Mardi Gras is here! If you’re not going to a celebration, there’s plenty of time to draft up a festive menu to enjoy at home.
King Cake, pictured above. You’ve got to have this fluffy, yeasted cake for Mardi Gras! A simple dough and filling means you can spend your energy decorating and eating it. You might even want this Mardi Gras Punch with it; it’s decorated with the same colored sugars. Or, The Night Tripper cocktail, which gets its name from a nickname for New Orleans musician Dr. John and has a cinnamon syrup to match the flavor of a king cake.
Shrimp Étouffée. Make this meal in just 30 minutes! From our very own recipes editor Ann Maloney, you’ll get this ultra-quick, weeknight friendly dish with the fundamentals of Creole and Cajun cooking: making a roux and harnessing the power of the “trinity” (onion, celery, green bell pepper). And if you’d like to take the trinity in a different direction, make Gumbo z’Herbes.
Sazerac. The official drink of New Orleans is a must! And it really is the official drink — legally.
Red Beans and Rice. Keep it classic, but keep it easy with this simplified version of red beans and rice that comes together in under an hour.
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Have you checked on your credit yet? No, I’m not talking about your FICO score, but the credit you receive for the work you are doing for yourself and for others. It’s just a simple Google search to see where you land in the search engine results. This is also a gauge, in this day and age, to determine how well-known you are and how you rank amongst others in the public sphere.
When I decided to re-enroll in school to finish my Bachelor of Communications, I decided to go online with the University of Phoenix. At the time, it was right after the housing market crash, so no one was hiring. My decision to go this route was because I knew that I would be working while going to school, eventually. It needed to be flexible with my schedule so that I could have control over when I worked on my homework, when I would submit exams, etc., while carrying a full work schedule.
I remember working on group projects within certain classes where there was always a student peer who would do the bare minimum or nothing at all sometimes, and that would affect the outcome of the group’s grade. Sometimes one or two people out of the four or five would be responsible enough to carry the group. I was always one of the students who would carry the group or help push the team to the finish line.
As an entrepreneur who has engaged in freelance jobs or contractual types of work for the last several years, I’ve encountered situations that make me feel like I’m back in the role of being the responsible, more reliable one on the team to carry out or see the project through. This not only discouraged me at times, but it thrust me into the land of complete burnout. Relationships became transactional rather than transformational. I began to compare myself based on comments made from higher-ups, and I could feel the level of excellence that I held myself to declining.
It is important for creatives, producers, managers, etc., to receive credit for the work they do. Whether actively or passively, many people put their heart and soul into their work. Some people may not look for credit, which is fine; however, that does not negate the fact they deserve credit for what they do. It also does not prevent folks from recognizing their work and placing said credit on them.
What can creatives, innovators, idealists and visionaries do to ensure that credit is properly given for their contributions?
Creatives can submit compositions, literary works and other content for copyrights.
This is a simple administrative task you can do after you create any compositions from scripts and songs to artwork, photos and other digital content. You can visit the U.S. Copyright Office’s website to submit up to 10 unpublished works in one application. This can save you time and money on registration, particularly, if you will be submitting more work in the future.
Inventors can submit for patents, and founders/creators submit for trademarks.
This is a more tedious process, and if you aren’t careful, you could make a mistake that can cost you a little bit more. You can visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website to submit an application for a patent or trademark. Typically, people hire an attorney or go through services like LegalZoom in order for someone who has more experience to submit on their behalf, to take the guesswork out of the process.
Photographers and photojournalists can receive photo credits.
When a photographer takes a photo of a person, place or thing and publishes it — unless it is specifically outlined in their publishing that it is royalty-free — their work is protected. Services like Pexels, Shutterstock and even Canva have royalty-free images, graphics and videos that allow users to use the images for free or for a small fee. A mention typically accompanies the photo wherever it appears, denoting credit for the photographer.
Music producers, songwriters, filmmakers and producers, playwrights, painters, illustrators and many more are all creative roles that receive, deserve and command credit for the work that is produced and displayed.
But don’t be discouraged if you aren’t receiving the credit you are seeking. Know that there are spaces where you belong. If there are spaces that you desire to be in, but there are obstacles and/or gatekeepers, move around them. There will be people on your path who will provide the reciprocity and recognition you deserve.
