RSS Feed

The annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, annually April fete, is in full swing as you read this article. February through April is considered prime season. Boo and I have been to the fest when there were no strawberries, just a good time. New varieties have lengthened harvesting season. With fresh strawberries, treat choices are amazing with strawberry ice cream, strawberry cakes, muffins, and pancakes to name a few. There are strawberry daiquiris, martinis, and margaritas. Local antique stores and street artisans abound. Last time we went, I bought a large, beautiful red bowl that holds fruit and snacks on our kitchen counter. Lucious berries were available at the supermarket lately, sweet and ready to eat but grown in California. Louisiana varieties should be available soon.
We plan on taking I-12 going home from Augusta hoping to buy a crate of strawberries along the way. Hopefully I can bring some fresh ones home to my brother Myron, who needs a treat to help him deal with a health problem.

LAYERED PEANUT BUTTER DIP

Great treat for peanut butter lovers

INGREDIENTS

-8 oz cream cheese, softened
-1/2 cup peanut butter
-1 cup Marshmallow Fluff
-1 cup powdered sugar
-1/2 tsp vanilla
-Pinch salt
-Melted peanut butter.

MISE EN PLACE

-In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, peanut butter, Fluff, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
-Transfer dip to an attractive correct-sized bowl.
-Place sliced strawberries over dip, optional.
-Drizzle with melted peanut butter.
-Fresh or canned fruit are good “dippers.”
The ones that are friendly to peanut butter are pineapple chunks, green or red grapes, bananas (ask Elvis), kiwi, cantaloupe, and whole strawberries.
Crackers always make good dippers, especially if you decide to add the sliced strawberries to the dip. Ritz crackers, Sociables, Cheez-It Bigs, Nut-Thins, Wavy Potato Chips are just few choices. These all produce that salty/sweet flavor that is so good.

LAYERED SWEET DIP

Lovely dessert
Dip with cookies of your choice

INGREDIENTS

-2 1/4 cups whole milk
-1 (3.9 oz) package chocolate flavored instant pudding and pie filling
-1 (24 oz) package no-bake cheesecake filling ( such as Philadelphia)
-2 cups chopped or crumbled brownies
-2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (16 oz) container
-2 cups heavy whipping cream
-2 tbsp vanilla extract*
-2 tbsp powdered sugar or to taste, optional
-1/2 cup maraschino cherries with stems
-2 tbsp shaved dark chocolate, from 3.5 oz
70% cacao chocolate candy bar

MISE EN PLACE

-Whisk milk and instant pudding mix together in a large bowl until dissolved, about 2 minutes.
-Set aside until thickened, about 5 minutes.
-Spread cheesecake filling in an even layer in the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch square glass inches.
-Sprinkle crumblef brownies next.
-Spread thickened pudding mix over cheesecake filling.
-Arrange chopped strawberries in an even layer over brownies.
-Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer in a large bowl until medium-stiff peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes.
-Spoon whipped cream mixture over strawberries, or just buy Cool Whip Extra Creamy.
-Arrange cherries over whipped cream.
-Sprinkle with shaved chocolate.
All of the cracker choices listed under the Layered Peanut Butter dip will work here.
*I’ve made a similar dip, but 2 tablespoons of vanilla sounds like too much to me. Two teaspoons seem better to me, although vanilla is not my favorite flavoring. Sometimes vanilla is necessary; if not I use almond extract.

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD

A welcome favorite
Good as a meal or side salad

INGREDIENTS

-10 oz bag fresh spinach in produce department
-Small bag iceberg lettuce or Romaine*
-2 1/2 cups quartered strawberries
-1/2 cup roasted nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or your nut favorite.**
-4 oz Feta, blue cheese, or goat cheese***
-Small sliced red onion****
-Dressing of choice

MISE EN PLACE

-Chop spinach into bite-size pieces. I like finely chopped.
-Chop iceberg or Romaine into similar sizes.
-Toss greens together.
-Add strawberries.
-Sprinkle nuts over salad.
Suggested salad dressings are several choices; Brianna’s Poppy Seed Dressing, Marie’s or Marzetti’s Spinach Salad Dressing, or vinaigrette such as apple cider, balsamic, or raspberries. These are well-known popular dressing for spinach salad. Your own favorite dressing may work, but these mentioned marry the spinach and the strawberries.
*A spinach salad purist would frown on mention of another salad green. Adding another lettuce makes the salad base of spinach a little easier to chew without radically changing the flavor.
**Roasting the nuts provides flavor and aroma that enhances the popularity.
***These pungent cheese ingredients are prevalent in spinach salad dressings.
Boo doesn’t eat any of this, so my spinach salads are single serving size.
****In researching, I found several recipes that include onions. Add the onions right before the strawberries. I have not included them, but I like raw onions. Maybe I will try that, but cutting up an onion for such a small amount is not my habit. Boo always buys frozen onion for cooking.

