If you have followed The Copper Whisk for awhile you know that Mom’s Brownies are THE #1 recipe on my website! Now you can make and serve this absolutely delicious White Chocolate Sauce alongside the brownies for dipping. It is without a doubt the perfect partner. I love it for strawberries too.

Ingredients:

§ 1 cup heavy whipping cream

§ 2 egg yolks

§ ½ cup sugar

§ 1 teaspoon vanilla

§ ¼ teaspoon salt

§ 1 package white chocolate chips

Directions

In a heavy sauce pan simmer bring heavy cream to a low boil. As soon as it boils add egg yolks. Whisk rapidly, and as soon as eggs are incorporated well remove from heat. Stir in sugar, vanilla, salt, and white chocolate chips. Stir until white chocolate chips are melted. You can let simmer on low heat to thicken if you like, but at this point the sauce is ready.

I like to make this ahead of time and refrigerate as it will thicken as it cools. This is so so fantastic with Mom’s Brownies, strawberries, graham crackers, and pretzels.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

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The Village of Goldonna is mourning the loss of their former Mayor, Jennifer, Garner Smith. Smith passed away April 11, 2024. after a brief illness in Fort Worth, Texas.

She was surrounded by her family and her husband. She was well rooted in her faith and lived every day in service to the Lord.

Although, her illness was brief the impact she leaves behind will be felt for decades to come. Smith spent all of her career in the medical field and of course did not mind helping others in need if they needed medical advice. She was also the dedicated praise and worship leader and Board Member at River Of Life Family Worship Center in Goldonna, where she was a member since childhood. She loved to travel with her husband and their friends and she was a very proud mom to Ethan Smith.

“Goldonna lost a great citizen when we lost Jenny. We are very grateful for the time that she dedicated to serving the community. I would like to ask everyone to continue to pray for and offer support to her entire family in the days ahead,” shared Mayor Gayle Cloud.

Services for Jennifer Smith will be held on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at Winnfield First Assembly of God in Winnfield, LA.

The Memorial Service will begin at 10am, immediately followed by an Interment at Goldonna Cemetery in Goldonna, Louisiana.

There was a Love Fund established at BOM Bank to help defray the cost of medical and funeral expenses.

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I am upping the game of your plain-o sausage ball with this Red Lobster Sausage Ball Recipe.  So so SO good.  These are great to go along with your supper or to make for a crowd, no matter the occasion.  They are 100 percent sure to please!

Ingredients:

*  1 box Red Lobster biscuit mix

*  1 pound Jimmie Dean sausage, cooked

*  16 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

*  Butter as directed on the biscuit mix box

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cooked sausage with the biscuit mix and cheese in a stand mixer.  Use a large cookie scoop to drop scoops onto baking sheet.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Mix butter and the seasoning packet from the box.  Brush onto each baked sausage ball when removed from the oven.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

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On Saturday, March 30th, the Village of Goldonna will celebrate Easter. They will host their annual Easter Egg-stravaganza at 2:00 at the Town Hall and Park. Children under the age of 12 will be able to show off their egg hunting skills and take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Refreshments are also available.

Goldonna Baptist Church will be hosting a Skeet Shoot on March 30th with all proceeds benefitting the Operation Christmas Child mission. resume their Operation Christmas Child collections for 2024. There will be adult divisions and youth divisions. The entry fee is $25 and lunch will be provided. Participants will need to provide their own gun, ammo, and protective gear. The event will be held at the 4H Shooting Range located at 8882 Highway 34 between Winnfield and Atlanta.

The church is asking for local businesses to consider donating an item for the winner’s prize package. Donors will be recognized on the day of the event as well as social media “shoutouts”. Please contact Pastor Ben Dupree at 318-663-0302 if you want to participate or donate prizes.

Goldonna Baptist Church Youth is hosting a Revival April 5th through the 7th with Luke Hockenjos as the guest minister. Broken Vessels will lead the music. Friday and Saturday evening services will begin at 6:30 at the school auditorium. Sunday services will begin at 10:00 and will be followed by a luncheon fellowship.

