Author: Emily Gautreaux

A Fried Catfish Recipe Fit for Any Cajun

If you’re a seafood lover, then you’ll definitely want to try this mouth-watering Louisiana Fried Catfish recipe from LouisianaCookin. This southern classic is a delicious blend of crispy, golden-brown catfish fillets coated in a flavorful cornmeal mixture. With just the right amount of seasoning and crunch, it’s no wonder why this dish has become one of the most sought-after meals across the country. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking because your taste buds won’t regret it.

If you’re looking to fry up some delicious catfish, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, when it comes to choosing your catfish, make sure to select ones that are fresh and of a good size. You’ll also want to give them a good rinse before cooking. As for the batter, there are many different recipes out there but it’s recommended that you use a simple cornmeal batter. Once you have your catfish coated, carefully lower them into hot oil that’s been preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Finally, be sure to serve your fried catfish with some tasty sides like hush puppies, coleslaw, and french fries.

Ingredients

  • 6 (6-ounce) catfish fillets
  • 2 cups of whole buttermilk
  • ¼ cup of hot sauce
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3 cups plain stone-ground yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • Lemon wedges, to serve
  • Kosher Salt, for garnish

Directions

  1. In order to start this wonderful recipe, you’ll first want to pour your whole buttermilk into a large bowl with your preferred hot sauce. Use a whisk to mix the buttermilk with your hot cause and then add in your six catfish filets to fully coat them. Cover this bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour and at most overnight. You would want to marinate the catfish overnight if you would want the liquid to penetrate the entire piece of fish and infuse flavor evenly throughout the catfish. It makes for a richer final result.
  2. After marinating, you’ll take a large Dutch oven and pour enough vegetable oil in it so that you have a depth of about 3 inches. Heat this Dutch oven over medium heat until you can insert a deep-fry thermometer into it and register a reading of 350°F.
  3. Take a shallow dish and whisk together your plain stone-ground yellow cornmeal and your Creole seasoning. Remove the catfish from the bowl, allowing the excess to drip off, and discard the remaining marinade after all six filets are removed.
  4. Dredge your catfish in your cornmeal mixture and make sure to lightly shake off any excess. You’ll then work in batches to fry your catfish for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown while turning occasionally. This process should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. After removing a fried catfish filet from the oil, you’ll dry it on folded paper towels.
  6. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with salt, if you’d like. Enjoy!

Popular Side Dishes for Fried Catfish:

There are many popular side dishes that can be served with fried catfish. Some of the most common include hush puppies, coleslaw, potato salad, and green beans.

  • Hush puppies are a southern staple that’s usually made from cornmeal batter and deep fried. They are a perfect side for fried catfish as they soak up any excess grease.
  • Coleslaw is another popular side dish that is often served with fried foods. It is a simple salad made of shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed in a vinegar-based dressing. The acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the richness of the fried catfish.
  • Potato salad is another common side dish in the south. It is usually made with mayonnaise, eggs, celery, and mustard. The potatoes can be either boiled or mashed, depending on your preference.
  • Smothered green beans are also a common side dish in Louisiana. They are typically cooked with bacon and onions, and seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper.

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Explore the Best Crawfish in the State with the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail

Simply put, Louisiana’s Bayou Country Crawfish Trail is the absolute best way to experience the culture behind eating Louisiana-boiled and raised crawfish first-hand. The Bayou Country Crawfish Trail curates an entire culinary and exploratory experience for you to fill up on the most delicious crawfish at over 30 carefully-selected trail stops. You’ll be supplied with a downloaded guide that lists the best spots for delicious crawfish dishes all year long.

While seeking out delicious plates of crawfish all across the Bayou Country is a rewarding experience all on its own in terms of culinary tastes and restaurant-exploring, there is another facet to the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail that is heralded. You see, if you trek along the trail and collect five receipts from the 38 available restaurants, mark your visits on your travel guide tracker, and send them into crawfishtrail.com or at the Houma Area Visitor Center, you’ll be able to exchange your proof of purchase for your very own Crawfish Trail T-shirt. This is the best way to show those in your life that you’ve conquered the best crawfish spots in the Houma area.