Changing careers isn’t a bad thing, especially if you’ve realized you have outgrown your position, have a toxic work environment or perhaps your passions have simply changed. Sometimes the grass really is greener on the other side.
However, with this influx of quitting and hiring and quitting some more, how do you keep your head above water and come out on the other side of the Great Resignation with a new job that’s right for you?
We wanted that answer, too, which is why we asked an expert at one of the top job board sites around for some tips and tricks. Julia Pollak, Chief Economist at ZipRecruiter, was kind enough to lay it all out for us, answering career questions you may be too nervous to ask your boss about, but certainly need to know if you’re on the hunt for a new position during these crazy times.
What is the Great Resignation?
Julia Pollak, Chief Economist at ZipRecruiter, explained to The Post all about the “Great Resignation” and how to come out on top of it, too.Courtesy of Julia Pollak
Really, the question is what is it and also why should you care? Well, if you are a job seeker right now, you should care quite a lot, as there are more job opportunities than ever before and your dream position could be among them.
“There are more than twice as many job postings on ZipRecruiter now than before the pandemic,” said Pollak. “With record-high numbers of workers quitting their jobs each month, the economy is generating large numbers of vacancies and white-hot demand for candidates.”
Record high, indeed, as according to The Society for Human Resource Management, more than 3.95 million people quit their jobs in 2021, beating out the previous record of 3.5 million in 2019.
But with new vacancies comes new opportunities, as Pollak said, and the demand is higher than ever for well-qualified candidates — such as yourself, perhaps.
“In a labor shortage like this one, where employers are struggling to attract and retain talent, you may have more leverage than you think. Apply far and wide so that you have multiple options, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your offer,” said Pollak.
How do I join in on the “Great Resignation” wave?
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Quitting your job can be scary and intimidating, but is also a part of life in our growing and fast-paced world. During the “Great Resignation” many took this as the permission they needed to finally quit, but not before doing their research and proper preparation, we hope. Pollak outlined four steps, listed below, to consider when thinking about leaving a job, helping to ensure it is as painless a process as possible.
Introspection: Think hard about what the ideal job for you would look like, what you really want, and what your deal-breakers are.
Preparation: Create a job seeker profile on ZipRecruiter and upload your resume, so that employers who are looking for candidates with your skills and experience can find you.
Research: Explore what’s out there. Don’t just restrict yourself to searching job sites like ZipRecruiter for particular job titles. Search for keywords that reflect your interests and passions, and the kinds of company characteristics and working conditions that make you thrive.
Be responsive: Read your email alerts. Respond quickly when employers reach out. Be ready for success.
Using the above as your guide and your gut as the driving factor to know when quitting is the right move for you. Also, create a mental timeline and start your search early, so you can have a new position lined up before you need to give your two-weeks notice.
“It can sometimes take time to find a great match, and hiring processes can sometimes be slow, so it makes sense to start looking 3-4 months before your desired start date,” suggested Pollak.
Tips for how to win at the “Great Resignation” and score a new job
ZipRecruiter
While no one can predict how each job interview will go in your future, there are some tips and tricks for how to best position yourself to employers during these unprecedented times. If your goal is to walk away from 2022 with a new job in hand and an old one in your rearview mirror, these tips are for you.
Be positive: Framing yourself and your past experiences in a positive light can make all the difference. Even if you think your time off or a gap in a resume is a bad thing, flip the script and talk about all your skills, including soft skills you have have picked up while unemployed.
Apply with speed: “When you receive alerts notifying you that relevant jobs have been posted, apply right away if the job is a good match,” said Pollak. “Speed matters. Employers often only look at applications received in the first week or two —especially now when many employers are short-staffed and have an urgent need.”
Keep an open mind: Making sure to apply to jobs that you can see yourself working at is a must, but also don’t let what you think you know limit you. “One great thing about online job search technology is that it can recommend jobs to you that are a great match for your skills and experience, but that you may never have considered or even known about before,” said Pollak.
With these tips in your back pocket, a freshly updated resume and a new job board profile created, you can win at the “Great Resignation,” taking home the prize of a new job and peace of mind knowing you did your due diligence along the way.