One of our very own, former Mayor, Jenny Garner Smith, needs our help. Smith has unexpectedly fallen ill and is hospitalized in Fort Worth, Texas. She has an incredibly long road ahead of her and mounting expenses as she is unable to work. Her husband, Wade, has not left her side. A love fund has been established at BOM Bank. Donations can be accepted at any branch in Texas or Louisiana. Family and friends have also started selling raffles tickets for $10 each. The winner will receive a 30-06 Savage Rifle with a scope. The winner will pick up the item at Nichols of Winnfield. If you would like to purchase a ticket please contact Eugean Garner, Patricia Garner, Courtney Whatley or Reba Phelps.

Goldonna Elementary Junior High School News-

The Good News Club will meet on April 30th from 3:00 until 4:45. After school programs and attendance recovery is held Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00 until 5:00. Attending two days of after school programs will excuse one full unexcused absence.

The children will be out for Spring Break from March 29th until April 5th.

The community has also started having their planning meetings in hopes of keeping the Historic Goldonna Elementary Junior High School open. If you would like to help with the efforts please reach out to Eugean Garner at 318-533-5044.

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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These M&M Marshmallow Creme Sugar Cookie Bars are the sweetest and most colorful Easter treat! I love a sugar cookie bar, and Easter M&M’s make these and many other desserts so pretty. You can even sub the homemade dough with storebought dough if you like!

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cups flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla
Easter M&M’s
Sprinkles
1 jar marshmallow crème
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with crumpled parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper. Whisk the first 3 dry ingredients. Set aside.

Beat the butter and sugars. Once combined mix in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour and stir until no white streaks remain. Set aside 1 heaping cup of the dough and press the rest (I had to flour my hands to do this because the dough was sticky) into the pan. Sprinkle with some of the M&M’s and press them lightly into the dough. Drop large spoonfuls of the marshmallow crème over but do not spread. Then drop chunks of the leftover dough around.

Bake 25-30 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes and then scatter more M&M’s around the top and lightly press into the crust. Shake sprinkles over. Let bars cool completely before removing the parchment and cutting into small squares.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

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Goldonna Elementary Junior High School Principal, Cori Beth Manuel, would like to congratulate the following most recent honor roll recipients.

 

Principal`s List

Kayden Dewayne Bedgood
Bryson Layne Carter
Alaynna Cheyenne Day
Grace Elora Day
Anthony Isiah Giannone-Flores
Brody Eli Guin
Piper Raylyn Killingsworth
Bronson Micheal Mclendon
Posey Lane Riddle
Lani Elizabeth Todd

A Honor Roll

Piper Leann Adams
Chaylie Delise Cox
Mackenzie Dodge
Saydee Alise Flack
Willis Edward Freeman
Brookelyn Ciara Garner
Carlee Rose Martin
Zalien Antowine Paul
Hunter Leigh Ann Quinn
Brinley Grace Sampey
Case Blaine Sampey
Awnah Renee Schmidt
Gavin Lane Spears
Victoria Marie Stewart
Dillon Dax Tebbetts

B Honor Roll

Henry Barnum
Haiden Justis Black
Nathan Joseph Black
Ella Marie Chism
Silas Trevor Collinsworth
Kayden James Dodge
Lydia Charlotte Mogridge
David Edward Quick
Ayden Blake Smith
Johnny Wayne Stewart
Autumn Rain Womack

Many well wishes for a successful final semester to the 23-24 school year. Fall enrollment will be right around the corner. If you would like more information about enrolling your child for the 24-25 school year at Goldonna Elementary Junior High School please reach out to the School Board Office at 318-352-2368.

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Mushroom Pork Chops are a perfect week night or Sunday dinner choice.  I am always looking for a new pork chop recipe as we love them so much.  This one is one of our favorites!  I love the twist of using chicken broth and beef bouillon in this one.  The flavor is absolutely spot on.  I hope you love it!