The Bayou Country Crawfish Trail absolutely proves that nowhere else in the state of Louisiana prepares and serves seafood than Houma, LA– especially when it comes to crawfish. The Trail’s culinary road map lists and lays out a total of 38 trail stops from downtown Houma to the Gulf of Mexico for you to enjoy the best crawfish in the state. The listed culinary stops will range from friendly Cajun restaurants to take-out seafood markets, drive-thru boilhouses, and everything in between.

The team behind the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail truly believes in the culinary experience of not only ingesting crawfish but the culture that surrounds it, and they also believe that there’s truly not a bad time of year to enjoy the Louisiana delicacy. They’ve divided the calendar year into two “seasons” in terms of crawfish eating: Heads season and Tails season. The main difference between these two times of year is the matter in which the crawfish is “present on your plate.”

For example, Heads season will begin just before Mardi Gras season, when it is “on the horizon,” and it signals that crawfish traps around the state will soon be filled to the brim with “mudbugs” and the crawfish boils are starting up again. This is the optimal time of the year to eat boiled crawfish wherever you can get it, and you should enjoy it along with all of the available sides like potatoes, corn, sausages, and many more. This time of year will typically wrap up early in the summer, but just because the crawfish boils stop doesn’t mean that you have to wait another year until you can enjoy crawfish dishes in their prime.

This is because Tails season is what follows when the summer is at its hottest and most severe. This is because live and boiled crawfish are much harder to come by in the state, so instead of “scraping the bottom of the barrel” with attending crawfish boils that aren’t necessarily up-to-par, you can check the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail Guide for the spots in Houma, LA where they serve delicious crawfish all year-round. These dishes will come in nearly every form you can imagine because in Houma, Louisiana they know how to best prepare crawfish– whether it’s in a warm bowl of gumbo, éttouffée, or bisque. Similarly, you can also bite into a crawfish stuffed poboy or even a crawfish pie.The options are nearly endless in this season when many think that just because crawfish boils are done, there’s no more fun to be had.

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LDOE Partners with Scholastic for Free Book Deliveries for Students

The Louisiana Department of Education that the state had partnered with Scholastic to create a new state-funded book literacy program that’s designed to support Louisiana pre-k through 5th-grade students who are not yet reading on grade level. The program was announced via this news release from LDOE., and it is named the Reading Enrichment and Academic Deliverables (READ), and it is designed to provide students who are eligible with the home delivery of free, age-appropriate, high-quality books and other engaging literacy resources.

Jenna Chiasson is the Deputy Superintendent for the Department of Education, and she spoke about the simple process to get started with the program by saying, “Schools are sending home flyers, and these flyers tell parents how to register. They’ll go to the website readla.scholastic.com. They’ll be able to select which type of books they’d like to receive and the books along with some family engagement resources, on how families can do activities related to what they’re reading. This is one of many initiatives that we’re doing right now to support early literacy and also to support families, so we’re excited about this new resource.”

It is estimated that approximately 150,000 students in the state are already eligible for the program, as per LDOE’s estimates. The Department’s release said that the purpose of the program was to give those students in need of the access to books and to also help them “discover the power and joy of reading through book ownership.”

By eliminating the barrier of book access, it is the hope of this program that students will be able to improve their individualized literacy to strive and get on grade level. This is also possible because families who are program-eligiblewill be able to select the topics of the books that they will be receiving. This ensures that students will be more inclined to benefit from the program if the books that they are receiving are of interest to them. Additionally, each book that is sent as a part of the program will also include a resource to assist the child to learn by aiding in building reading skills and confidence connected to each book. Because these resources are developed by Scholastic, the publisher of the books, it is virtually assured that these reading resources will be most beneficial for the students to individually connect with these books in the development of their reading goals.

This program comes while the LDOE has been placing an emphasis on improving childhood literacy in recent years as well as in the midst of Louisiana schools implementing several new strategies to better identify those students who need extra assistance and to provide more targeted support for those students.

