Author: Emily Gautreaux

Crock Pot Brisket for the Days You Can’t Be Outside

Barbecuing might be one of the most popular cooking methods for brisket, and it’s for good reason; the meat cooks slowly over a long period of time and absorbs the flavors from the barbecue sauce or rub. A delicious brisket can also be cooked under similar conditions with an old fashioned slow cooker.  As seen in this delicious recipe from Recipe Tin Eats, even a crock pot brisket with savory barbecue sauce compares to a professional brisket dinner.

Ingredients for the Crock Pot Brisket

Brisket & Rub:

Barbeque Sauce

Directions for the Crock Pot Brisket

  1. In order to begin this delicious recipe, you’ll want to mix your rub ingredients together. Wearing gloves, spreadyour brisket rub all over the beef brisket on all sides. If you have the time, it’s best to let the rub rest on the beef brisket for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 24 hours in the refrigerator on a platter.
  2. Then using a slow cooker, combine the ingredients for your barbecue sauce inside the inner container of the slow cooker. Mix them thoroughly before adding your beef brisket into the slow cooker. Be forceful so that the entire brisket fits in the cooker; squish it if you need to.
  3. Next is the easy part, unless you’re the impatient type. Turn on your slow cooker so that the brisket cooks for 8 hours for a 3-pound brisket and 10 hours for a 4-pound brisket.
  4. After it’s finished cooking, remove the brisket from the cooker and place it onto a tray. Pour the liquid that’s remaining in the slow cooker into a saucepan. Then, bring the saucepan to a simmer over medium-high heat and reduce the liquid so that it thickens into a syrup-like consistency.
  5. At the same time as the previous step, drizzle oil over the brisket and then roast it for 15 minutes in a 390°F oven until brown spots appear. At this point, remove the brisket, baste generously with BBQ Sauce, and then return it to the oven for 5 minutes. Repeat this step of removing, basting, returning, and continuing to cook the brisket for 5-10 minutes at a time until the surface is caramelized.
  6. Slice the brisket thinly across the grain and serve it alongside your remaining BBQ sauce. This recipe pairs well with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or even buttered rolls. Enjoy!

Notes:

If you’d rather cook your beef brisket in the oven instead of a slow cooker, then you would need to put the Barbeque sauce ingredients in a roasting pan, add 2 cups of water, and mix it together. Then, add the beef brisket, cover it with a lid or a double layer of foil. Then, set the oven to 320°F, and cook the brisket for 4 hours covered and then uncovered for 30 minutes, until the meat is “fork tender.”

During the cooking process, be sure to baste the meat with the pan juices every hour and check every now and then to ensure that the liquid doesn’t reduce down beyond the consistency of BBQ sauce. If it does reduce, just add water. After it’s cooked, you’ll remove the brisket, scrape or pour the sauce off into a sauce pan, and simmer over medium heat until it thickens into a BBQ Sauce syrup consistency.

You’ll then roast for 10-15 minutes until the surface is caramelized, at which point you’ll return the brisket to the roasting pan and increase the heat to 390°F. Lastly, you’ll drizzle the brisket with oil, brush with sauce, and save the remaining sauce for serving.

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Habitat for Humanity to Provide New Home for New Orleans Family

The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity recently broke ground on a much-needed new three-bedroom, two-bathroom house for a family of three in the Lower 9th Ward, according to Nola.com.

The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is constructing the home for Tririce Collins and her 10-year-old twin boys, who currently live in a cramped apartment where the three family members sleep in beds that are positioned on opposite walls of the same bedroom. After the home is complete, they will move into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house on Tennessee Street that has more than enough ample space to accommodate the family in their present and future years.

The home will have high, vaulted ceilings, separate bedrooms for each of the twins with a shared bathroom, and a master bedroom and bathroom for Collins in the back of the home. Additionally, the house will come with a large outdoor porch, both in the back and the front yard. The front porch will be ideal for Tririce to watch her boys bike down the quiet Tennessee Street without worry, and the back porch and yard space will be perfect for the family to host familial get-togethers in a similar vein that Tririce’s great-grandmother used to do. When Tririce Collins was growing up, her great-grandmother would host the entire family for a meal in a backyard that became famous for the delicious sweet-potato pies and stuffed bell peppers that would be enjoyed at the festivities.

Tririce Collins commented on the new home with appreciation by saying, “I’m so thankful to have my home,” she said. “I am so thankful and so happy that my sons will have space of their own in the house and a yard to play in.”

