Author: Emily Gautreaux

A Recipe for Mushroom Ragù Sure to Please Anyone

Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Want to impress your dinner guests with a restaurant-worthy meal? Look no further than this delicious mushroom ragù recipe from 101 Cookbooks. This savory and hearty sauce is perfect for elevating any dish, from simple spaghetti to gourmet gnocchi. But how do you make it like a pro? In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips and tricks for mastering the art of making mushroom ragù. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, these notes will help take your culinary skills to the next level. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking.

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ -2 pounds of mixed mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
  • 5 dried red chiles (chile de árbol), stemmed and torn into small pieces
  • 1 cup of heavy cream or cashew cream, room temperature
  • 3 stalks of celery, finely diced
  • 3 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 1 large yellow or white onion, finely diced
  • 1 head of garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • ¼ cup of porcini powder
  • 2 vegetable bouillon cubes or 2 tablespoons of homemade bouillon powder
  • 7 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup of white wine
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 teaspoon of fine-grain sea salt
  • Zest of one lemon

 

Directions

  1. Begin this delicious mushroom ragù recipe by preheating your oven to 250° F. Then you’ll want to prepare your mushrooms by chopping them very finely. If you’re finding that it’s taking too long to chop it by hand, you can use a food processor while working in batches. Just ensure that you don’t overuse the food processor or else you’ll make a mushroom paste.
  2. Next, take a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven and heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot enough, stir in your onion, celery, carrots, garlic, red chile, and salt. Cook these ingredients down while stirring occasionally, for about ten minutes or so. Cook until the vegetables have softened a bit and the onions are translucent.
  3. At this point, stir in your chopped mushrooms as well as the porcini powder and allow them time to cook so that the mushrooms can release their moisture. This should take about 5 minutes or so. After 5 minutes, add in your wine, water, and bouillon. If you need to, break up the bouillon and cook the ingredients for another 3 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes next and bring everything to a simmer. Crush the oregano between your two palms and add the pieces in the pot. Depending on whether or not you’d like your ragù to be creamy or not, you’ll sit in the optional creme.
  5. Taste the ragù and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed and stir in the lemon zest. Cover the pot and transfer it into the oven, allowing the pot to cook for 1-3 hours. Ideally, you’d like the ragù to have thickened and concentrated before removing it from the oven. You can then either eat the ragù immediately, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating it for up to a few days, or freeze it for a couple of months. Enjoy!

In addition to being delicious on its own, mushroom ragù is also a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of different side dishes. Polenta: This traditional Italian dish is the perfect accompaniment for a hearty ragù. Serve your mushroom ragù over a bed of creamy polenta for a truly satisfying meal. Roasted vegetables: For a light and healthy side dish, roast up some seasonal vegetables to serve alongside your mushroom ragù. Try pairing it with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots for a nourishing and flavorful meal.

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New LSU Health Shreveport Expansion Will Benefit Students and Medical Field

It was recently announced that LSU Health Shreveport will be expanding with a new 155,000-square-foot Center for Medical Education and Emerging Viral Threats, a facility that will greatly benefit students and the region at large. This feature article from the LSU Media Center details that the new Center for Medical Education and Emerging Viral Threats is more than 75% complete and on track to open this fall. According to the feature, students, faculty, and leaders at LSU Health Shreveport are already beginning to see the impacts that the new addition will have on them, their careers, and North Louisiana health in general.

Louisiana State University is the primary source of new physicians in Louisiana, which has three medical schools. Each year, LSU Health Shreveport graduates 150 doctors, New Orleans School of Medicine graduates 200, and Tulane University School of Medicine graduates 190. Additionally, two out of every three physicians in Louisiana are LSU alumni, so this expansion of the LSU Health Shreveport campus will undoubtedly only have positive impacts on students, education, and the medical field in Louisiana.

Louisiana Senator Greg Tarver, who is a longtime champion of LSUHS and an undertaker by profession, spoke about the new expansion by saying, “LSU Health Shreveport has been instrumental in getting Louisiana and the country through the pandemic. We’re so fortunate to have it up here. It’s a cherry for North Louisiana. It drives economic development for this entire region, and I’ve seen it.”