Louisiana saw the literacy scores of kindergarteners fall from 2021-2022 when it was reported that only 39.2% of kindergarteners were reading on grade level when the previous year the rate was around 41.5%; although, all other grades from first through third saw improvements. Nevertheless, programs such as READ will only benefit Louisiana families and students as they are given free books delivered to their homes at no cost to them, fully allowing them to improve their individual reading levels and strive in their future educational endeavors.

This READ program was created as a popular result of ACT 395 of Louisiana’s 2022 Regular Session as well as other legislative appropriations. Families can see if their child registers, learn more about the program, and register their child at http://readla.scholastic.com/.

For more education-related information, click here.

Cajun Crawfish Cardinale Recipe

If it’s time to spice things up on your dinner table, consider doing so with this mouthwatering Crawfish Cardinale recipe from Louisiana Cookin that will leave your taste buds dancing. This delicious Cajun dish is packed full of flavor and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and get ready to cook up a storm because this dish is about to become a staple at your dinner table.

Crawfish Cardinale is a classic Louisiana dish that is sure to spice up your dinner table. This dish is made with fresh crawfish, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The result is a delicious and hearty meal that will leave you wanting more. It is a popular dish throughout the south and is often served as an appetizer or main course. The perfect accompaniment to Crawfish Cardinale is a bowl of hot, steamed rice or delicious fried fish.

Crawfish Cardinale is a Louisiana dish that originated in the city of New Orleans. It is a popular dish during the Lenten season, and is made with crawfish, shrimp, and crabmeat. The dish is usually served over rice, and is often garnished with green onions and parsley. The origin of the dish is unclear, but it is believed to have been invented in the late 19th century. It was originally invented as a Lenten dish as it contains no meat, but rather seafood and vegetables. The traditional recipe consists of crawfish tails, shrimp, crabmeat, green onions and parsley cooked in butter and garlic until the ingredients are tender. The dish can be served over rice, pasta, or fish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of frozen cooked crawfish tails, thawed
  • 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen puff pastry shells, cooked
  • ½ cup of minced shallots
  • ¼ cup of chopped green onion
  • ¼ cup of celery, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon of lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups of heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup of salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons of cognac, plus more to serve
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

  1. To begin this delicious recipe, you’ll first want to take a large skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, you’ll add your shallot, celery, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook these vegetables until they’re tender and translucent, which should take approximately 3 minutes.
  2. At this point, you’ll stir in your tomato paste and cook for one minute. Then, stir in the all-purpose flour and cook the contents of the skillet while stirring constantly. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes and then gradually whisk in your cream.
  3. Add in your green onions, cognac, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook the contents of the skillet while continuing to stir constantly until everything has thickened, about 4 minutes. Add in your crawfish, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Serve this dish over your prepared pastry shells that you’ve cooked according to the package’s directions, and consider garnishing with a drizzle of cognac and parsley, if desired.
  5. Enjoy!

 Note:

There are many ways to change up this recipe to suit your taste. For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to the roux. You can also add other seafood like shrimp or crab meat to the dish. If you want a heartier meal, serve it over rice instead of pasta. No matter how you make it, this Crawfish Cardinale recipe is sure to be a hit.

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The Ultimate Caribbean Island Vacation Experiences

Welcome to the Caribbean where crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture collide. This tropical paradise is home to some of the world’s most stunning islands that are just begging to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, the Caribbean has something for everyone. Thanks to this travel blog post from Travel + Leisure, you’ll be able to survey some of the best island vacation experiences in the Caribbean that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. So sit back, grab your sun hat, and get ready to discover your very own slice of paradise in this breathtaking region.

A Caribbean vacation is the perfect way to escape the winter blues and enjoy some sun, sand, and sea. But with so many islands to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to go. To help you narrow down your options, Travel + Leisure has put together a list of what to expect from a Caribbean vacation. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach retreat or an action-packed adventure, there’s an island in the Caribbean that’s perfect for you. And with so many different cultures and activities to experience, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation.