When you take an aging parent to a medical appointment, you wind up playing many roles. Suddenly you’re not just a concerned family member, but also a caregiver and a medical advocate. Our tips can help you navigate and assist your parent or family member in getting care.
Millions of family caregivers need guidance
While most of us aren’t trained to juggle these jobs, we’re in good company: more than 40 million people in the US are caring for family members. Like you, they are learning as they go along. And the veterans know that a key to accompanying a parent to the doctor is preparation, with good reason. "There’s limited time with a doctor, maybe 20 or 30 minutes. You’ll need to be efficient and organized so you can pack as much as possible into the visit," says Dr. Suzanne Salamon, associate chief of gerontology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Below are 10 tips to keep you on track before, during, and after the appointment.
Information to share or gather before medical visits
Call ahead to say you’ll be accompanying your parent. Find out if you’ll be allowed in the exam room, and if your parent needs to sign a form so the doctor can speak with you. "Tell the office if your parent has designated you as the health care proxy — the person who’ll speak for your parent if they’re unable to answer for themselves," Dr. Salamon says. If so, share that document.
Get basic information from your parent. You’ll need to know their medical history to speak knowledgeably with the doctor and office staff. This includes current health conditions, past surgeries, current medications and supplements, and any allergies to medications. If your parent is unable to help, see if another family member has answers.
Fill out paperwork in advance. Some medical offices want new and even existing patients to fill out paperwork detailing the patient’s medical history, insurance, and current symptoms. That’s time consuming and challenging for older parents who may have confusion or arthritis that makes writing hard. Ask if paperwork can be mailed or downloaded. Then complete the paperwork before appointment time.
Gather intel to share with the doctor. "Is your parent taking medications properly? Have you noticed lapses in memory? Are the bills getting paid? Is the garbage being taken out? Does your parent use an assistive walking device or lean on furniture to walk? Is your mom or dad eating, bathing, or talking to people every day?" Dr. Salamon asks.
On the day of the medical visit
Make a list of concerns. Create a bullet-point list of your parent’s symptoms, questions, and other medical concerns. You can also include symptoms you’ve noticed in your parent, such as difficulty getting through daily activities. Keep the list brief and to the point. "You can hand it to the doctor at the time of the appointment. It’s even more helpful if you send it a few days before," Dr. Salamon says.
Bag up all medicines, vitamins, and other supplements. Bring these to the appointment so the doctor will know exactly what your parent takes and the doses. "It also helps me check if too many medications are being taken. For example, I’ve seen two bottles of the same prescription — a brand name and a generic — and the person is taking both and doesn’t realize it," Dr. Salamon says.
Decide who’s doing the talking. Before going to the appointment, talk to your mom or dad about how much interaction you should have with the doctor. "Don’t go in thinking you’ll do all the talking, and don’t be silent the whole time. Ask what your parent is comfortable with," Dr. Salamon says. "Is it okay to chime in if there’s a gap in information?"
Be respectful of your parent. Don’t treat your parent like a child and don’t criticize your parent, especially in front of the doctor. "Use words in a kind, supportive way," Dr. Salamon advises. "If a parent isn’t sure about a medication, say, ‘Mom, remember you started taking that medicine seven months ago?’ Don’t say, ‘Mom, I can’t believe you don’t know your own medications!’ It’s humiliating. Help your parent retain dignity."
Take notes. Write down the doctor’s observations, advice, and instructions. Also, write down the answers to your list of concerns and questions.
After the medical visit
Follow up. If the doctor provides instructions, post them in a visible spot in your parent’s home. Also, write up or print out your notes and give them to your parent. Make sure your parent gets any prescribed medicines and knows how to take them. Mark upcoming appointments or tests on your parent’s calendar.
Ask your parent if you can manage their patient portal account to communicate with the doctor. This may be more efficient than trying to talk by phone (remember to identify yourself as the adult child).
"And make sure your mom or dad understands the next steps of the treatment plan. You’re on the care team now," Dr. Salamon says. "It’s an important role, and your parent will be counting on you."
