The Prairie Press

The ornate La Recoleta Cemetery at Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the final resting place of many prominent citizens of the nation.

A 60 percent Christmas is much easier to put away than a 100 percent Christmas. The decorations are put away, and it did not take nearly as long this year. My son was thrilled when I said we were … more

By Ruth Patchett rpweib1@gmail.com | 1/20/20

Linda Hart-Murphy serves her homemade goat’s milk ice cream following the goat show at the 2016 4-H Fair. Today is National Milk Day and humans have been keeping milk producing animals like goats, sheep, cattle, camels, donkeys and even horses since the late Stone Age.

Milk Day: celebrating dairy

Today, Jan. 11, is not for the lactose intolerant because it is National Milk Day. Dairy has an interesting connection to human development. Like all mammals, humans are born with the ability to … more

By GARY HENRY ghenry@prairiepress.net | 1/13/20

Magnolia Market at the Silos is a must stop for anyone visiting Waco, Texas. It features a variety of food and shopping experiences.

Girls’ trips are beneficial

For those thinking about planning a girls' trip with their best friends, science says get that planning together as soon as possible. Research supports that taking a trip with friends can … more

By Nancy Zeman nzeman@prairiepress.net | 1/6/20

A spiral ham is often the centerpiece of a Christmas dinner — and there always seems to be ham left over. There’s no reason to fill up on just ham sandwiches when there are a plethora of great soup, pasta and casserole recipes to avoid wasting the delicious pork.

Leftover ham lives again

When my siblings and I were growing up on Elm Street, there were not multiple present openings — at least that I can recall. I remember Grandma and Grandpa Dennison coming for dinner on … more

By Nancy Zeman nzeman@prairiepress.net | 12/30/19

The grand prize winner for the 27th annual National Gingerbread House Competition was this artistic rendering of “The Watering Hole” depicting a bar frequented by all sorts of animals including an alligator, left, enjoying a drink while swinging in a hammock. The winner was Gail Oliver of Johnson City, Tenn.

Sweet holiday competition

It all began in 1992 when a small group of gingerbread houses were built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season. There were no plans to continue the competition … more

12/23/19

There’s no reason to worry about the perfect gift for family or friends this year. Special gifts — both sweet and savory — can be made right in the kitchen. Recipients will be excited to receive the special homemade gift.

Homemade for the holidays

Between sports, meetings and regular everyday life at The Prairie Press, I have to admit Christmas has snuck up on me this year. I hope to get my tree decorated this weekend. I had planned to do … more

12/16/19

Failing to exercise is one of the big contributors to holiday weight gain. A Spin Class at the REC or circuit training at Tom’s Fitness can help burn the extra calories associated with holiday meals and treats. Those who don’t have a gym membership can try walking more, jumping rope or doing calisthenics at home.

Avoid the holiday spread

The old adage that a five-pound weight gain is inevitable during the holiday season is a myth. According to the National Institute of Health, the average American gains just under one pound during … more

By Mary Liz Wright maryliz@illinois.edu | 12/9/19

The popular Natalie Babbitt book, “Tuck Everlasting” will come to life on the stage of the Paris Center of Fine Arts Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 8, presented by Paris High School Drama. Two casts will perform during weekend. Cast members include seated, from left, Chase Hays and Cole Myers, Jesse Tuck; and Christiana Marlow and Jordyn David, Mother. Standing from left, are Nathan York and Riley Griffith, Miles Tuck; and Terry Slayden and Raymond Lim, Angus Tuck.

Everlasting story premiers

A beloved children’s book will come alive on the stage of the Paris Center of Fine Arts Dec. 6-8 when Paris High School Drama presents the musical, “Tuck Everlasting.” Two casts will perform … more

By Nancy Zeman nzeman@prairiepress.net | 12/2/19

It’s a sisters’ enterprise at Ellie and Olive Children’s Boutique which opens at 10 a.m. in downtown Paris. From left, Pia Krieger, Franceska and Teresa Twigg wanted to provide local residents a place to shop for girls clothes from newborn to size 14 and boys apparel from newborn to size 10 in their hometown.

Boutique opening today

It’s been years since there was a children’s boutique in Paris — but the Twigg sisters are changing that today. “Ellie and Olive Children’s Boutique” opened at 10 a.m. today on the … more

By NANCY ZEMAN nzeman@prairiepress.net | 11/25/19

Mary Liz Wright discusses how to navigate using sugar in healthful baking during her U of I Extension program presentation at the Paris Public Library. Many dessert recipes can have their sugar cut by one-third to one-half without losing their tastiness, and Wright also outlined the advantages of sugar substitutes like sucralose.

