Author: Emily Gautreaux

Traveling to Prince Edward Island

Many travelers are drawn to the Canadian landscape, with its lush green forests, coastlines, and wild west-like plains, but don’t know where to start. Consider the country’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, because PEI is a beautiful vacation destination and province in Canada that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Luckily, this article from Travel + Leisure explains why traveling to Canada’s Prince Edward Island in the new year is the right decision for those seeking excitement, the comforts of home, and an effortless community.

Consider spending a day exploring Charlottetown, the island’s capital city. Many locals and visitors benefit from strolling through the downtown area, visiting the Confederation Centre of the Arts, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through Victoria Park.

If you love the outdoors, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Spend a day hiking through one of the many trails in PEI National Park. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Prince Edward Island has plenty of trails to explore. With over 800 kilometers of coastline and countless parks and forests, there’s no shortage of places to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

One of the most popular hiking trails on the island is the Confederation Trail, which spans over 430 kilometers and winds its way through some of PEI’s most beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for something shorter, there are plenty of other options to choose from. For those who love the beach, the Gulf Shore Parkway is a must-do. This scenic route runs along PEI’s north shore, offering stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife like seals, eagles, and ospreys.

Food lovers are sure to enjoy exploring all that PEI has to offer in terms of food and drink. Go on a culinary tour and sample some of the best local dishes. Or visit one of the many wineries or breweries for a tour and tasting. And be sure to stock up on some delicious PEI lobster. Consider taking a culinary tour of the island by including stops at these must-try PEI restaurants:

  1. The Dunes Cafe: Located in Cavendish, The Dunes Cafe is known for its lobster rolls and clam chowder. Be sure to try their PEI Mussels – they’re delicious!
  2. Blue Mussel Cafe: Another great spot for seafood lovers, Blue Mussel Cafe is located in Charlottetown. Their menu features fresh, local seafood dishes that are sure to please your taste buds.
  3. The Table Culinary Studio: This Charlottetown cooking school offers hands-on cooking classes led by experienced chefs. After your class, enjoy a meal featuring dishes you prepared yourself!

Lastly, there’s nothing quite like a road trip along the coast. And, when it comes to coastal drives, few places do it better than Prince Edward Island. This Canadian province is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and, thanks to its small size, it’s easy to explore all of PEI’s coastline in just a few days.

  1. Stop at Cavendish Beach and enjoy the view. This is one of PEI’s most popular beaches for good reason. The sand is white and the water is crystal clear. Plus, there are plenty of beach amenities nearby if you need them.
  2. Drive up to North Cape Coastal Drive and take in the views. This stretch of highway offers incredible views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Be sure to stop at one of the many lookout points along the way so you can really soak it all in.
  3. Make your way to East Point by taking the Points East Coastal Drive and watch the waves crash against the rocks. East Point is PEI’s easternmost point and it offers stunning views of both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It’s also a great place to watch for migrating whales (from May to October).
  4. Trek along the Central Coast Drive to find the famous Green Gables Heritage House in Park Corner as well as the Green Gables Shore. This historic house was once home to Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, and the beaches, magnificent sand dunes, and trails of this area even inspired the novel Anne of Green Gables.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

Louisiana’s Statewide School Performance Scores Released

Recently, the 2021-22 School Performance Scores for the state’s public K-12 schools were released by the Louisiana Department of Education, according to this brief by LDOE. The results indicated that students are continuing to recover academically from the unprecedented school disruptions that were caused by the pandemic and multiple hurricanes.

The released 2021-2022 School Performance Scores showed that Louisiana’s statewide School Performance Score is the same as it was before the pandemic. Both in 2019 and 2022, Louisiana’s SPScore was 77.1. This is a 1.8 marginal increase from a simulated score of 75.3 that was generated for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The released performance data can be viewed on the LDOE website, and SPScores will be available on the Louisiana School and Center Finder by the end of 2022.

This year, 48 of the 63 traditional public school systems included in the released 2021-2022 School Performance Scores showed improvement from the 2021 data to 2022. The issued scores also indicated that 30 Louisiana school systems had either equaled or improved their school performance score in 2022 when compared to 2019.

Louisiana State Superintendent Cade Brumley commented on the state’s scores by saying: “Returning our statewide performance score to its pre-pandemic level is reason to be thankful, but we have a long way to go for Louisiana’s children. We must continue to act with urgency to provide even better outcomes moving forward – that’s the challenge we must meet.”

Since 1999, Louisiana has issued School Performance Scores (SPScores) to its public schools; these scores are based on student achievement data. Additionally, in order to better communicate the quality of a school’s performance with families and the larger public, Louisiana adopted a letter grade system (A-F).