Picking the Right Caribbean Island for Your Trip

When it comes to planning a Caribbean island vacation, there are so many amazing destinations to choose from. So how do you pick the right one for your trip? Here are a few things to consider:

  • What kind of activities do you want to do on your vacation? If you’re looking for a mix of beach time and adventure, then places like Jamaica or the Bahamas may be perfect for you. If you’re mostly interested in relaxing on the beach, then Turks and Caicos or the Virgin Islands might be more your speed.
  • How long do you want to stay? If you’re only planning a quick getaway, then Puerto Rico or Barbados might be good choices since they’re both relatively small islands. But if you’re looking for a longer vacation, then larger islands like Cuba or Hispaniola might be better suited for your needs.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect Caribbean island destination for your next vacation!

Must See Places in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, with its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. There are many different activities and attractions to enjoy on a Caribbean island vacation, but here are some of the must-see places that should not be missed:

  1. The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: These unique geological formations consisting of large granite boulders can be found on the island of Virgin Gorda. Visitors can swim and explore the caves and grottoes formed by the boulders.
  2. Sugar Mill Plantation Ruins, St. Kitts: These ruins are all that remain of a former sugar plantation that was destroyed by a hurricane in 1655. The site is now a national park and visitors can explore the ruins of the mill, as well as the remains of the plantation house and other buildings.
  3. Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica: This world-famous beach is renowned for its beauty and its laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or just enjoy the views.
  4. The Pitons, St Lucia: These two towering volcanic peaks are one of the most iconic sights in the Caribbean. They can be seen from many points on the island and make for an impressive backdrop to any vacation photo album!
  5. Harrison’s Cave, Barbados: This stunning cave system features crystal clear pools and breathtaking waterfalls for you to truly experience the other-worldly sights of the Caribbean Islands.

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Baton Rouge to New Orleans Passenger Rail Sees New Progress

The effort to reestablish the passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans has recently been reignited thanks to a decision by federal regulators to approve a merger between Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific, as per this article from Nola.com.

Recently, the United States Surface Transportation Board approved Canadian Pacific’s $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern, meaning that this deal would allow Amtrak to add passenger service on the KCS-owned line between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board said that keeping the agreements to allow Amtrak access to the Louisiana line and a Canadian Pacific-owned line between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario were included in the conditions for approving the merger.

John Spain has been a longtime advocate for passenger rail service and he is also the executive vice president of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Spain spoke about the recent progress by saying, “it was a big, big day. That was probably the last significant decision we were waiting on. Now we’re talking to the partners about where we go from here.”

As of now, the new rail line, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, is expected to be created as soon as April 14th. And though Amtrak has already announced that it wants to add Baton Rouge to New Orleans as one of its new passenger services, the next step in the process is to secure funding for the service.

For over a decade, area economic development officials have supported a passenger rail connection as a key way to help foster growth in the region. That being said, the largest expense in bringing the project to reality is the fact that the 1.8-mile wooden rail bridge over the Bonnet Carre Spillway, where trains currently creep at 10 mph, would need to be replaced, costing an estimated $108 million, would be the largest outlay. The price tag for that work has slowly increased over time; a study from 2014 estimated it to be $62.1 million.

To aid in funding 80% of the cost of replacing the bridge and enhancing railroad crossings, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has submitted grant applications to the federal government. Also, the state has submitted an application for a grant that would cover the majority of the costs of running the train service for the first six years of its existence. This grant would essentially cover 90% of the cost of operations for the first year of service before dropping down by 10% over the next five years. This is meant to help to subsidize the expense of operating the service while the customer base builds in number.

In a joint statement from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and GNO Inc, they called the decision to approve the merger “a powerful, and long-overdue, commitment to link Louisiana’s two largest population centers via passenger-rail service.”

Matt Wolfe, a spokesman for GNO Inc, said that the sheer fact the Canadian Pacific committed to offering passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in late 2021, long before the Kansas City Southern deal was finalized, says a lot about how important the project is to the company. Wolfe went on to say, “this is not a half-baked idea. Canadian Pacific had a strong commitment to it and they’re being held to bring it into service.”

The proposed service would make stops at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Gonzales and LaPlace, and the Electric Depot on Government Street and in the Bluebonnet-Essen-Perkins medical district in Baton Rouge. It would come to an end at the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans, which is close to the Caesars Superdome.

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