Orleans excels in cultivating an immersive cultural experience. Museums, galleries, and performance venues reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to the arts. Yet even outside of formal institutions, culture pulses through the streets—whether through second line parades, street performers, or neighborhood block parties. The city’s rhythm is both literal and metaphorical, inviting travelers not only to observe but to participate.

In recognizing New Orleans as one of the top travel destinations for 2025, Travel + Leisure placed it in the company of other celebrated cities such as Charleston, Savannah, Honolulu, and New York City. Still, what distinguishes New Orleans is the way it blends heritage and hospitality, wrapping history, food, music, and storytelling into every visitor’s experience.

To better appreciate the feedback from readers who voted in the Travel + Leisure survey, it’s worth clarifying the distinction between Cajun and Creole food. While both are unique to Louisiana and often overlap in flavor and ingredients, they reflect different cultural lineages. Creole cuisine is urban, often associated with New Orleans, and traditionally uses tomatoes, rich sauces, and a wider variety of ingredients. In contrast, Cajun cuisine is more rural, typically relying on hearty ingredients, robust seasoning, and slow-cooked methods. Together, they define the state’s culinary legacy and help explain why food played such a decisive role in the city’s ranking.

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A Coastal Detour Worth Taking: Discover Berlin, Maryland

Tucked just ten miles inland from the bustling shores of Ocean City, Berlin, Maryland has rightfully earned its nickname as “America’s Coolest Small Town,” according to this article from Southern Living. While nearby destinations like St. Michaels, Easton, and Cambridge often attract seasonal crowds, Berlin remains a serene retreat, rich in character and creativity. From its vibrant Main Street to its historic architecture, this Eastern Shore gem invites exploration at every turn.

One of Berlin’s biggest draws is its artistic energy. The walkable downtown is home to over 60 boutiques, more than a dozen galleries, and numerous venues showcasing the culinary and visual arts. Visitors can drop into local shops, hear live music drifting through open doors, or sign up for a creative workshop. The Worcester County Arts Council serves as a cornerstone of the community’s cultural scene, offering rotating exhibits and public art classes inside a charming white cottage. Nearby, galleries like Jeffrey Auxer Designs, Wooden Octopus, and Henry Fine Arts Gallery showcase works ranging from whimsical to classical. Even cafes like On What Grounds? and Baked Dessert Cafe double as art spaces, supporting Berlin’s motto: “artistically alive.”

The town’s architectural charm is a constant visual delight. A stroll through its neighborhoods reveals well-preserved buildings dating back to the 1700s, many framed by ancient flowering trees. It’s easy to understand why Berlin was chosen as a filming location for the 1999 romantic comedy Runaway Bride, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. For a unique museum experience, visit The Mermaid Museum, a quirky and interactive destination celebrating the myth and magic of mermaids.

Events are a major part of Berlin’s identity, fueled by its close-knit community of about 5,000 residents. Despite its size, the town hosts nearly 50 events each year, from a summer Fiddler’s Convention to bathtub races and peach festivals. These traditions, paired with the town’s heritage and welcoming atmosphere, contribute to its nationwide acclaim.

Berlin’s lodging options blend historical elegance with modern comfort. The Atlantic Hotel, built in 1895, remains a crown jewel of the town. Lovingly restored, its 15 Victorian-era rooms and gracious front porch offer a timeless sense of hospitality. Not far away, The Inn Berlin transforms a grand estate into a boutique retreat with luxury furnishings, antique details, and gourmet breakfasts from a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Even if you’re not an overnight guest, its in-house café, Boulangerie Berlin, welcomes walk-ins with decadent treats like Lemon Pistachio Cake and savory Quiche Lorraine.

Dining in Berlin ranges from nostalgic to globally inspired. Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill has been serving classic American fare since 1901, offering everything from milkshakes to French toast in a retro setting. For a more casual midday meal, gather artisan provisions from Gilbert’s Provisions and enjoy a slice of pie from Mandala Pies under the open sky. Come dinnertime, Blacksmith delivers farm-to-table excellence with dishes like Shrimp Risotto and Black Lentil Thai Curry. For live entertainment and a bite, head to Oaked at The Globe, where music meets comfort food, or relax on the patio at Tiki Tim’s for a breezy evening atmosphere.

No trip to Berlin is complete without a deep dive into its downtown shopping scene. The six distinct districts branching off Main Street feature everything from vintage vinyl at Sound Storm Records to fashionable finds at Bruder Hill & Home and floral artistry at Bleached Butterfly. The town’s indie bookstore, The Greyhound, offers a thoughtful selection of literature and gifts. On Sundays from May through September, the Berlin Farmers Market transforms downtown into a showcase for local growers, makers, and bakers.

Berlin may be modest in size, but its offerings are anything but small. With its artistic soul, historic charm, and welcoming pace, the town continues to prove why it deserves its title as America’s Coolest Small Town.

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Louisiana Begins Review to Modernize Physical Education Standards

In an important step toward promoting student health and well-being, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has officially launched a comprehensive review of the state’s K–12 physical education standards, as per this news release. This initiative, recently approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), is part of the state’s standard seven-year review cycle and aims to align physical education practices with the evolving needs of today’s students. The current set of standards was last updated in 2017, making this revision both timely and necessary.

