[SeMissourian.com] A Few Clouds ~ 63°F  
River stage: 32.16 ft. Falling
Sunday, May 26, 2013

Columns

Facebook recipes reflect personalities
Lately, it seems like several of my friends have posted recipes on facebook, and they look wonderful. It is interesting that the recipes my friends post actually reflect the personalities of the person. I can guess certain friends will always post desserts and some will always post entrees or salads. ...
How to treat azalea leaf gall
The unusual spring weather is causing all kinds of plant problems. One that has recently been brought to the attention of gardeners is azalea leaf gall. This plant disease is caused by an infection of azalea leaf and flower parts by the fungus Exobasidium vaccinii...
Breezes, winds, dust devils, cyclones, hurricanes, twisters
Experts might disagree, but I think fear is a key factor in the survival of the human race. I'm afraid of many things. As a result, many of the things I fear pretty much leave me alone. Remember when you asked your uncle why he double knotted his shoelaces? "To keep the tigers away," he said, matter-of-factly...
Recipes amassed from a number of places
I seem to get recipes in some of the funniest places. People give me recipes in the grocery store written on their shopping list, work, church, at family or social gatherings and restaurants. Recently, while enjoying a Wib's barbeque sandwich Tracy Taylor told me about this really great strawberry cake recipe she tried and some of the other wait-staff agreed that it was a very delicious cake. Tracy emailed the recipe to me and so I want to share it with you today...
Rain, sun, wind, hail - and, of course, those crazy deer
On many occasions I have said I chose, for nearly half a century, to work for newspapers for one simple reason: a milk cow named Lulu. Those of you who grew up on farms know exactly what I'm talking about. For some of you city folk who don't know the difference between a boar and heifer, farm life tends to command most of your time, attention and energy...
Cape Girardeau's history is an important asset
I had the distinct honor and privilege during this last month in participating in three very important historical events in our city of Cape Girardeau. These events reinforced my belief that our great city is rich in history. It also highlighted to me the fact that we, as citizens, can do much more in the future to further develop our knowledge of local history...
Recipes in celebration of Mother's Day
Mother's Day is always a very special day for women all across America. Children pamper and honor their mothers on this day set aside to pay special recognition. My mother, Marilyn Kinsey cooked for the six of us children easily with no effort at all. She could make anything out of nothing and stretch food like no other person I knew. We worked hard, ate well, and enjoyed meals together...
Knives: A chef's essential tools
As British food historian Bee Wilson observes in her recent book, "Technology in the kitchen has remained a matter of life and death." As she points out, the two basic processes of cooking--slicing and heating--are inherently dangerous. "Kitchens are places of violence," Wilson explains. ...
Big money means making big, important decisions
Which call should I make first? My banker? Financial adviser? Stockbroker? Lawyer? Friend with all the hot investing tips? Heirs who stand to get everything? My quandary is the result of the wonderful news that Our Fair City, the one that raided our checking accounts to pay for a sewage treatment plant that will cost millions and millions of dollars, may lower our sewer rate by a dollar a month...
Farmers market kicks off busy month in Jackson
May is another busy month in the city of Jackson. The farmers market is starting its season today. It will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday in the City Park by the band shell. There will be approximately 12 vendors selling craft items and produce...
Recipes in honor of grandmother
My grandmother, Connie Hoyt Kinsey was born on this date in 1891. I have so many memories of her and her house, but most of my memories involve food. She made these out-of-this-world noodles which were a favorite of all the grandchildren. She used the egg yolks in the noodles, so with the egg whites, there was always a tall, fresh-baked angel food cake with maraschino cherry icing. It was absolutely wonderful...
So now we elect our very own anarchists?
Some Missouri legislators continue to be hellbent about sending absurd messages to Washington. The latest is a law that would make it a crime to enforce federal statutes -- as yet not passed -- regarding firearms. How paranoid is that? Anticipating that the public fever is high right now regarding efforts on the national level to curb certain arms and those who would use them, Missouri's Republican legislators have pushed laws that would turn federal agents and prosecutors into criminals.. ...
Recipes to fulfill your poke cake craving
At the Senior Center we served an old favorite for our St. Patrick's Day dessert: Poke Cake. We did lime poke cake and it was so pretty on the tray sprinkled with green sugar on top. That dessert started a conversation about poke cakes and desserts we have not made in a long time. ...
Protecting your lawn from pesky weeds
If you have been traveling through neighborhoods this spring, I am sure you have noticed all the bright purple flowers and light green matted weeds in most of the lawns. These weeds have been the bane of many a lawn owner this spring. The purple flower weed is henbit, and the green matted weed, which has a small white flower, is chickweed. If left unchecked, they can grow vigorously and choke out wanted grass...