Sweet and healthful treats

The phrase healthy dessert feels like an oxymoron, especially in a culinary culture emphasizing bigger portions and increasing amounts of sugar. A giant cookie from the deli counter surely cannot be … more

By Samantha Tucker samantha@prairiepress.net | 11/18/19

Dump dinners is an unfortunate name but a godsend for families on busy nights with multiple activities.

Dump dinners save the day

I’ve been busy this week directing Mayo Middle School’s annual musical. I’m usually busy between the paper and other responsibilities, but I cannot even imagine how parents who don’t want to … more

By Nancy Zeman nzeman@prairiepress.net | 11/4/19

Autumn is when pie really shines. This staple of Thanksgiving and beyond was first baked in Britain during the 16th century, but that did not stop the colonies from adopting them into a culinary tradition as American as apple pie.

Pie season has arrived

The aroma of freshly baked pie wafting from a cozy kitchen instantly warms the hearts of those basking in its glory. Fall is prime pie-baking season, and there is no better time to try your hand at a … more

By NANCY ZEMAN nzeman@prairiepress.net | 10/21/19

The garden’s last hurrah

Fall is here and people are putting their gardens to sleep. There are numerous presentations by Master Gardeners using this title with helpful information. Following the advice of a Master Gardener … more

By RUTH PATCHETT rpweib1@gmail.com | 10/14/19

Shiloh High School’s revamped Family and Consumer Sciences classroom is equipped with new cabinetry, quality appliances and sturdy tables thanks to the 1 percent facilities tax and an $1,800 grant from the ECCF. Students and school organizations have already made use of the new cooking space.

Shiloh School gets cookin’

A renovated classroom is making for happy students at Shiloh School. Family and Consumer Sciences, previously known as home economics, is a subject close to teacher Carolyn McIntyre’s heart. A … more

By Samantha Tucker The Prairie Press | 10/7/19

A monarch catches the morning sun on a catalpa tree leaf, shaking off the nightly chill. Sharp-eyed Paris residents may have noticed these orange and black beauties gliding through town during the day or clustered on branches in the evening. The turn in seasons sets the butterflies off on their long journey to Mexico.

Monarchs flutter by ParisMonarchs flutter by Paris

A Saturday field trip when I was a junior in high school opened my eyes to the migration of the monarch butterfly, thanks to Teddy Day and my plan to become a journalist. We were en route to a … more

By: Nancy Zeman nzeman@prairiepress.net | 10/3/19

A taste of honey for HCE

In the world of beneficial insects, perhaps the most important is the honeybee. This industrious little worker not only provides a delectable food in honey and a useful product in beeswax, but it … more

By GARY HENRY ghenry@prairiepress.net | 9/23/19

The Instant Pot can turn all-day recipes into the work of an hour, greatly simplifying school night meals.

Get an A on weeknight food

I’ve been looking at the activity and sports calendars for our area schools and quite frankly, I don’t know how Moms and Dads do it. Not only are they running kids to practices and games, … more

9/16/19

Cash inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

The Illinois 4-H Foundation honors extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff annually at the Illinois State Fair. This year, Edgar County’s own Brad Cash received this … more

Special to The Prairie Press | 9/9/19

An old variety of apples known as Wealthy await processing into applesauce in Ruth Patchett’s kitchen. An American heirloom variety, Wealthy apples are a multi-use fruit that are good as both an eating apple and a cooking apple.

Living Wealthy for awhile

Have many readers have heard the expression of someone living up to their name? The amazing apple tree in our yard has lived up to its name this year and many people have been blessed as a … more

By RUTH PATCHETT rpweib1@gmail.com | 9/9/19

Dr. Barbeque uses his unique grill — the Big Green Egg — to finish the char on several succulent slabs of meat. Labor Day Weekend is known both as the unofficial end of summer and as the perfect time for a cookout.

Kick back on Labor Day

Labor Day signals the shift from lazy summer afternoons and abbreviated office hours to the busyness and excitement of fall, but it also reminds us to do something we often forget to do—simply sit … more

By NANCY ZEMAN nzeman@prairiepress.net | 9/4/19