This new LSU Health Shreveport expansion will be the first new building on the LSUHS campus in over 15 years, as it will be replacing and expanding facilities that were built in 1970. Last year, the Louisiana legislature gave $18.7 million in additional support toward the completion of the center to LSUHS. This was in addition to $2.1 million that was given to modernize and expand its Gross Anatomy Lab with a minimum of 50 dissection stations, pathology camera, and ventilation that’s state-of-the-art.

LSUHS Vice Chancellor of External Affairs and Chief of Staff Markey Pierre spoke about the program and the upcoming expansion by saying, “we create our own workforce here in northwest Louisiana—we train, educate and grow our own excellence for this region and for our state. We’ve been in separate buildings, so we’ve barely seen each other.”

Pierre went on to say, “the new center will allow us to work together in teams, more like in the real world where you have doctors, nurses, techs, and therapists working together. I’m especially excited about the new simulation labs that will give students more hands-on experience and the ability to communicate and work as a team for more patient-centered care. As a result, whenever someone goes to a hospital in this region years from now, their care is going to be better and more seamless.”

Over the past 50 years, the number of student cohorts at LSUHS have grown incrementally– from 32 to 150. Despite this, the homegrown supply of new physicians has continued to struggle to meet state demands. This is due to the fact that while half of all LSUHS medical students go on to practice in Louisiana, all but six of the state’s 64 parishes are medically underserved, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

The new center’s classroom will be able to accommodate up to 250 students, and the new auditorium will be able to hold 500 students. The new center will have four floors with the first three dedicated to medical education and the top floor will reportedly include the “Center for Emerging Viral Threats, or CEVT, and BSL-2 and BSL-3 biosafety labs for the study and diagnosis of pathogens, including potentially hazardous viruses, bacteria, cell cultures, parasites, and fungi.”

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Must-See Destinations in Arizona

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Arizona is a state filled with breathtaking natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling outdoor activities. From the Grand Canyon to Sedona’s red rocks, this southwestern gem has something for everyone. Thanks to this excellent travel blog from Travel and Leisure, you’ll embark on a journey through some of Arizona’s must-see destinations that will leave you in awe and inspire your next adventure.

The state of Arizona is home to a diverse landscape, which includes the Sonoran Desert, an array of national parks, and several mountain ranges. Arizona also has a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in Arizona. Some of the most popular attractions include hiking in the Grand Canyon, exploring Sedona’s red rock formations, visiting the Petrified Forest National Park, and taking a scenic drive along Route 66. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Arizona has something to offer everyone. So start planning your trip today.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona. The canyon is massive, and its size is staggering. At 18 miles wide and one mile deep, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.It is truly a sight to behold. There are many ways to explore the Grand Canyon. Hiking is a popular option, and there are trails for all levels of hikers. For those who want a more leisurely experience, there are scenic drives and lookout points throughout the park. There are also boat tours available that take visitors down the Colorado River that runs through the bottom of the canyon. No matter how you choose to experience it, a visit to the Grand Canyon is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

The red rocks of Monument Valley stand in stark contrast to the vastness of the Arizona landscape. The tribal park is home to a number of Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni. The park is also home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the famous Mesa Arch. Monument Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona. The park receives over one million visitors each year. Visitors can explore the valley by foot, horseback, or Jeep. There are a number of guided tours available, or visitors can choose to explore on their own. The best time to visit Monument Valley is during the spring or fall. The weather is cooler during these months and the crowds are thinner. However, even during the busy summer months, the views are worth the effort required to get there.

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is a must-see destination in Arizona. The park is home to one of the world’s largest and best-preserved petrified forests. The petrified wood dates back to the Late Triassic period, and the forest was once a part of the Pangaea supercontinent. Today, the park is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. The petrified wood is truly a sight to behold, and the park offers many opportunities to view and learn about this amazing natural phenomenon.