The state’s renewed focus on physical education reflects a growing recognition that physical fitness is just as essential as reading and math when it comes to student development. According to Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, fitness lays a foundation for success beyond the classroom. He emphasized that, like literacy and numeracy, physical activity contributes to long-term well-being and academic performance. By updating the standards now, Louisiana can help students adopt healthy habits, gain essential motor skills, and develop lifelong attitudes toward wellness.

To ensure a well-rounded and inclusive approach to this review, the LDOE is calling on educators, school administrators, parents, higher education faculty, and interested community members from across the state to participate in the review process. Applications for the standards committees are now being accepted, with a deadline of July 31. Those selected will play an instrumental role in shaping the next generation of physical education in Louisiana’s public schools.

The review process is structured to include a steering committee and two grade-band workgroups—one focused on grades K–5 and another dedicated to grades 6–12. These groups will be comprised of stakeholders representing diverse perspectives and professional backgrounds. Members will convene in person beginning in late October at the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge, and all meetings will remain open to the public to promote transparency and collaboration.

The updated standards will be guided by several key priorities. First, the review will seek to enhance the progression of physical fitness skills across all grade levels, ensuring that students build their abilities in a logical and developmentally sound sequence from year to year. In addition, the revised standards will emphasize the importance of teaching age-appropriate motor skills and movement patterns that align with students’ physical and cognitive development. Another major focus will be on embedding instructional practices that promote high-quality teaching for learners of all abilities, supporting equity and inclusivity in every classroom. Lastly, the updated standards will incorporate health-centered outcomes that go beyond traditional fitness goals to encourage lifelong wellness, personal responsibility, and a deeper understanding of how physical activity contributes to overall health.

Once committee selections are finalized this fall, they will be submitted to BESE for formal approval. The revised physical education standards are scheduled to be presented to the board in 2026. Following approval, implementation training for educators and school systems will begin during the 2026–2027 academic year, with full statewide implementation anticipated for the 2027–2028 school year.

This modernization effort highlights Louisiana’s broader commitment to student health and academic readiness. As more data underscores the link between physical activity and improved cognitive function, behavior, and attendance, updated P.E. standards have the potential to produce far-reaching benefits. Schools are increasingly being seen not just as places of learning, but also as critical environments where lifelong habits are formed.

By prioritizing physical education alongside academic subjects, Louisiana is setting a standard for whole-child development. The upcoming revisions will not only guide what students learn during P.E. class but also shape how they think about movement, health, and personal responsibility for years to come.

Those interested in applying for a committee position or learning more about the review process can find application information on the LDOE website.

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From Farm to Toast: A Simple Fig Jam You’ll Love

Few things capture the essence of late summer quite like ripe, juicy figs. Their soft texture, honeyed sweetness, and subtle floral notes make them one of the season’s most beloved fruits in the South. This homemade fig jam recipe from Louisiana Cookin celebrates the beauty of fresh figs by preserving their flavor in a luscious, spiced spread. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a jam that’s both elegant and rustic—perfect for everything from your morning toast to an evening cheese board. The combination of figs, sugar, lemon, and cinnamon results in a preserve that tastes like it came straight from a jar at a Louisiana farmer’s market.

Whether you’re an experienced canner or just trying your hand at homemade preserves for the first time, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. It’s inspired by Southern kitchens where making jam from scratch is as much a tradition as it is a practical way to enjoy seasonal produce longer. You’ll love how easily it comes together—and how incredible your kitchen smells as it simmers.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds fresh figs, washed, stemmed, and chopped
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Begin by placing the chopped figs in a large bowl. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top and toss everything gently to coat the fruit. This process, known as maceration, draws out the figs’ natural juices and helps dissolve the sugar. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours—or even overnight, if you have the time. The longer the mixture sits, the more the flavors will meld and develop.
  2. Transfer the fig and sugar mixture to an enamel-coated cast-iron Dutch oven, which provides even heat and prevents the sugar from scorching. Add the cinnamon sticks and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it—the jam will thicken and darken as it cooks, usually within 30 to 45 minutes. Be sure to skim off any foam that rises to the surface; this keeps your jam smooth and clear.
  3. Once the jam coats the back of a spoon (a classic sign of readiness), stir in the lemon zest and juice. These final touches brighten up the flavor and balance the sweetness. Let the mixture cook for one more minute, then remove it from the heat.
  4. Carefully spoon the jam into a clean glass jar, seal it tightly, and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the jam. It will keep beautifully for up to a month—if it lasts that long!
  5. To serve, know that this jam is as versatile as it is delicious. Slather it over a warm, buttery biscuit or thick slice of crusty sourdough bread. It pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or even mascarpone. Add it to a charcuterie board alongside cured meats, nuts, and crackers for a sophisticated touch at your next gathering. You can even spoon it over yogurt or use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies.

Suggested Side Dishes:

To round out your fig jam experience, consider these complementary options:

This fig jam recipe captures the nostalgic charm of Southern home cooking while offering a touch of elegance. With just five ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a preserve that’s rich, fragrant, and full of late-summer flavor. Whether you’re gifting it, savoring it slowly, or devouring it by the spoonful, this jam is bound to become a seasonal favorite in your home.

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