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
In addition to promoting the 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone-based counseling service, the Tips campaign will now also promote the new National Texting Portal developed in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute. Available in English and Spanish, the portal is designed to reach adults who may want to receive text messages to support them as they quit smoking. Adults can text QUITNOW to 333888 for free help in English or text DÉJELO YA to 333888 for free help in Spanish (mobile plan data and message rates may apply). Evidence-based texting services are an important complement to 1-800-QUIT-NOW, as texting services may reach people who want additional quit support but may be less likely to call a quitline.
Evidence-based campaign continues with new powerful stories
The Tips campaign continues to tell powerful stories about real people experiencing smoking-related diseases and disabilities and the toll these conditions have taken on them and their loved ones.
The new 2022 Tips ads feature the following people:
Tonya M. developed heart failure from smoking cigarettes and relies on a surgically implanted heart pump to keep her alive. Now Tonya's husband and kids take care of her.
Michael F. lives with smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In his new ad, Michael explains that his wife used to smoke too, but she quit so she could stay healthy enough to help take care of him.
Rebecca C. smoked cigarettes and got Buerger's disease, which cut off blood flow to her right foot. Only after the surgery to remove all five toes on her right foot did she fully understand how smoking could change her life.
Geri M. smoked menthol cigarettes and now lives with COPD. Although it's becoming harder and harder for her to breathe, Geri's tip is to enjoy every day and never give up hope about the future.
Asaad M. was 19 when his mother was diagnosed with colorectal cancer from smoking cigarettes, and he became her full-time caregiver. His tip for families is to find gratitude everywhere you can because nothing in life is guaranteed.
"For the past 10 years, the Tips campaign has saved lives and smoking-related healthcare costs with powerful, effective ads that motivate adults to quit smoking," said CDC Acting Deputy Director Debra Houry, MD, MPH. "One of the most important actions people can take to improve their health is to quit smoking. Today, we're releasing new ads and resources to inspire adults to make that lifesaving decision."
Tips addresses health disparities in pursuit of health equity
Although there has been significant progress in reducing cigarette smoking, it remains the single largest cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. In addition, unfair and unjust practices, policies, and social conditions have affected some population groups more than others, which, in part, has contributed to higher smoking prevalence in these populations.
The Tips campaign addresses tobacco-related health disparities to advance health equity by increasing the reach, representation, receptivity, and accessibility of quit smoking messages. The campaign also increases awareness of free quit-smoking resources among all adults—no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make. CDC develops evidence-based ads featuring people who reflect the diversity of those suffering from smoking-related health conditions and promotes free options to help people quit smoking. These ads are strategically placed on a variety of media platforms to reach communities and groups with high levels of smoking and smoking-related diseases.
The adverse effects of smoking are clear and well-documented. Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in the human body and can increase the risk of more severe illness from COVID-19. Quitting smoking is beneficial at any age. For more information about the Tips campaign, including real stories from people who used to smoke, other campaign resources, and links to the ads, visit www.cdc.gov/Tips.
CDC works 24/7 saving lives, protecting people from health threats, and saving money through prevention. Whether these threats are global or domestic, chronic or acute, curable or preventable, natural disaster or deliberate attack, CDC is the nation's health protection agency.
For just 2 months each year, a large swath of land in Carlsbad, California, bursts with color as thousands of ranunculus blossom at The Flower Fields. It’s a joy to see the flowers from the car while speeding along on Interstate 5, but the best way to enjoy them is to purchase tickets and roam the fields where they are planted.
85 years of cultivation has resulted in the many-layered ranunculus in 13 different colors that visitors see today. All of it was made possible thanks to a long-standing friendship and partnership of two flower farmers, Edwin Frazee and Paul Ecke. Over time they expanded a basic growing operation into a much-beloved spring destination for locals and tourists alike.
Richard Fitzer / Shutterstock.com
1. Getting To The Flower Fields
Located about 30 minutes north of San Diego and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles, the Flower Fields are best accessed by car since public transportation is limited in this area. The entrance is just a short distance off Interstate 5, next to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets.
Open For Just Two Months
Ranunculus are in bloom for just 2 months each year – typically March and April – so if you want to see them, be sure to check the opening dates on The Flower Fields website and snag your tickets. If you’re looking for a really special way to celebrate Mother’s Day, consider visiting on the closing day and browse the many acres of flowers with mom.