Meteor Crater National Natural Landmark

Situated in the heart of Arizona’s desert country, Meteor Crater National Natural Landmark is one of the most unique and visually stunning destinations in the state. The crater was formed 50,000 years ago when a large meteorite struck the earth, leaving behind a massive hole that is nearly a mile wide and 600 feet deep. Today, the crater is a popular tourist destination, offering up close views of the impact site as well as hiking trails and educational exhibits.

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A Louisiana Twist on Traditional Banana Bread

If you are looking for a new twist on traditional banana bread, then look no further than Bananas Foster Banana Bread. This delicious recipe from Louisiana Cookin combines the classic flavors of bananas and caramel with a moist, fluffy bread that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Follow the following step-by-step guide to create this delectable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion – from brunch to dessert at a dinner party. So let’s get baking and elevate your banana bread game to the next level.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. You’ll begin this outstanding recipe with the banana bread, and you’ll make the caramelized banana in Step 4. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F and spray an 8½×4½-inch loaf pan with baking spray. Preferably, use a type of baking spray that has flour in it. Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the excess amounts of parchment paper to extend over the sides of the pan.
  2. In a large bowl, you’ll then whisk together your flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg. In a medium bowl, you’ll want to whisk together your mashed banana, different sugars, melted butter, yogurt, eggs, and rum extract until the combined ingredients are smooth.
  3. Next, fold in your banana mixture into your flour mixture until both are well combined. Gently fold in the pecans after that, and spread the butter into the prepared pan.
  4. Then, take a medium skillet and melt your butter over medium-low heat and stir in your ½ teaspoon of rum extract. Gently press brown sugar onto each side of your banana that has been halved. Then, you’ll place thebanana halves into the skillet with the cut-side facing down. Cook these banana halves until they are golden brown and caramelized, which should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Then, gently turn the banana halves and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove them from the heat, and set them aside.
  5. Set these caramelized banana halves into your prepared pan atop the butter. Place them in the pan with the cut side facing upward, on top of the batter. Reserve all the sauce from the caramelized banana halves.
  6. Bake this loaf pan for approximately 40 minutes, cover the pan with aluminum foil, and bake the banana bread until a wooden pick that’s inserted in the center comes out completely clean. Continue cooking for 12 to 15 minutes and then brush the loaf with the reserved sauce. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then use the excess parchment paper as handles to remove the loaf from the pan. Allow it to cool on a wire rack, serve, and enjoy!

Notes:

There are many ways to change up the recipe for Bananas Foster Banana Bread. For example, you could add chocolate chips, other nuts other than pecans, or even coconut to the batter. If you want a more savory bread, you could add bacon or sausage. And of course, you can always change the amount of sugar and cinnamon to suit your taste. Be creative and have fun with it.

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UL Lafayette Geosciences Team named Top Oil Prospectors

Recently, a group of geosciences students from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette competed in the 2023 North American Region Competition, where they were named the best team of students in North America who can determine where to drill for oil, according to this feature article from the University.

UL Lafayette’s team of competing geosciences students included Savana Anderson, Peyton Dardeau, Margaret Dittman and Abigail Watson, also known collectively as the University’s Imperial Barrel team. The team’s faculty advisor was Dr. David Oppo, an assistant professor in the School of Geosciences. This four-student team, which consisted of both undergraduate and graduate students,  placed first for the Imperial Barrel Award for the 2023 North American Region Competition, which is a competition for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Dr. Carl Richter, Associated Dean of Ray P. Authement College of Sciences and Professor at the School of Geosciences, spoke about the team saying, “this doesn’t place the School’s teams in exclusive company. It’s more like a private club. Over the years, the teams achieved a level of preeminence that’s not likely to be equaled anytime soon. It reflects the quality of students the School of Geosciences attracts and the strength of our graduate program.”

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists’ competition functions as a competitive showcase for students to collaborate as they analyze industry data, make key determinations about energy resources, and make vital decisions about sustainable extraction methods. Because the University’s Imperial Barrel team won the North American Region competition after winning the Gulf Coast sectional, they will be coming on to the world competition.

Last year, the ULL’s Imperial Barrel team placed second in the world and have won the overall event three times in the past: in 2012, 2014, and 2018. It should be noted that they are the only team to claim the title of “world’s best” three times in the history of the award.

