49th annual Country Store Bake Sale transcends generations

As a young girl, Jean Wilder remembers her mother baking apple crunch pies for the Country Store Bake Sale. It was only one of the delicious homemade goodies Laura Pennington made to support the preservation of the historic Stephen D. Lee Home at 316 Seventh St. N.

For Debbie Gibson’s extended family, Sundays at the dinner table strengthen the ties that bind

Once upon a time, big family-style Sunday meals were the rule rather than the exception. Aromas drifting from mom’s or grandmother’s kitchen promised delicious home-cooked dishes, hot from the oven. Children, changed out of their church clothes, romped and played, before being told to go wash up.

Where does food come from? Preschoolers learn from the ground up

The growing season may have come to a close, but the knowledge gained by a new crop of very young hands-on enthusiasts will hopefully last a lifetime.

Mother and daughter partner as wedding caterers — and so much more

While it’s not unusual for blushing brides and dashing grooms to tie the knot or hold their beautiful receptions in some of Columbus’ gracious antebellum structures, what has evolved at Shadowlawn is a bit out of the ordinary.

A home for the heart: For Linder Burt, recovery leads to a new home and ‘ideal job’

For Linder Burt, preparing lunch and supper for a dozen adults every day isn’t a hardship; it’s a life-saving blessing. As head cook at Recovery House, a substance abuse treatment facility for women, Linder brings very personal insight to the unique environment. Only 18 months ago, she herself arrived homeless and helpless at the Lowndes County agency, in dire need of treatment.

Petite treat: ‘Baby’ pralines are easy pick-up sweets

As chair of the committee planning and preparing goodies for the Columbus Arts Council’s gallery receptions, Beverly Norris is always on the hunt for pick-up treats gallery-goers can enjoy as they stroll through the show. And, tying the refreshment table to a theme is her specialty.

Grammy-winning musician brings signature sandwich, Caribbean cuisine to town

You won’t hear him bragging, but Nathan Best may take a prize for remarkable restaurateur stories. The affable Columbus resident with a ready smile is a past member of the O’Jays and the Fairfield Four, a Grammy winner for his part in the “O Brother, Where Art Thou” soundtrack, a pastor, a Christian supply store owner and purveyor of island cuisine at the Trinity Caribbean Café.

On the go? Try these recipes to get you in and out of the kitchen

Whether it’s football or soccer games, cheerleader or dance team practice, civic meetings or simply long days at the office, most families are on the run more often than they like. The frenetic pace often dooms family time around the table or kitchen counter.

Recipes to take a shine to: StarShine’s chefs share some of their best

Ever wished you could tap into some of the most creative dishes devised by great chefs? Today is your day. Recipes that wowed the crowd — and judges — at the Starkville Area Arts Council’s StarShine culinary extravaganza at The Bistro in Starkville Aug. 7-8 are yours to try.

Caring Cooks: Casserole ministry needs friends helping friends

Some words have the power to shake our foundation. “Cancer” is one of them. Six letters with the ability to turn life inside out. The road to becoming a cancer survivor is a challenging one, often filled with life-altering treatments, all while trying to maintain some semblance of daily life.

Hobby gardener turns swimming pool into veggie smorgasbord

When Nick and Eleanor Hairston decided an in-ground pool installed behind their west Lowndes County home in 1974 had served its purpose, they opted for dramatic changes. Not many months after retiring from his post as Lowndes County administrator, Nick was ready to tackle a new project. With the help of savvy friends, family, the “Garden Tabloid” — and even garden guru Felder Rushing — he transformed the 34-by-17 foot pool into a bountiful backyard garden.

Wonderful watermelon: This summer favorite celebrates its big moment

One bite into a cool, crisp wedge of watermelon takes us back in time. We’re kids again, parked at a picnic table or barefoot in the back yard, melon juice running down our chins, trickling between our little fingers. And we don’t have a care in the world.

Old farm, new life

“I see you,” Scott Enlow grinned, triumphantly plucking a stray squash bug from a plant thriving with bright yellow and green zephyr squash. Then, before heading back to the house where he grew up, the genial Columbus man cast vigilant eyes one last time across rows of summer vegetables in a garden like no other in the Golden Triangle.

Diversified dining: Unique dishes, tableside cooking and mariachi bands

Eating out in Columbus and Starkville is less and less about wolfing down Southern staples. Three recently established restaurants in the cities offer food or experiences that may be new to people.

When the dinner bell rings, volunteers step up for Camp Rising Sun

For 21 summers, peals of laughter from children attending Camp Rising Sun have echoed through the tall pines surrounding Camp Pratt in western Lowndes County. For a few days each June, fishing, archery, arts and crafts, rock walls and talent shows help round out a traditional camp experience for youngsters who have already had to deal with some very untraditional stress in their young lives.

MUW Culinary Camp for Kids’ demos let young chefs shine

Two pretty, young ladies wait in a hushed hallway in the Mississippi University for Women Culinary Arts Institute Friday afternoon. Nervous energy bubbles beneath the surface. They carefully look over their cart one more time to be sure nothing essential has been forgotten. Egg whites, sugar, half-and-half, mixing bowls — all there.

Best of the Triangle 2012

Home & Garden
Guide 2013

Dining Guide 2013