STRAWBERRY SOUP

Great appetizer for ladies luncheon

INGREDIENTS

-5 cups quartered strawberries
-1/4 cup sugar
-1/2 tsp salt
-1 cup sparkling wine, such as prosecco
-Place strawberries in a blender. I process about 3/4 of strawberries and leave some quarter. I like to chew my food.
-Sprinkle with sugar or salt,
-Process until smooth.
-Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
-Stir in prosecco just before serving, or add to bowl of each person at their preference of amount of bubbles.

Masters Week has been an annual trip for Boo 33 years now, only skipping the Covid year when no spectators were allowed. I’ve been at least 20 times, and since I don’t have Boo’s energy, only half the week is on my schedule now.
I’m finishing up this missive en route to Augusta Thursday morning. Weather app says temperatures are in high 40’s, which is chilly for me, but highs in the mid 80’s are expected Saturday and Sunday.
It’s a beautiful sunny drive to Augusta this morning. Coy, my chauffeur, is a careful driver and a great conversationist. It’s a very pleasant trip.

Jusqu’a la semaine prochaine!

billielandry@iosinces,com

Chloe Chargois has been named a Stamps Scholar—one of the nation’s most prestigious merit-based scholarships.
This fall, she will attend Louisiana State University (LSU) as part of the Stamps Scholars Program, which honors students for their leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to service.
This year, LSU received approximately 65,000 applications, making Chloe’s achievement even more remarkable. After
submitting her application and essays, she was selected as one of the top 50 applicants invited to campus for a special weekend that included tours and multiple rounds of interviews. From there, she advanced to the top 15 finalists who were ultimately awarded the prestigious Stamps Scholarship.
As a Stamps Scholar at LSU, Chloe will receive a full cost-of-attendance scholarship, along with additional funding for enrichment opportunities like study abroad, research, and professional development totalling over $160,000. Established in 2006, the Stamps Scholarship partners with top universities across the country to provide exceptional academic and leadership experiences.
Chloe’s selection highlights her remarkable accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. During her time at Kaplan High School and Southside High School, she excelled academically while also being actively involved in student leadership, athletics, and community service. Her ability to manage challenging coursework while making a meaningful impact truly sets her apart as a leader.
Kaplan High School faculty and staff are celebrating Chloe’s achievement and look forward to seeing her continued success. Principal, Mr. Shay Herpin, praised her accomplishment, stating, “As the principal of Kaplan High School, I have had the opportunity to observe many outstanding students over the years, and Chloe stands among the most exceptional. She is a young woman of integrity, leadership and academic excellence.”
Kaplan's vice principal, Mr. Clayton Chauvin, added, “Chloe Chargois represents everything we hope for in a Kaplan High School student. She leads with integrity, works with purpose, and consistently pushes herself to achieve at the highest level. Her selection as an LSU Stamps Scholar is not only a reflection of her academic excellence but also of her character and commitment to making a difference. Chloe has made a lasting impact on our school community, and there is no doubt she will continue to do extraordinary things as she moves forward. We are incredibly proud of her and excited to see the path she will carve in the future.”
Kaplan High School's guidance counselor, Ms. Mia Boullion, added, “Chloe has consistently demonstrated excellence both in and out of the classroom. Her hard work, leadership, and determination have earned her this incredible honor, and we are extremely proud of her!"
With the honor of being the first LSU Stamps scholarship recipient in Vermilion Parish, Chloe joins a distinguished group of scholars who will gain access to mentorship, global experiences, and leadership development throughout their college journey. Her hard work and determination have not only earned her this recognition but also made her a role model for future Vermilion Parish students.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
My name is Carlton Campbell and I am presently serving as Councilman at Large for the City of Abbeville, representing every resident of our community across neighborhoods and perspectives. I do not represent one group or one side.
Our strength always comes from our diversity and our shared commitment to build a community where people can live, work and enjoy life together. Whether you have lived here for generations as I have, or just putting down roots, your voice matters and your success matters.
As your councilman, I am firmly Committed to policies that encourage responsible business growth, protect local jobs and attract new businesses and investments in our community.
Progress does not come from division. It comes from listening, collaboration and working on practical solutions. I work every day to ensure that decisions made at city hall reflect fairness, opportunity and common sense without race, income, or political beliefs.
My volunteering to work in activities to me is a virtue. I have been a volunteer for many years. I have served on the Fire and Police Civil Service Board, the Municipal Civil Service Board as chairman, vermilion Parish domestic intervention board, served as a member of VEDA, as a commissioner of Abbeville Harbor and Terminal Board, developed the walking trail at Huntsberry Park, founder of the Coach Herbert Williams baseball field, volunteered to work on the community garden project as vegetable planner, serve served as the governor representative on the main parish board of election commission, and also serve served as king of the Cattle Festival.
My work history began as a short order cook, then as an installer for the telephone company, the United Postal Service, and a business packager for the United States Small Business developer. Lastly, I served as a Deputy Clerk of Court retiring as Chief Deputy Clerk of Court under the administration of Diane Meaux Broussard.
I am a graduate of USL (now UL), Howard University as a certified business and public administration specialist.
I am married to the former Belinda Grogan and we are parents of two children, Kendra and Donovan Campbell both Abbeville High School graduates. Donovan is a member of the AHS Athletic Hall of Fame. We have three grand children, one is Dylan Campbell who attended the University of Texas Longhorns and now is a member of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball organization. While in college he had the longest baseball hitting record at 38 games which still stands.
Again, thanks for allowing me to serve as Councilman at Large and I hope to be re-elected so I can continue working to make the city of Abbeville, Louisiana a desirable place to work, live and retire. Thank You.