Pro Tip: If you want to keep track of exactly when the flowers will bloom, head to the website and click on the “Bloom Status” button in the upper right-hand corner.
Photo Credit: Wendy Lee
2. Buy Your Tickets In Advance
Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Those who have visited in past years will remember the many ticket booths at the entrance, but during the pandemic, The Flower Fields changed to online sales only to control the number of guests. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are sold for a specific time. Visitors should allow about 2 hours for a visit.
bonandbon / Shutterstock.com
3. Be Prepared To Walk
Planted over 50 acres on a gentle slope, appreciating the flower fields will require walking. Come prepared with comfortable shoes and clothing. Walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs will have a difficult time navigating the uphill, dirt pathways.
If you have limited mobility, consider purchasing a ticket for the tractor wagon ride. The open-air wagon, pulled by a John Deere tractor, is a fun way to see the flowers from a slightly elevated vantage point. An audio recording tells the story of The Flower Fields. Boarding ramps are available for anyone needing assistance entering the wagon. Tickets can be purchased on site.
Pro Tip: Your walking will likely begin after parking. While there is no charge to park, the lot is large and on busy weekends you may have a 5 to 10-minute walk to the front gate.
Photo Credit: Wendy Lee
4. How To Avoid Crowds
Fields of flowers in pink, orange, red, yellow, and white are sure to attract large numbers of visitors. In fact, over 100,000 people visit each year. Anyone wanting to avoid the busiest times should plan to come Monday through Thursday, preferably at opening time.
Take Some Flowers Home
While you can’t pick the flowers, you can purchase them after your visit at the adjacent Armstrong Garden Center. This popular Southern California gardening store sells small bouquets of ranunculus in all the available colors. They also have a large selection of plants, garden supplies, and home decor.
The author at one of The Flower Fields’ great photo locations (Photo Credit: Wendy Lee)
5. Look For The Photo Opportunities
One of the best reasons to visit The Flower Fields is for the photos. It’s hard to imagine a better backdrop than thousands of colorful and delicate ranunculus. Fortunately, dozens of sites have been set up for visitors to pose. Wait your turn in line and then strike a pose.
It’s important to know that walking through the fields is not allowed. Visitors must observe all roped-off areas in order to protect the flowers.
Pro Tip: If getting the perfect photo is important to you, be sure to arrive early. Lines for the photo sites can get long, especially on weekends.
McKayla Kreutzkamp / Shutterstock.com
6. So Much To See After The Flower Fields
Don’t stop after exploring the fields of ranunculus, but be sure to stay for all the other attractions.
A great photo opportunity is the Fountain Garden, a collection of colorful blooms surrounding a circular water fountain. The Sweet Pea Maze is a one-of-a-kind floral labyrinth that surrounds participants with the aroma of flowers. If you’re visiting with children, be sure to explore Santa’s Playground, which is filled with whimsical playhouses. New this year is a 5-acre patch of sunflowers of all colors.
Poinsettia lovers won’t want to miss the Historic Poinsettia Display, a 1,500 square foot greenhouse filled with the world-famous Paul Ecke poinsettias including 20 rare varieties.
7. Take A Snack Break
If you get hungry, choose from among several food vendors including Pizza Trolley, Sweet Swirls Ice Cream, Rollin’ Beans Coffee Company, and Kettle Kernels Popcorn.
For something extra special head to Strawberry Shack of Carlsbad for award-winning strawberry shakes, strawberry shortcake sundaes, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Photo Credit: Wendy Lee
8. Attend An Event
Each year The Flower Fields hosts a variety of public events making it possible to experience the venue from a different perspective. This year will include Tea In The Garden, Flower Flow Yoga, Sunset Wine Tasting & Music, Kid’s Day, and Girl Scout Day. Details about each offering are available on the website.
Simone Hogan / Shutterstock.com
9. Explore Carlsbad Village
If you’ve driven a distance to visit The Flower Fields, why not extend your day and explore the nearby Carlsbad Village. This charming part of town borders the beach and offers boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s perfectly flat, making it easy to walk anywhere.
To relax on the sand or wade in the water head to South Ponto Beach or Carlsbad State Beach. Both are popular with surfers, so keep your eyes on the water to see who’s catching a wave.