The competition involved the students analyzing real datasets including information on basin’s geology, petroleum system elements, geophysics, and production infrastructures over the course of eight weeks. Throughout the competition, the four team members used state-of-the-art technology, received feedback from industry advisors, and networked with potential employers. The competition’s main goal includes identifying a prospective oil reservoir and determining its overall viability. The team then reports its verdict during a 25 minute presentation to industry experts, who then select a winner based on technical quality, clarity, and the originality of the presentation.

Joey Grimball was a previous winner for UL Lafayette during the 2012 competition, and he had the following to say about his involvement in the competition and the impact it has had on his career: “the IBA experience has been the culmination of my coursework at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. By using the knowledge we attained from previous courses we as a team were able to put together a prospect evaluation starting at the Basin analysis level with the understanding of regional geology, paleogeography, maturation of the source rocks, trapping mechanisms, reservoirs and seals in our area.

These past three months we have grown as individuals and gained insight into how real world petroleum prospectsare put together. Through our interaction with Industry professionals and advice given to us through our Advisor we have a better understanding of how Industry operates. Also the presentation skills along with the networking that we have been able to do through this process have added up to be the best experience of my academic career. I hope to be a part of the IBA experience for years to come.”

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This Recipe for Rice Grits and Braised Chicken is Cajun Cooking at its Finest

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a trip down South? Look no further than this delicious recipe from Louisiana Cookin. With its unique blend of spices and rich, creamy texture, this dish is sure to transport you to the bayou with just one bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe for rice grits and braised chicken is easy to follow and will leave your guests begging for seconds. So grab your apron and get ready to whip up some authentic Southern cuisine!

Ingredients for Braised Chicken and Rice Grits

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • ¼ pound of thick-sliced bacon, diced
  • 1 cup of rice grits or cracked rice
  • 5 cups of chicken broth
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • ¼ cup of lard
  • 1 cup of diced onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • ½ cup of mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons of packed fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons of packed fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup and 1 tablespoon of flour, divided
  • 4 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper

Directions for Braised Chickens and Rice Grits

            1. To create your braised chicken, you’ll begin this recipe by seasoning your quartered chicken legs with salt and pepper and dusting them with 1 cup of flour. Then, in a large skillet that is set over medium-high heat, add your ¼ cup of lard. After it coats the bottom of the skillet, add in your seasoned and coated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken until the leg quarters are golden brown on both sides, at which point you’ll remove the chicken and set the pieces aside.
  2. Next, while using the same pan, you’ll add in your bacon and render the pieces halfway over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until golden and then add mushrooms and cook while stirring occasionally until browned, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in your 1 remaining tablespoon of flour, chicken broth, red wine, bay leaf, and thyme. After the ingredients are all combined you’ll add in your reserved chicken and cook the contents of the skillet while covered until the meat begins to fall off of the bone, which should take about 30 to 40 minutes.
  4. Combine your basil, parsley, chives, and salt into the mixing bowl of a food processor. Add in a touch of olive oil and pulse until the ingredients are chopped. Then, take these crushed herbs and stir them into your gravy. Adjust the seasoning to your preferred taste, if needed.
  5. In a large skillet that’s set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add onion and garlic. Cook until the contents of the pan are softened, then add chicken broth and bring the contents of the pot to a boil. Add your rice grits or cracked rice, reduce the heat, and simmer while stirring occasionally, until it’s all tender. This should take about 10 minutes. Finish the pot with salt, pepper, and your remaining butter.
  6. Serve the chicken and pan sauce (gravy) with your rice grits, and enjoy!

Notes:

When it comes to making delicious rice grits, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the best results. First of all, make sure that you use good quality white rice for your grits. This will ensure that they have a nice, fluffy texture. Secondly, don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning. Try adding in some salt, pepper, garlic, or even a bit of hot sauce to give your grits some extra flavor. Make sure to cook your grits slowly and patiently. This will help them to absorb all of the flavors from the seasonings and produce a delicious final product.

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