Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we embark on a gastronomic journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Our star is the humble Tilapia, a mild, white fish known for its versatility. But, fear not, for there’s nothing ordinary about our preparation. We're elevating this dish to new heights with a zesty citrus infusion and pairing it with an avocado-lime sauce that’s simply divine. To round off this feast, we'll introduce some exotic sides that complement our main course perfectly. more

Welcome back foodies, we have a brand new year to play with. I'm hoping to try new foods and make more meals that we haven't had before. But first, let's go back and review the recipes of 2023. There were winter soups, spring salads, and summer harvest recipes. The holidays weren't forgotten with some traditional and some new, even to me. But, my favorite recipe from 2023 would have to be in September when I shared this summer soup straight from the garden. Roasted Tomato soup takes top honors for the rich flavor of fresh tomatoes, garden grown herbs, and the sweet dairy included.  This soup will be on many menus this winter and since the garden is sleeping, we have plenty of fresh, organic produce available in our home town. So, let's raise our soup bowls to the new year and let us eat to live better. Soup season has begun! Happy New Year foodies. more

Editor’s note: This column first appeared in the Jan. 5, 2021 issue of the Quill. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Get ready to ignite your taste buds and impress your dinner guests with this tantalizing culinary creation! We're talking about succulent chicken breasts, stuffed to perfection with caramelized onions, fiery jalapeños, and drenched in a luscious homemade barbecue sauce. To complement this main course, we'll prepare crispy Parmesan thyme sweet potato stacks that are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the palate. Let's dive into this culinary journey! more

We are back at the market this Saturday with many products to help you stay healthy and well in this new year. Fermented foods and kombucha (on tap) are great for gut health, which is where all disease begins. Honey is great for allergies and a natural antibiotic. Pickles are another fermented food we have from our vendor Sally Little and she has healthy Elderberry Tonic. Also, Sorgham/molasses, apples, microgreens, turnips, delicious baked goods, local meats (beef/pork/rabbit), free range eggs, creamed honey, jams, syrups, freeze dried treats, dog treats, iced and hot coffee, boba drinks, fried pies, soaps, kitchen towels, bowl cozies, and much more! more

Welcome back foodies, we have a brand new year to play with. I'm hoping to try new foods and make more meals that we haven't had before. But first, let's go back and review the recipes of 2023. There were winter soups, spring salads, and summer harvest recipes. The holidays weren't forgotten with some traditional and some new, even to me. But, my favorite recipe from 2023 would have to be in September when I shared this summer soup straight from the garden. Roasted Tomato soup takes top honors for the rich flavor of fresh tomatoes, garden grown herbs, and the sweet dairy included.  This soup will be on many menus this winter and since the garden is sleeping, we have plenty of fresh, organic produce available in our home town. So, let's raise our soup bowls to the new year and let us eat to live better. Soup season has begun! Happy New Year foodies. more

This recipe will guide you through making a heartwarming sweet potato soup served in a homemade bread bowl. It's a perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you want something both comforting and impressive. more

Our vendors are taking the week off from our outdoor market to enjoy the holiday season with their families, and will return Jan. 6. But you can find 13 of them inside the PopUp Shop from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 410 Washington Avenue next to OzSBI. The shop will only be closed on January 1st for New Years Day. more

I pray you had a happy, safe Christmas with your family. Ours was “scattered” for safety, but joyful just the same. I thank God I am still able to make small gifts for family and friends. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share with you an incredibly delicious recipe for Chicken Spaghetti with White Sauce, accompanied by the best sides to make your meal a grand success. Let’s embark on this culinary journey! more

Saturday, Dec. 23 will be our last shopping day of the year and our vendors have some amazing, unique, and very useful items for all your gift-giving and holiday needs! more

Merry Christmas!  This will be the last recipe before Christmas so I couldn't end the season without an eggnog recipe. I know some have this on the yuck list but made right and fresh, eggnog can go on the yum list.  This year I'm making some fresh eggnog and replacing the sugar with real maple syrup for a richer taste. And one of the desserts I'll be making with it is my annual eggnog pie.  This recipe is so easy, freezes well, makes 2 pies and is a must for the eggnog lovers.  This week is short but sweet, as I like so many are scrambling this last week to pull it all together. So, I hope your holiday is full of family, good food and memories made. Merry Christmas foodies!  more

As Christmas Eve approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable. Children and adults alike are bustling with preparations for the most magical night of the year. Amidst the decorations, the glistening tree, and the carols, there’s one tradition that stands out for its sweetness and simplicity: leaving cookies for Santa. But not just any cookies—these have to be the most delightful, scrumptious cookies that Santa has ever tasted! Let's embark on a culinary journey to create the perfect cookie for Santa. more

Editor’s note: This column was first published Dec. 19, 2017. more

Editor’s note: This column was first published Dec. 11, 2017. more

A great big thank you to Santa and Mrs. Clause for visiting us at the market and bringing a lot of love and joy to so many children!! more

Hello, fellow food lovers and baking aficionados and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we're embarking on a delightful journey into the heart of autumn flavors with a recipe that's close to my heart - the Spiced Apple Cake. This isn't just a recipe; it's an exploration of flavors, techniques, and little secrets that make this cake a true masterpiece. So, tie your apron, preheat your oven, and let's dive into the world of baking! more

I read cookbooks like novels, and have a good collection but there is always room for one more. West Plains is fortunate to have an old-fashioned bookstore downtown, for the holiday season, all used cookbooks are half off. That led me there yesterday where, to my surprise, they had a cookbook that I've been wanting for a long time, and due to the sale, it was only $3. The Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines is everything I thought it would be plus more. I also enjoy her cooking show too. So, I thought it would be fun to make one of her recipes from the book that would be perfect for your holiday menu. Since we will be doing a taco bar for one of our Christmas gatherings, this party queso will pair well. It's simple to make and would make a nice meatless meal too served with chips or tortillas. I can't wait to try it. So, head over to the Book Nook and be sure to check out all the wonderful titles of cookbooks and remember they are half off, there's  always room for one more. Tis the season. more

Petty Crow has a Perfume Bar with 50 plus essential oils to choose from and make your own perfume blend, Christmas hand-made decorations, Abby will have her wonderful and popular plushies and other hand-made items, Robert will have his crocheted stuffed animals and so much more! more

’Tis the season for all the goodies of sweet and savory. This week we are going back to the good ole days when the simple flavors of the season were honored in a way. Gingerbread isn't just for making cute Christmas houses, there are thousands of other delicious recipes to explore. I like to make gingerbread pancakes or muffins during the holidays but pie is always a favorite. This no-bake gingerbread pie is easy, and quick and you can make it days ahead of time and freeze. I especially love the gingerbread crust which I've used in other pies. Gingerbread takes me back to a time when you didn't have all the fancy desserts, just plain and simple. We all can use some simple ways to get us through the holidays. Tis the season.  more