Mushrooms:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• Splash of olive oil
• 1 flat mushrooms

Pork Chops:

• 4 pork chops
• ¼ cup flour
• Salt & pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Gravy:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
• 1/3 cup half & half
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ cup white wine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons flour

Directions

Pound pork chops with meat tenderizer.  Sprinkle with salt. 

Assemble gravy:  In a bowl with a spout combine broth, bouillon, Worcestershire, half & half, and seasonings for the gravy.  Set aside. 

In cast iron skillet heat butter and oil for the mushrooms.  Cook mushrooms 3-4 minutes.  Remove to plate.

Dredge pork chops in flour.  Het oil and butter in cast iron skillet.  Sear chops 3 minutes each side.  Remove pork chops to a plate.  Add wine and garlic to same skillet over medium heat.  Use a wooden spoon to scrape stuck bits.  Add butter and flour.  Stir 2 minutes.  Add gravy mixture in small splashes whisking continuously.  Bring to gentle bubble then reduce to low simmer.  Stir in mushrooms and add pork chops back.  Cover and let cook until gravy thickens. 

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

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No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dessert – With the Easter holiday quickly approaching this recipe pops to mind for both sake of ease and of course YUM.  Often I am asked what desserts can be made ahead for someone to take to another home.  This recipe fits the bill perfectly!  This is also a recipe that kids will love to help with too.  Every time I make this for a crowd I hope for leftovers to take home and there are rarely any!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups prebaked chocolate chip cookies (I use storebought)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• Large box instant chocolate pudding (plus milk called for on box less ½ cup)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼  cup whole milk
• 8 ounces extra creamy Cool Whip

Directions

Roughly crumble the cookies in the bottom of a serving bowl.  Pour melted butter over the top.

In a mixing bowl add cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk.  Mix until smooth.  Pour on top of cookies. 

Make chocolate pudding according to package directions but reduce the milk by ½ cup.  Spread over cream cheese mixture.

Top with Cool Whip. Enjoy!

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

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Take me out to the ball game….

When the days begin to add more sunlight to the evenings, the children also find their way to the ball field. The Goldonna Dusty Cut League will hold sign-ups for the 2024 summer season at the Town Hall on Saturday, March 9th, from noon until 4:00pm. Organizers are expecting an above average turnout.

Goldonna Baptist Church will be hosting a Skeet Shoot on March 30th with all proceeds benefitting the Operation Christmas Child mission. resume their Operation Christmas Child collections for 2024. There will be adult divisions and youth divisions. The entry fee is $25 and lunch will be provided. The event will be held at the 4H Shooting Range located at 8882 Highway 34 between Winnfield and Atlanta.

The church is asking for local businesses to consider donating an item for the winner’s prize package. Donors will be recognized on the day of the event as well as social media “shoutouts”. Please contact Pastor Ben Dupree if you want to participate or donate prizes.

Goldonna Assembly of God Church will host a Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 23rd at 8:00am. The special guest speaker will be Mr. Russell Jones. To RSVP please contact Daniel Kirkham at 310228-7698. The church will also hosting a Revival with the Seed Sowers beginning on March 3rd at 10:00am and 5:00pm. March 4th thru 9th services will begin at 6:30.

Reba Phelps will be leading Bible Study at River of Life Church on Wednesday, March 6th at 7:00pm. The teaching is called “Loving the Unlovable.”

Goldonna Elementary Junior High School News-

The school is getting geared up for Pre-K registration that will be begin next week. The online portal will open on 3/11/24. In person registration will be held March 14. Children must be four years old by September 30 to be eligible.

The Good News Club will meet on March 26th and April 30th from 3:00 until 4:45. After school programs and attendance recovery is held Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00 until 5:00. Attending two days of after school programs will excuse one full unexcused absence.

The community has also started having their planning meetings in hopes of keeping the Historic Goldonna Elementary Junior High School open. If you would like to help with the efforts please reach out to Eugean Garner at 318-533-5044.