State Superintendent Cade Brumley commented that the increase in mastery rates for English, math, and science in grades three through eight on the 21-22 LEAP Assessments was a contributor to the improved statewide performance. He said, “we saw a 3% increase in mastery rates in English, a 3% increase in math and we saw a 2% increase in our mastery rates for science. So, that increase in proficiency certainly led to improved school performance across the state.”

Generally speaking, Louisiana has avoided some portion of the devastating learning loss that schools and districts nationwide have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The maintaining of pre-pandemic SPScores is made even more notable due to the fact that over the past two years, Louisiana has been catastrophically impacted by six hurricanes, with two being among the strongest in the state’s history.

Since last year, the 2021-2022 SPScore showed several measures of performance increases that included measures from ACT results, dropout data, state assessments, and expanded school interests and opportunities measures. In fact, this is the first time that the interests and opportunities indicator has been used to measure schools in official SPScores.

The new interests and opportunities indicator, which accounts for 5% of the SPScore formula, was originally approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) in 2018 and implemented in the 2019-20 school year. The interests and opportunities indicator measures whether schools are providing their students with access to a well-rounded education. In this case, a well-rounded education would expose students to a wide array of learning activities.

Looking forward to the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year, the state superintendent said, “we have to focus on staying on course with literacy efforts, refreshing math, transforming our high schools, and continue to give parents the options of education for their kids. I believe that if we do those things, we will continue to see improvements across the state of Louisiana.”

For more education-related information, click here.

Potato Salad, But Louisiana Style

Looking for a delicious way to change up your potato salad game? Tired of having an excess of boiled potatoes and corn on the cob after a crawfish boil? Then this Crawfish Boil Potato Salad recipe from Louisiana Cookin is the perfect dish to bring to your next potluck dinner or outdoor gathering! Filled with all the flavors of a classic Louisiana crawfish boil, this potato salad will be a hit with everyone.

One of the best things about a crawfish boil is that most of the ingredients that make it up can be enjoyed as both a meal and a side dish. This Crawfish Boil Potato Salad recipe is the perfect example of that. It’s packed with all of the flavors of a traditional crawfish boil, but it’s lightened up with a mayonnaise-based dressing and served cold.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of boiled red potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 link of smoked andouille sausage, chopped into quarter-sized pieces
  • 2 ears of boiled corn, shucked, washed, and with kernels cut from the cob
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • ½ cup of mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper

Crawfish boil potato salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any summertime gathering. This salad is full of the traditional flavors of a crawfish boil, but without all of the work; though, if you find yourself with a surplus of boiled potatoes and corn after a crawfish boil, then you can put them to good use with this dish. The potatoes are cooked in a flavorful broth until tender, then mixed with a Crawfish Boil Spice Blend, chopped thyme, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. The salad is then finished with a zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and more of the spice blend. Serve this salad cold or at room temperature for the best results.

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, you’ll want to combine the peeled, quartered, and boiled potatoes with your chopped smoked sausage link, and boiled corn. Once these large pieces are mixed together, set this bowl aside.
  2. Then, in a small mixing bowl, you’ll add your mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, salt, paprika,cayenne pepper, black pepper, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients, and pour your mayonnaise mixture over your potato mixture. Toss it all until it’s all combined, serve, and enjoy!

Notes:

  • This potato salad is a perfect side dish during your next crawfish boil, but especially afterward! Thanks to the boiled corn and potatoes, it’s got all of the classic flavors of a traditional potato salad, but with a little bit of Cajun flair.
  • This recipe uses red potatoes for this salad, but you could definitely use Yukon Golds or even Russets. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly. You can leave the skin on my potatoes for extra flavor and texture, but you can peel them if you’d prefer.
  • A dressing that could be used for this salad would be a simple mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Most like to add a little bit of Louisiana hot sauce to their dish for an extra kick, but that’s optional. Be sure to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad so that you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.
  • Once the potatoes are cooked and cooled, simply toss them with the dressing and some chopped celery, green onions, and This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for a bit before serving.
  • There are so many delicious dishes that pair perfectly with this crawfish boil potato salad. Here are a few Louisiana crawfish boil favorites: grilled shrimp; corn on the cob; boiled crawfish; fried okra; and hush puppies. No matter what else you serve, this crawfish boil potato salad will be the star of the show! It’s the perfect mix of flavorful and refreshing, and it’s sure to please any crowd.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

How to Spend Your Time Visiting Orange, Virginia

Whenever you find yourself in need of a delightful change of scenery and have a chance to connect with the rich history of Virginia, there’s no better place than Orange, Virginia. Thanks to this travel blog post from Southern Living,you can find the best spots within Orange and its outlying towns of Barboursville and Gordonsville; all of which are sure to satisfy your craving for southern hospitality, a rich cultural tapestry, and the comforts of home.