The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity implemented their designs on Tennessee Street after consulting with and creating the plans in conjunction with local architects Michael Bell and J.C. Carroll. These new Habitat designs are reportedly quite different from what they would have been a few years prior due to a change in philosophy that has taken place within Habitat for Humanity. This is due to both a pandemic-era necessitating more open indoor spaces, but it’s also due to the chapter adopting the idea that “workforce housing can look different.” As a result, they have left behind outdated designs like clunky outdoor window and door frames and a reliance on overly basic floor plans. As per the local executive director for the Habitat chapter,  Marguerite Oestreicher, the Collins household will instead feature spacious indoor areas that are made possible by the vaulted ceilings, accessible attic storage overhead,  and front and back porches with ceiling fans and lighting to invite community and conversation.

The construction of the home for Tririce Collins and her 10-year-old twin boys took place in June 2022, and it involved the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity hosting its first-ever Pride Build. This type of building event brought togetherlocal members of the LGBTQ community and allies to collaborate on building the Collins’ family’s new home. A spokesperson for the organization commented on the importance of such an event by saying, “decades of systemic discrimination have barred LGBTQ families and individuals from homeownership. Through Pride Build, we hope to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing for all and its power to transform lives for the better.”

Habitat for Humanity homeowners qualify if they earn between 30% and 80% of the average local income and if they agree to partner with their local chapter to take classes in basic home repair or volunteer at the Habitat’s ReStore retail store as well as take classes in financial literacy.

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Nicholls Farm has New Bridge Allowing Access for More Research

Thanks to a partnership with ConocoPhillips and the Lafourche Parish Government, Nicholls State University recently celebrated the rebuilding of the Nicholls Farm Bridge, a project that will have massive implications for the research conducted on Nicholls Farm. According to this statement from the school, the newly rebuilt bridge will be used to grant Nicholls Biology faculty members access to the land on the opposite side of Bayou Folse for research, ecological, and educational purposes.

The rebuilding of Nichols Farm bridge was a $300,000 project that was deemed “critical” by the University for its impact. Funding for the project was gathered over the past two years with the Lafourche Parish Government donating $200,000 towards the project and ConocoPhillips donating an additional $100,000 to see the project come to fruition.

It was in 1969 that Nicholls first purchased from Harvey Peltier the land that would eventually become Nicholls Farm, an integral part of the school’s plans to become the center for total restoration research in Louisiana. In just the past decade alone, Nicholls Biology has produced over 30,000 black mangroves at Nicholls Farm. These mangroves were eventually planted along coastal areas for the purpose of maintaining our coastal wetlands. A complete master plan for Nicholls Farm outlines plans for a classroom space, additional land, and areas to test coastal restoration projects, so the completion of this bridge is only one component of a much larger vision for the University.

Because of the bridge’s placement, Nicholls Biology faculty will now have access to the other end of Bayou Folse, allowing them to plant and grow several species of trees and coastal plants. These plants and trees will then be transferred to the Louisiana coastline to help defend coastal erosion.

Nicholls Biology department head Dr. Quenton Fontenot commented on his vision for the bridge at Nicholls Farm by saying, “our dream for the Farm is a place that brings people together for coastal restoration initiatives, and so to have the support of partners such as ConocoPhillips and the Lafourche Parish Government means we are going to be able to do that. Without that help the project is likely not finished today.”

As of the time of the university celebrating the completion of the bridge, the Biology Department already had several Louisiana irises ready to plant in the ponds on the other side of the bridge through a collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. One of the objectives for planting the irises is for seed harvest production. This is due to the versatility and essentialness of the plant, as it is native to the Bayou Region and sustainable in coastal habitats. These features make plants such as these native Louisiana irises absolutely vital to maintaining coastal wetlands and barrier islands.

John Harrington, the Coastal Wetlands director for ConocoPhillips, said of the essential need to protect the Louisiana coastlands, “the vast wetlands in southeast Louisiana are ideal for coastal restoration research. We are proud to support key partners like Nicholls State University to drive habitat-enhancement research and promote coastal resiliency and sustainability.”

A vital partner in this project coming to fruition is ConocoPhillips, which is one of the world’s leasing exploration and production companies when concerning production and reserves. They also have a globally diversified asset portfolio, and through their subsidiary The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, they are the largest private wetlands owner in Louisiana. ConocoPhillips has long been a supporter of Nicholls State University and helps to steward their support of the coastal wetlands through their Houma office.

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The Best Summer Vacations

While many travelers find comfort in revisiting their old favorites during the summer months, many others find that a lot can be gained from trying out an experience that is unfamiliar, exciting, and classically summer. That’s why this article from Travel + Leisure that’s gathered 20 classic summer vacations from its readership is truly the perfect solution to those wondering how they can best add a little something new to their Summer 2022 plans.

If you’re like most people, your vacations are probably pretty routine. You go to the same place every year and do the same things. There’s comfort to be found in the summer vacation routine, but for all of the solace that predictability brings, you’re missing out on experiences that could be the answer to a question that you never thought to ask. Surveying Travel + Leisure’s suggested list of nearly two dozen “classic” summer vacation ideas” might spark your imagination to venture out of your comfort zone and into your new niche for future vacations to come.