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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I am not a fan of chocolate cake, but this Ridiculous Chocolate Cake right here is absolutely divine! If you are a milk chocolate lover, this is 100% for you! I normally bake this in a regular bundt cake pan, but these Mini Easter Bundts were too cute to pass up. I used mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on before adding the Peep bunny. Keep these in mind for the early upcoming Easter holiday.

Ridiculous Chocolate Cake

Cake Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix

• 1 (3.9 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding

• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream

• 3 eggs

• 1/3 cup oil

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 cups chocolate chips

Frosting Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature

• 1/4 cup cocoa

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/4 – 1/3 cup heavy cream (depending on consistency add more if desired)

• Chocolate chips

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease Bundt pan. In stand mixer combine all ingredients except chocolate chips. Mix on low for 30 seconds then medium for 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Pour batter into Bundt pan and bake for 60 minutes or until cake is set. Cool completely before frosting.

To make frosting, beat butter, cocoa and powdered sugar in a stand mixer until combined. Add in vanilla and cream. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until creamy. Frost the cake and sprinkle more chocolate chips over the top.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

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It is certainly true that a talented and efficient staff is an important key to the success of any business, and that is certainly true at the Harrington Law Firm in Natchitoches.  According to partner, Eddie Harrington, it is experience, talent, and dedication that make the staff at his firm stand out.  

Eddie says that the specialized nature of the practice of law these days makes it imperative that certain members of the firm be designated to handle highly specified tasks and be efficient at doing so.

“My Dad (and law partner) Rodney and I could not properly handle our cases and efficiently represent our clients without our team of Administrators, Administrative Assistants, and Paraprofessionals.  They work together to make us look good and make our jobs a lot easier.”

Partner Rodney Harrington, says that one of the keys to the staff’s success and efficiency is their long longevity.  “We are a family law firm, father and son, and we always say that not only is our staff part of our family, but our clients become part of it as well.  Many times, our clients have more face-to-face dealings with our staff than they do us and Eddie and I stress that we want our staff to treat our clients the same as they would as members of their own family.  We believe they do that, and do it well.

It is illustrative of the experience of the Harrington Law Firm’s team when one realizes that they have nearly 100 years of combined experience working at the firm!  Office Manager, Melanie Hicks, began working at the firm at 15 years old as a student worker and after being a Stay-at-Home Mom and a substitute teacher for a few years, has now continuously been with the firm for 15 years.   

The longest, continuously serving member of the team is Geneva Burton who has worked for the Harrington Law Firm for 25+ years. 

Jamie Allbritton, an Assistant and actual member of the family (Rodney’s niece and Eddie’s cousin) has been with the firm for 13 years while Assistant/Bookkeeper, Judy Hardee, is just behind her at 10 years, and Secretary/Receptionist, Kanesha Gallien, has been the “face of the firm” for 6+ years.  

The “new kid on the block” as they call her, is Personal Injury Assistant, Kylie Nix.  Although Kylie has just been with the firm for a few months, she has extensive experience working with a Personal Injury firm before coming on board at the HLF.   Kylie replaces Melanie Colson who recently retired after being with the firm for over 20 years.  

“We would put our staff up against any in the state,” said Eddie.  “They are our team.  They have our backs.  They all take their jobs very seriously and do them very well.  Yes, they are our family… The Harrington Law Firm family.”

Both Harringtons say that the talent and efficiency of their staff is one of the main reasons their firm has been given an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the nation’s leading attorney rating service.  This rating places the firm among the top 10% of all law firms in America.

The Harrington Law Firm is located at 459 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana and handles a variety of cases including Car Wrecks and Personal Injury of all types, Medical Malpractice, Social Security Disability, Wills and Successions, Bankruptcy and Debt Consolidation.  For more information, go to http://www.theharringtonlawfirm.com

Pictured: Judy Hardee, Geneva Burton, Kanesha Gallien, Rodney Harrington, Eddie Harrington, Melanie Hicks, Jamie Allbritton, Kylie Nix

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5 Ingredient Italian Beef & Noodles are so good that my teenager ate 3 plates. And I loved this as much as he did because it took less than 2 minutes to prepare! Serve with a noodle of your choice or mashed potatoes. I am the biggest fan of a REALLY good crock pot recipe and this is exactly that!

