Make a splash: While summer lasts, celebrate the ocean blue (and poolside, too) with themed cakes

Did you notice? By July 5, many big box stores had replaced their festive red, white and blue displays with reams of back-to-school supply lists. Don't let bins of notebooks, pencils and glue psych you out of celebrating the weeks of summer break remaining. Even if you don't have an actual trip to the beach to look forward to, that's no reason not to pull out the tiki torches, bake a themed cake and make some waves right at home.

Culinary kids: Something's cookin' at MUW's Culinary Camp for Kids

It may be summer, but "school" is very much in session at Mississippi University for Women's Culinary Arts Institute. Throughout the month of June, emerging cooks are earning their aprons during week-long sessions at MUW's Culinary Camp for Kids.

Military kids and 4-H put green thumbs to work in garden

Planting seeds for healthy living is a way of life for Lowndes County 4-H Agent Sharon Patrick, especially in her work at the Columbus Air Force Base.

'O,' sweet: National Doughnut Day recalls doughboys of World War I

We humans seem addicted to bestowing a "day" upon almost anything. In June alone, there's Flip a Coin Day, Hug Your Cat Day, Sewing Machine Day and, a personal favorite, International Panic Day. So it should come as no surprise there is such a thing as national Doughnut Day.

'We all scream' for old-fashioned homemade ice cream, powered by John Deere

There was a time, in the not-so-distant past, when churning an ice cream freezer on the back porch was a summertime ritual. Every strong arm in the family took a turn at the crank, and youngsters in the right place at the right time got to lick the dasher.

Smokin' Summer

Memorial Day traditionally serves as the starting pistol for a summer of outdoor smoking and grilling. How better to usher in that mouthwatering season than with a little insight from a master cook?

Go bananas: This isn't grandma's banana pudding

Southerners love their banana pudding.

Sweets and savories: Desserts and delicacies are part of annual May tradition at St. Paul's

In kitchens throughout Columbus, preparation is underway for the annual bake sale to be held in conjunction with St. Paul's Episcopal Church May Luncheon Friday, May 11. The Episcopal Church Women's fundraiser is a major event on the congregation's calendar, for almost everyone takes part in one capacity or another.

Mother's Day: Mother and son make discoveries while brewing up new venture

This upcoming Mother's Day takes on special meaning for Brent Davidson and his mom, Carol Davidson. Since recently deciding to team up commercially, they've made new discoveries about each other and added a fresh dimension to their already-strong bond.

Fire the grills: Cattlemen's Association preps for annual steak dinner fundraiser

Where's the beef? Look no farther than the Lowndes County Cattlemen's Association steak dinner sale Friday and Saturday.

'Off the charts' Grow a year's supply of vegetables and fruit for a family of four? Yes, Melby's chart shows how

ete Melby's affinity for the good earth is rooted in his childhood, growing up in St. Louis. "My fifth-grade teacher challenged us to grow a garden," said Melby, now a professor of landscape architecture at Mississippi State University. "I enjoyed it so much, I sold (produce) to the neighbors from a basket on the front of my bicycle."

'Easter bread': Veteran bread baker shares the art of making challah

For bread maker Rebecca Watson of Starkville, the best reward is often in the expressions of those tasting fresh homemade bread, especially artisan bread, for the first time.

Celebrate the Final Four with some state favorites

So, your brackets were torn up long ago, but that's no reason not to enjoy the Final Four this weekend.

Crustacean Craze: It's crawfish time -- twist some tails

Crawfish, mudbugs, crawdads, crayfish -- call them what you will, the prolific Cajun delicacy is once again on the move into the Golden Triangle. Late winter into early spring heralds a new harvest of fat crustaceans generating a buzz, especially with fans who have been impatient for their arrival.

Sweet, sweet Easter: Plan a special dessert now for your Easter table

Yes, we still have St. Patrick's Day and March Madness to get through, but have you looked at the calendar? Easter is just over three weeks away, on April 8. Next to Thanksgiving and Christmas, this may be the holiday that inspires us most to do something special in the kitchen.

Bring a little Mardi Gras madness home

Mardi Gras. It's been called the season of "voluntary madness" -- with parades, masks, floats, music and outlandish costumes. The revelry builds to a crescendo between Epiphany (Jan. 6) and Fat Tuesday, which falls this year on Feb. 21.

SOUPer Bowl: Young Professionals to host souped-up fundraiser

No need to wait until Sunday for Super Bowl weekend action to crank up. On Saturday, the Starkville Young Professionals will host their own annual face-off -- with soups. No need to wait until Sunday for Super Bowl weekend action to crank up. On Saturday, the Starkville Young Professionals will host their own annual face-off -- with soups.

Dishin' Divas: Cookbook club celebrates food and fellowship

There are some things that are just better shared. A delicious meal is one of them, at least for the eight members of the Dishin' Divas Cookbook Club. These Columbus women are on a culinary quest to cook their way through some of America's favorite cookbooks.

Best of the Triangle 2012

Home & Garden
Guide 2013

Dining Guide 2013