Taking a Road Trip along the Pacific Coast Highway

This first suggestion may seem to be the most obvious, but if you’ve never hit the open road on a multi-state road tripbefore, you are sure to be surprised by how much of an eye-opening experience it can be. For the purpose of venturing out of your comfort zone, it’s suggested that you plan a road trip around locaitions new, enticing, and close-in-proximity to you, and for most, that means heading along the United States’s West or East coast during your travels.

One perfect pathway for your road trip is to venture down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The PCH is one of the most scenic drives in the world; running from San Francisco to Los Angeles, it’s a winding road that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of California. As you travel along the PCH, you’ll pass through several beach towns, national parks and other beautiful places, but some of the stand-outs are: San Francisco, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara.

Taking in the Sights of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia

Alternatively, if you’re more interested in visiting fewer separate sights and seeking out enriching experiences in two classic American cities, then you should consider road tripping on the Eastern coast of the United States from Charleston, a beautiful city on the coast of South Carolina that’s full of history and culture, to Savannah, another southern pinnacle that is supplied with an old world charm and a modern flair. If you’re traveling from Charleston to Savannah via Interstate 26, then be sure to check out Historic Downtown Summerville before heading out, as it offers plenty of shops and restaurants along with historic sites like Old Towne Hall as well as several parks throughout the town where you can relax and take in the scenery. Elsewhere, plan to visit the over 35,000 artifacts on display at the Charleston Museum or simply visit the Market, located in downtown Charleston. The Market is home to different shops and restaurants, including local favorites like The Grove, Sticky Fingers Bakery & Café and more.

Once in Savannah, you’ll be able to inundate yourself with the first place you should stop is Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens. This plantation is home to a beautiful 18th century mansion and an authentic working rice plantation. You can take a tour of the plantation or just walk around and enjoy the beauty for free. Secondly, you should consider taking a tour of Bonaventure Cemetery. Understandably, a cemetery might not be the most fun sight to see, but Bonaventure Cemetery contains many interesting sculptures, mausoleums, and gravestones and is also known as “America’s Most Haunted Cemetery.” Lastly, for a little more culture, be sure to check out the Telfair Museum of Art and Jepson Center, as these two art museums showcase works by famous artists such as Picasso and Monet and also host different events throughout the year such as Jazz Concerts.

Ride the Rails in Europe

Outside of an enticing road trip, Travel + Leisure also suggests that you inject some wonder and excitement into your summer vacations by traveling by train in Europe. While there are many reasons to travel by train in Europe such as cost effectiveness or environmental efficiency, the most obvious and alluring is that it’s a great way to see the beautiful countryside of this area of the world. While it’s possible to drive through Europe, there are many beautiful spots where you’re not allowed to stop and walk around, or even pull over and snap a picture.

Hop Aboard a Cruise Line

Another suggestion for summer vacations from the article is to hop aboard a cruise, as they offer a variety of activities and entertainment that will make your trip memorable, whether it’s with family or friends. Once on a cruise, every element from food to entertainment is elevated. The cuisine that’s found on board cruises is delicious and plentiful, allowing you to choose from fine dining at a restaurant with white linen tablecloths and waiters in tuxedos or casual dining at an open-air deck buffet– depending on the mood you find yourself in. Similarly, cruises have many entertainment options available including live shows performed by professional entertainers, dance performances, piano bars and discos. Outside of performances, you can also find plenty of things to do during your down time such as golfing or shuffleboard tournaments, proving that there’s something for everyone.

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New Orleans Levee System is Completed ahead of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season

A celebration was recently held to commemorate the completion of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, an expansive levee system consisting of gates and flood-walls that will defend the Greater New Orleans Area against severe storms, according to this feature by Nola.com.

Known colloquially as “the Great Wall of Louisiana,” the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS)’s completion was celebrated by Gov. John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and various other state, local, and federal officials. The completion of the Greater New Orleans Hurricane System came just under two decades after Hurricane Katrinaprompted Congress to provide $14.5 billion to begin constructing a system that would provide the Greater New Orleans area with a protective system to help fend off future storm surges. That initial $14.5 investment allowed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to apply the latest data science and engineering practices in the design and construction processes.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards spoke of the project and the massive achievements of those involved in its completion by saying, “the HSDRRS is the largest civil works project in the Corps’ history and is the result of nearly two decades of hard work and collaboration at the local, state, and federal level. The people of New Orleans have experienced the worst Mother Nature has to offer, and with the completion of the system, they’ll be protected by the best of engineering, design, and hurricane protection.”