For a hearty breakfast head to Beach Break Cafe. Locals have long raved about this place known for its generous portions and excellent coffee. If it’s comfort food you prefer, try Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe, a Carlsbad institution since 1994. If you happen to be around for dinner and want something really special, try Campfire, recently recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
To learn more about exploring California, check out the following articles:
With Mardi Gras fast approaching, Stacker compiled a list of 10 classic New Orleans dishes you can make to celebrate using Allrecipes.com, Southern food scholarship, and New Orleans food blogs.
10 New Orleans-inspired recipes to make for Mardi Gras
10 New Orleans-inspired recipes to make for Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, originated as a festive holiday in mostly Roman Catholic locales. The holiday falls the day before Ash Wednesday, a period of fast marking the beginning of Lent that leads up to Easter Sunday. It has, however, grown more secular and widely celebrated in New Orleans over time, now extending to a full week of indulgence, merriment, and feasting before the long period of fasting and stringency.
Besides the legendary parades and world-famous floats, Mardi Gras is famously a time for indulging in New Orleans’ favorite foods, a fabulous amalgamation of Cajun, Creole, French, Spanish, West African, and Indigenous cuisines. With Mardi Gras fast approaching, Stacker compiled a list of 10 classic New Orleans dishes you can make to celebrate using Allrecipes.com, Southern food scholarship, and New Orleans food blogs.
Perhaps the most quintessential Mardi Gras food, king cake is a flaky, bread-like pastry in the shape of a ring, decorated with green, gold, and purple, colors which represent faith, power, and justice, respectively. Check out this recipe for authentic New Orleans-style king cake, and don’t forget to hide a small baby figurine inside the cake—whoever finds the baby in their slice of the cake is the host of the following year’s celebration.
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Jambalaya
A classic Creole and Cajun dish, jambalaya consists of flavorful rice combined with smoky andouille sausage, seafood or meat (or both), vegetables, and spices. The rice is cooked in broth with the rest of the ingredients, and becomes imbued with the spices and flavors of the dish. This recipe combines andouille sausage and chicken but is adaptable to adding other proteins like shrimp.
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Gumbo
The name “gumbo” originates from a West African word for okra. The dish is as cross-cultural in origin as Louisiana itself, with African American, Indigenous, and French influences. This recipe for classic Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo starts with a roux to thicken the soup.
Canva
Red beans and rice
Red beans and rice represent a dish historically prepared on Mondays in New Orleans, the city’s laundry day. The dish’s lengthy cook time but relatively hands-off preparation was well suited to the all-day affair of washing and repurposing ham bones from Sunday night’s dinner. Today, red beans and rice are enjoyed throughout the week. This recipe benefits from slow preparation, as well as spending 24 hours in the fridge so the flavors can continue to develop.
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Crawfish étouffée
Étouffée comes from the French verb “to smother.” Crawfish, Louisiana’s favorite tiny, prehistoric crustacean, is smothered in a buttery roux and melded with Creole spices, but this recipe allows for shrimp to be used in place of crawfish if they’re not in season, or if crawfish aren’t available.
Po’ boys, or “poor boy sandwiches,” originated during the 1929 New Orleans streetcar strike as a nourishing and cheap meal for striking laborers. The sandwich, served on french bread with remoulade sauce and some kind of deep fried protein, persists in popularity in the city today. This recipe uses catfish, but substitutions of shrimp, oysters, or even fried chicken are not uncommon.
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Crawfish boil
As much an excuse for New Orleanians to gather in their backyards as they are a culinary experience, crawfish boils are at the heart of social and food culture in the Crescent City. While boils are usually cooked outdoors in massive vats, this recipe is a slightly scaled down version of the classic boil, which features a massive amount of crawfish, fresh corn, potatoes, sausage, and more, all boiled in spicy broth. Best enjoyed in a sunny backyard.
Allrecipes
Beignets
Perhaps no New Orleans food is more famous than beignets and a steaming cup of café au lait from the legendary French Quarter institution Café du Monde. The crispy, hole-less doughnut is covered in a snow of powdered sugar and eaten warm. This recipe uses mostly pantry staples and is home-cook friendly.