Paid for by
Carlton Campbell

According to Vermilion Parish Sheriff Eddie Langlinais, on April 10, at approximately 9 a.m., the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Division received a complaint that a suspicious vehicle was backed onto the property of a residence located on Klaby Meaux Road, which is south of Kaplan.
Patrol Deputies responded to the area of the suspicious vehicle and identified the vehicle as a blue 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. Deputies approached the vehicle and found Dannon Keith Sellers, 42, asleep inside the vehicle. As deputies attempted to wake the subject, they observed two firearms on the passenger floorboard.
Recent calls to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that a subject in a vehicle matching the description of the one Sellers was found in had fired a handgun from the vehicle at other vehicles. When VPSO Patrol Deputies made contact with Sellers, they gave commands for him to exit the vehicle. Sellers refused to comply, started the vehicle, and fled the area.
VPSO Patrol Deputies initiated a pursuit of the vehicle through Kaplan and Nunez and ultimately ended on La. Hwy. 35, just South of Kaplan, without incident. While in pursuit of Sellers, Patrol Deputies observed him throw the two firearms into a ditch on La. Hwy 35 South. Upon end of the pursuit, Sellers was taken into custody and transported to the Vermilion parish Correctional Center for booking.
Sellers was booked on the following charges:
• Criminal trespassing
• Aggravated Flight from an Officer
• Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (2 counts)
• Violation of a Protective Order
• Obstruction of Justice (2 counts)
• Intentional Littering
• Resisting an Officer
Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Detectives were called to assist Patrol Deputies in locating the firearms that were thrown. Deputies located and recovered both firearms from the ditch. One of the firearms was found to have been previously reported to the Abbeville Police Department as stolen.
This investigation is ongoing and additional felony charges are likely.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais offers his gratitude to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Enforcement and Criminal Investigations Divisions for their swift and strategic actions that resulted in this arrest. He also reminds the citizens of Vermilion Parish that this is an ongoing investigation, and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Information on how to anonymously report illegal activities can be found on our website at www.VermilionSheriff.gov. Click on Anonymous Tips and fill out the Crime Stoppers of Vermilion Tip Form to submit information. You can also report illegal activity anonymously by calling the Crime Stoppers tip line at (337) 740-TIPS (8477) or by downloading and logging in to the P3 App where you can earn a cash reward. You can also download the “Vermilion Parish Sheriff LA” app from the App Store and Google Play. There you can tap the Crime Stoppers logo and submit your tip.