Now that the construction is completed, the federal government has formally turned over the completed system to Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority for purposes of operation and maintenance. Chip Kline, the chairman of Louisiana’s CPRA, called the system “one of the greatest engineering feats in the history of the world.” Kline went on to say, “this is a monumental day for Louisiana. In the past year, the state’s coastal program has made historic investments in restoration and hurricane protection across South Louisiana, and the turnover of the HSDRRSis yet another critical step in this effort. With its completion, nearly a million people and over $170 billion in assets are better protected.”

Because two New Orleans-area flood protection authorities will be taking over the maintenance and operations of the system upon its completion, both the East and West Louisiana Flood Protection Authority will fund the upkeep and operation of the levee system. This amounts to about $7.8 million for the west bank and $25 million for the east bank.

While forecasters are already predicting a particularly active hurricane season for the Gulf Coast, Louisiana State Officials are already determined to make it clear to residents that this levee system project will not eliminate all risk factors and that people should still make evacuation plans ahead of time. The Governor’s office reminded citizens that as the state and Greater New Orleans region enter into the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the HSDRRS should never be considered to be a “life safety system.”

Commander of the USACE New Orleans District Col. Stephen Murphy spoke of his confidence in the project’s final form by saying, “we know that eventually, we will face a surge greater than the 1-percent elevations so we designed the HSDRRS to be overtopped. With all of the armoring now in place, this system enters the 2022 Hurricane Seasonstronger than it has ever been.”

Due to the detrimental active Hurricane season of the past two years, not only is the completion of this “Great Wall of Louisiana” greatly appreciated, but it should be noted that it is only one component of an individual or the state’s overall hurricane preparedness plan. For the state of Louisiana, that means the local, state, and federal emergency response plans, which are coordinated and rehearsed throughout the year, are also an integral part of preparing for the storms to come.

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What to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located on the eastern border of Tennessee is the delightful mountain town of Gatlinburg. Supplied with its 5,000 residents and thousands of tourists who cannot resist the Appalachian charm of this must-visit treasure of the south, Gatlinburg is the perfect summer spot for anyone seeking remarkable experiences in nature, culture, and more. So check out this handy travel guide from Southern Living before hitting the road so that you can get the most out of “the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Gatlinburg, TN.

Due to the fact that this mountain resort city is so besieged by ever-changing fall foliage, vibrantly-blossoming springtime flowers, and mythical morning fog in the summer, it’s no wonder why tourists and locals alike attribute a sort of magic quality to this destination’s ever-growing list of attributes. So, if you’re interested in experiencing Gatlinburg first-hand in order to see what wonders are in store for you, then look no further than this list of attractions, experiences, and opportunities that will showcase the best of the mountain town just for you.

Peaking at the top of nearly every visitor’s guide to Gatlinburg is arguably the best chance to see literally everything going on in the town and the surrounding area. Of course, this is in reference to the 680-foot SkyPark, otherwise known as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge on the continent of North America. Honestly, if you want to take in a survey of the mountainous areas, trails, and bodies of water to explore during your stay, there’s really no better vantage point than SkyBridge or the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which stands at a height of 400 feet in the air and accessible via a glass elevator.

If you’re allured by the miles-long legend of the feuding Hatfields and McCoys, then you might want to seek out a trip to Pigeon Forge and take in a Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show so that you can be entertained by a dramatized version of the conflict. While it’s not the most historically accurate representation of this iconic feud, the performers are enthusiastic in their retelling, the country cuisine is enticing, and the atmosphere in the rustic barn-style theater is guaranteed to add some family-fun entertainment to your trip.

Alternatively, if you want more of a nature-fueled adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then consider embarking on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.4 round trip hike leading you to winding pathways, each to their own waterfall. Make an effort to embark on a hike that’s practically mythical: the Rainbow Falls hike, which leads you to a massive 80-foot tall waterfall that is the highest single drop of cascading water to be found in the entire park. If one waterfall isn’t enough for you, then you can venture out to the Place of A Thousand Drips to see dozens upon dozens of tiny cascading waterfalls. Otherwise, if you’re seeing more of an experience, you can take another pathway, the Trillium Gap Trail, that takes you to the impressive, 25-foot high Grotto Falls, a breathtakingly beautiful spot that lets you walk in the quiet secrecy that is the backside of a waterfall. This is the only spot in the entire National Park where you can experience the behind-the-waterfall perspective.

On the more commercial side of things, Gatlinburg is flush with opportunities to be entertained in all things spectacular, curious, and imaginative. Namely, Gatlinburg is home to several event centers that are an essential part of the “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” franchise. For instance, if you need a high-quality, family-fun arcade to pass the time in, there’s Ripley’s Super Fun Zone, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse, and (perhaps most-notably) Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium.

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