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Shrimp and grits
Few dishes are more comforting than shrimp served over creamy grits. Though its precise origins remain mysterious, one food historian opines that the dish's birthplace was Mozambique. This recipe employs andouille sausage for smokiness and two types of cheese in the grits for maximum luxuriousness.
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Maque choux
Maque choux is a vegetable side dish consisting of fresh corn, peppers, and onions braised in bacon fat. Thought to have Cajun, Indigenous, and Spanish influences, the original maque choux would have used seasonal vegetables grown in Louisiana’s gardens. This recipe also uses garlic and celery for additional flavor.
Charity Morgan wants to meet people where they are. That’s why the plant-based chef for athletes and celebrities fills her first cookbook with recipes for vegan versions of comfort-food favorites. She doesn’t want anyone who wants to avoid animal products — for a night, a month or a lifetime — to give up over an obstacle like, say, French toast.
The wife of a former Tennessee Titans linebacker, Morgan made her name as the vegan chef who cooked for Titans in the popular documentary “The Game Changers,” which seeks to debunk two ideas: that athletes need to eat meat, and that all vegans are scrawny.
In her book, “Unbelievably Vegan,” Morgan writes about how her personal-chef business grew out of sending her husband, Derrick, to practice with her specially prepared vegan meals. “Then a funny thing happened,” she writes. “His teammates, who just a few weeks before had teased him about his ‘plants,’ watched him eat these delicious homemade meals and started saying, ‘What! That doesn’t look like salad! That looks so good,’ or ‘What is that? Can you ask your wife if she can send me a meal, too?’” Within a month, she was cooking for 12 players — and in 2017, coincidentally or not, the Titans went to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
I’m certainly no athlete, but I can identify with Morgan’s descriptions of the increased energy that comes from eating a plant-based diet. And while I gravitate toward foods that emphasize a variety of vegetables, legumes and grains, I’m not above comfort-food indulgences. Her Eggless French Toast is just the thing for breakfast or brunch — or breakfast-for-dinner, one of my favorite categories of time-strapped cooking.
How do you make French toast without eggs and dairy? It’s pretty simple: You make a smooth, creamy custard from coconut milk, chickpea flour, banana and a flax “egg.” The latter is a tried-and-true replacement that employs ground flax and water, which together become sticky enough to help act as a binder in baked goods. Besides that, everything else in this recipe comes together just as a traditional one does: You whisk the batter, soak the bread, and griddle the slices until they’re browned on the outside but still moist and spongy inside.
The only decision left is how to serve it: with berries? Maple syrup? Whipped coconut cream? Confectioner’s sugar? Some nights, you might want just one or two of the above; other times, you’ll want to pile it on.
Perhaps best of all, while this French toast is excellent when freshly made, don’t despair if you have leftovers. I used some of mine to make sandwiches for my husband and teenage foster son, and got raves from both.
Make Ahead: The custard can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days before soaking the bread and making the toast. Rewhisk before using.
Storage Notes: Refrigerate for up to 3 days; rewarm in the oven before serving.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
3 tablespoons boiling water
1 1/4 cups unsweetened coconut milk (from one 13.5-ounce can)
1/2 cup (60 grams) chickpea flour
1 large ripe banana, peeled
2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for serving
2 teaspoons vanilla powder or vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
Neutral oil, such as vegetable, for greasing the pan
10 thick slices bread
Optional toppings: Fresh fruit, maple syrup, confectioner’s sugar and/or Whipped Coconut Cream(see related recipe)
To make the flax “egg,” in a small bowl, whisk together the flaxseed meal with the boiling water until combined. Let sit until thickened, about 2 minutes.
In a blender, combine the coconut milk, chickpea flour, banana, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, and puree until smooth. Pour into a shallow bowl, and whisk in the flax “egg.”
Position a rack in the center of the oven, place a large baking sheet on the rack and preheat to 200 degrees.
Heat a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Brush with oil.
Dip a slice of bread into the batter and let it soak for 20 to 30 seconds, turning to coat both sides. Let excess batter drip off into the bowl, and add to the griddle. Cook until deeply browned on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes total. Transfer to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm, and repeat with the remaining bread slices and batter.
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