James Madison’s Montpelier

James Madison’s Montpelier, located in Orange, Virginia, is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in early American architecture. The sprawling estate was home to the fourth President of the United States and his wife, Dolley Madison. Visitors can tour the mansion, which has been restored to its 19th-century appearance, and learn about the Madisons’ lives through interactive exhibits. Outside, there are beautiful gardens to explore, as well as hiking trails that wind through the property. James Madison’s Montpelier is a fascinating glimpse into America’s past that should not be missed.

Barboursville

Visiting Barboursville is giving yourself a chance to learn about American history first-hand. This quaint little town is home to a number of historical sites, including the Barboursville Ruins. These ruins are all that remain of the estate of James Barbour, who served as Governor of Virginia in the early 1800s. The estate was destroyed by a fire in 1884, but the ruins are still an impressive sight. In addition to the ruins, Barboursville is also home to a number of other historical sites. The Orange County Courthouse is one of the most notable, as this courthouse was built in 1734 and served as the site of several important trials in early American history, including the trial of Aaron Burr for treason. Succinctly, if you’re looking for something to do in Barboursville, be sure to check out these historical sites, as they’re sure to give you a glimpse into the past and provide some insight into America’s early history.

The Market at Grelen

The Market at Grelen is a must-see for any visitor to Orange, Virginia. This open-air market features local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other food items. In addition to the food, there are also arts and crafts for sale, as well as live music on some days. The market is open from April through October, so be sure to check it out when you’re in town!

Museum of Orange County Heritage

The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage is a great place to learn about the history of Orange, Virginia. The museum is located within a restored 19th-century home. The museum features exhibits on the history of the town, the Civil War, and James Madison. The museum also has a gift shop and a research library, both of which are favorites among visiting patrons.

Laurie Holladay Shop

Laurie Holladay is a local artist in Orange, Virginia who specializes in hand-painted furniture and home decor. Her shop is located in the historic downtown area, so if you’re looking for a unique piece of furniture or home decor, Laurie Holladay is the artist for you. Her shop offers a wide variety of hand-painted furniture and home decor, and Laurie Holladay also offers custom design services. If you have an idea for a piece of furniture or home decor but don’t know how to make it a reality, she can help! Whether you need help with the design itself or with the execution of the project, she can work with you to create the perfect piece for your home!

Coopers Cookin and Catering

If you’re in the mood for some good ol’ fashioned Southern cooking, then you need to head on over to Coopers Cookin and Catering. This local restaurant is known for its down-home comfort food, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The menu features all of your favorite Southern staples, like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. And if you’re looking for something a little sweeter, be sure to try the restaurant’s famous peach cobbler. Trust that it’s worth the calories!

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

LDOE Provides Tutoring Vouchers to Help Childhood Literacy

It was recently announced that thousands of Louisiana families will receive $1,000 tutoring vouchers in order to help children learn to read, according to this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education.

The launch of LDOE’s Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program entails that Louisiana families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade will be connected with high-quality literacy tutors. An online portal has been created so that Louisiana families can learn more about the tutoring vouchers, the program, and even sign up to be notified via email about when the new program will accept student registration later this year.

Created in honor of the late Baton Rouge State Representative Steve Carter, the Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program is the result of Act 415 of the 2021 Legislative Session (RS 17:4032.1). As part of the $40 million investment by the Louisiana Department of Education, state education leaders will be able to implement this program as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat Louisiana’s literacy crisis.

Jenna Chaisson, the Deputy Superintendent, expects the program’s investment will bridge Louisiana’s literacy gap. She commented by saying, “the Louisiana Department of Education has invested $40 million dollars to fund the program as part of the state’s comprehensive strategy to combat Louisiana’s literacy crisis.”

Currently, school systems in Louisiana are identifying students who meet eligibility requirements and notifying families accordingly. Essentially, students in grades K-3 are eligible if they scored below proficient on their beginning-of-year screener, and students in grades 4-5 are eligible if they scored below Mastery in ELA on the Spring 2022 LEAP assessment. LDOE directs any parents who are unsure of their child’s eligibility to contact their school for additional information; alternatively, they can email LouisianaLiteracy@la.gov.

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes reflected on Louisiana’s national standings as seen in the recently-released NAEP scores by saying, “a  few weeks ago when the Nape scores across the nation were released Louisiana showed the most growth in the nation amongst 4th graders with respect to reading. So we are on the right track but we have to use every tool out of the toolbox.”

The Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program enables students to get more individualized attention from certified teaching professionals who have been approved by the Louisiana Department of Education. Once the program’s student registration opens, families will be able to utilize the tutoring program’s “one-stop shop” for selecting, vetting, and approving of qualified tutoring providers. Families will register their students with the initiative via an easy-to-use quality assurance portal, which is at http://www.louisianatutoringinitiative.com. In fact, in certain cases, a child’s school system may be a tutoring provider, but otherwise, the child’s school system will provide a tutor from its approved list of tutors.

Tutoring appointments are set to be scheduled between the parent/guardian and tutor and may take place at a mutually agreed upon location which can be a physical or virtual location, according to preference. Multi-lingual tutorswill also be available to accommodate students who do not speak English as a primary language.

Dr. Cade Brumley, the Louisiana State Superintendent, commented on the tutoring vouchers by saying, “this voucher is another tool in the toolbox to help kids learn to read. For individualized tutoring, it would cover about 25 sessions over the course of the year. If they want small group tutoring with a group up to 3 students they would be able to receive 35 sessions over the course of the year. Steve Carter believed in helping kids – that’s what this program does. ”

For more education-related information, click here.

Holiday Recipe: Preparing a Perfect Turducken

If you’re looking for a change of pace for what to put on the dinner table this holiday season, why not try cooking a turducken for your best holiday recipe? A turducken is a turkey stuffed with a duck, which is in turn stuffed with a chicken. This dish is sure to impress your guests and have them talking long after the meal is over, and thanks to these solid turducken preparation tips from Louisiana Cookin, your next feast is sure to impress.

Reasons to Cook a Turducken

There are many reasons to consider cooking the holiday recipe, a turducken, this season. First, it’s a unique dish that will stand out from the traditional turkey dinner. Your guests will be intrigued by this unusual presentation, and they’ll be eager to try it. Second, turducken is extremely flavorful. The different meats complement each other, and the stuffing adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. This is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters. Third, cooking a turducken is relatively easy, especially if you use a pre-made stuffing mix. And since it’s already stuffed, there’s no need to worry about making additional side dishes. Just add some roasted potatoes or vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal. So if you’re looking for something different this Thanksgiving, give turducken a try. It’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Preparation

When it comes to ensuring your turducken preparation is the best that it can be, thawing, basting, browning, and temperature-checking your turducken are extremely important cooking aspects to pay attention to.

Thawing

It is important to thaw a turducken completely before cooking. Thawing a frozen turducken can be done one of two ways: in the refrigerator or in cold water. If you choose to thaw your turducken in the refrigerator, place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any drips and allow 24-48 hours for it to thaw completely. If you’re short on time, you can place your turducken in cold water, making sure to change the water every 30 minutes. Either way, it is vital that you give your thawed bird plenty of time to reach room temperature before cooking. So, after your turducken has thawed in the fridge, remove it from the packaging and allow it to come to room temperature. Allowing your turducken to stand at room temperature for a full hour before cooking will help it to cook evenly.

Basting

Basting is key to keeping your turducken moist while it cooks. You can use any type of fat or oil for basting, but we recommend using melted bacon drippings. Once your turducken has rested at room temperature for an hour you’ll generously brush the outside with your melted bacon drippings before cooking. Basting your turducken will help it brown nicely in the oven. Additionally, you can also put some foil over the breast area during the first hour or so of cooking to prevent it from getting too dark.

Browning

Browning is an important process for getting that perfect golden color for this holiday recipe and cooking it through, but a key way to ensure that your turducken doesn’t succumb to “over-browning” is to tuck its wings underneath it prior to placing it in the oven. By tucking the wings beneath the bird, you are ensuring that this thin part of the turducken is essentially safe from over-crisping.

Temperature-Checking

Finally, cooking your turducken to the perfect temperature is essential. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked through. The best way to know when your turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch bone, and cook until it registers at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the turducken from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This will give the juices a chance to redistribute and make carving easier. Serve and enjoy!

Lastly, Louisiana Cookin provided a top-notch secret gravy recipe that makes good use of your turducken drippings.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup of turducken drippings
  • ½ cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups of chicken broth, divided
  • ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Take a roasting pan or a large nonstick saucepan and heat your collected turducken drippings over medium high heat. While the drippings are heating, you’ll sprinkle your ½ cup of all-purpose flour over the droppings and whisk them together to combine.
  2. Cook this gravy by stirring the pan constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes, until it’s thickened. Then, add ½ cup of chicken broth to the pan, whisking to combine. Cook by stirring the pan constantly for another 1 to 2 minutes, until it’s thickened. Add your remaining cup of chicken broth and repeat the whisking steps.
  3. Finish the gravy off by adding your pepper and serve alongside your roasted turducken.
  4. Enjoy!

For more delicious holiday recipes, click here.