Ingredients:

2 pounds stew meat
½ – ¾ can of beef broth
1 package Italian seasoning
1 stick butter
Pasta of your choice (I like a wide, flat noodle) or mashed potatoes

Directions

Place stew meat in slow cooker. Pour beef broth in. Sprinkle season evenly over. Place butter in the center. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours. When it is almost time to eat, prepare your noodles, drain and mix into slow cooker. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

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This Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Loaf is the easiest and laziest weekend breakfast to relish in. We are huge fans of Monkey Bread in my house, and I dare say this was just as good. Anything with cinnamon rolls drizzled in extra creamy goodness simply cannot be beat. Enjoy!

2 cans cinnamon rolls

1/3 c sugar

1/3 c brown sugar

1 stick butter

3 T heavy cream

Icing from cans

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan. Roll out all cinnamon rolls. Melt butter & place in shallow dish. Whisk both sugars in another dish. Dredge each cinnamon roll through the butter then sugars. Stack each roll offsetting every other piece on its side in the loaf pan. Drizzle cream over the top. Bake 30ish minutes. Pour icing over warm bread. Pull apart to eat.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

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Goldonna Baptist Church will be hosting a Skeet Shoot on March 30th with all proceeds benefitting the Operation Christmas Child mission. resume their Operation Christmas Child collections for 2024. The entry fee is $25 and lunch will be provided. The church is asking for local businesses to consider donating an item for the winner’s prize package. Donors will be recognized on the day of the event as well as social media “shoutouts”. Please contact Pastor Ben Dupree if you want to participate or donate prizes.

Anytime someone asks what makes Goldonna so special it is easy to point to the residents who comprise the Village of Goldonna. Out of the four hundred twenty four residents, one particular lady stands out in the crowd. Although she doesn’t live in the city limits of Goldonna, she spent most of her life there with her family consisting of her husband and three sons. Mrs. Linda Dupree has been an active member of the community and supporter of all things “Goldonna” as long as anyone can remember. Her family of five quickly grew to include daughters-in-law and grandchildren. While it is not easy to sum up her love for her community in words… mainly because she is often found on the “serving” side of church events, town events, weddings and funerals… it is easy to remember some of her contributions that many may not know about. During COVID Linda began a ministry and labor of love that including providing families with Bible study lessons while church were closed due to the pandemic. These Sunday School lessons began with a small group of five people but soon grew to encompass more than forty families. Although churches have long since reopened, her ministry continues with a smaller group that is homebound. These lessons are routinely mailed to anyone who has a need. While I personally was the recipient of these lessons for a few weeks, I can attest to the blessing that came neatly placed in an envelope with a message that was compiled with love by Linda Dupree, herself. Goldonna is blessed to have Linda Dupree as a dedicated friend.

Goldonna Assembly of God Church will host a Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 23rd at 8:00am. The special guest speaker will be Russel Jones. To RSVP please contact Daniel Kirkham at 310228-7698. The church will also hosting a Revival with the Seed Sowers beginning on March 3rd at 10:00am and 5:00pm. March 4th thru 9th services will begin at 6:30.

Goldonna Elementary Junior High School will host a Mardi Gras Parade on Friday, February 16th at 9:00am. The parade will exclusively feature the Pre-K through 2nd grade students. Baseball and softball are in full swing. Goldonna Wildcats will take on the Marthaville Hawks on February 27th at 5:30. The Good News Club will meet on February 27th, March 26th and April 30th from 3:00 until 4:45. After school programs and attendance recovery is held Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00 until 5:00. Attending two days of after school programs will excuse one full unexcused absence.

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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