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April 15, 2025 We are in the midst of Holy Week, leading up  to Easter, which, for Christians around the world, is the most significant day of our faith. Preparing our hearts and minds began several weeks ago, and while I have failed miserably during this season of Lent, I am looking forward to a time of renewal with Easter season reminding me of important truths. Between now and the weekend, there will be numerous events to help us commemorate Easter, which, in addition to church services will include family gatherings, brunches, lunches, Easter Egg  hunts and more fun things for the kids. But, please don’t let the Easter Bunny take away from the true meaning of the observance recognizing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed to proclaim my faith and I hope that others will join me at this sacred time of celebration By Sherrie Norris

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April 10, 2025 In our last article, we covered how home organization is a practice, not a destination. Starting a home organization practice can be both transformative and liberating. It creates a harmonious living space, reduces stress, and enhances productivity. The journey begins with commitment and an understanding that organization is an ongoing process. As with all practices, you will begin with intention. Consider what you want to achieve through home organization. Do you want to create a smoother morning routine? Have a designated homework or craft area? Make cleaning and tidying more efficient? Defining clear goals will motivate you when the process becomes challenging. Work with your natural habits. If you drop items at one of your entrances, then create an orderly drop zone there. If you are always searching for your electronics, designate a charging station spot for them. Maximize your existing routines to set yourself up for success. By Hadley Watson

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March 27, 2025 In doing a little research on the microwave, I was surprised to learn that the first commercial microwave, and a large one it was,  was invented during World War 11. Another two decades later, the countertop microwave oven was introduced, but it wasn’t until the‘70s that the time-saving device found its way into private residential settings. Since then, however, the microwave has evolved into a cook’s best friend. Most of us rely on our microwaves for re-heating and making quick snacks , but there are many cooks who use them to prepare meals from start to finish, which cuts their time in the kitchen by more than half. However you choose to use your microwave, it’s a handy item to have hanging around, for sure. By Sherrie Norris

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March 19, 2025 The calendar tells us that Spring officially arrives this week. The appearance of a few robins and the welcoming sounds of peep frogs along the river banks are all in agreement. And the meteorologists are telling us that we could see snow in the mountains this weekend. At least, those harbingers are among our “normal” expectations, so hopefully we can move forward without any other weather-related surprises. I think we’ve all had enough to do us for a lifetime. Like many of you, I’m really looking forward to this new season. Springtime usually gives us a feeling of renewal and hope. And, again, I think we’re all about that as we breathe a collective sigh of relief for brighter and better days ahead.  Hopefully, continued repair and rebuilding of our landscape, and lives in general, can be accomplished, with longer, warmer days adding to the success of countless projects that have been in the works for the last five months. With the longer days, come more outdoor recreational and therapeutic activity — from baseball to gardening and everything in between. And, the need for quick nutritional foods and snacks are always at the forefront of most busy families. How convenient to stop at the drive-through on the way from one event to another. But, it might help to plan ahead and pack a bag with healthier alternatives — from easy-to-make wraps you can fix ahead of time at home, to cereal snacks, fruit, etc. The possibilities are endless. By Sherrie Norris

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March 12, 2025 Another fun observance is upon us and it’s something we’ve celebrated for centuries, whether we know its origin, or not. St. Patrick’s Day honors the memory of Ireland’s patron saint for which the day is named. And, what was originally intended as a religious observance has, through time, become a fun, if not rousing secular celebration of Irish heritage. Wearing of the green as part of the tradition of Irish culture is accompanied by festive music, parades in larger cities, along with shamrocks (which St. Patrick used to illustrate the Holy Trinity to the Irish) and lucky leprechauns, too. Those little men in green clothing, and with a love for treasures, are credited with standing guard over the gold at the end of rainbows. Their “escape” from having their gold discovered has always been a huge part of the celebration, especially for the young at heart. And, did we mention that the day is all about food and drink? Well, of course, it is. And, we’re here to help. Corned beef, cabbage, meat pies, soda bread and ale are among the more traditional items on the menu for St. Paddy’s Day, but in modern times, anything green is acceptable and part of the fun. So here we go as we try to toss a little luck your way By Sherrie Norris

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February 26, 2025 As we bid farewell to February, the shortest month on the calendar, it is with a sigh of relief for many of us who are anticipating brighter, better and longer days ahead. February, like several of its predecessors, has left us longing for a break — from harsh “old-timey” winter weather and all that goes along with it, such as treacherous road conditions resulting in school closures with remote learning days (that no one likes), seasonal maladies including spikes in flu, pneumonia, Covid, depressive episodes, and so much more. It’s been a tough little month, for sure. Hopefully, as we march on into a new month with Spring just around the corner, we can anticipate improvement in many of these situations that have brought us down to a crawl, physically and mentally. March is often seen as the corner turn, when many of the aforementioned difficulties begin to subside. Within its 31 days, Women’s History Month is observed, as is Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and National Read Across America Day, Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday/Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent; we welcome Daylight Saving Time, followed closely by the beginning of March Madness,  St. Patrick’s Day and yes, Spring arrives. Many birthdays in my family and friend circle occur during March, with two signs of the zodiac (for those who give it a second thought) celebrating the typically empathetic, dreamy and artsy Pisces, as well as the competitive, energetic and fearless spirit of Aries. There’s a little more than something to be said for all that, believe it or not. I’m a typical Pisces, but I don’t take the horoscope idea too seriously. There are multiple more “observances” in March, and many related to food, so finding recipes to match the month will not be difficult. Hang on to your hats, even if it’s not blowing in like a raging lion, because it will be a busy month. Let’s get cooking as we kick it off for National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day (March1), National Pound Cake Day (March 4) and National Oreo Cookie Day (March 6). There’s more to come! By Sherrie Norris

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February 20, 2025 The focus on sweet treats during the holidays, and especially during the month of February, is not quite fair to many people who are diagnosed with diabetes. Sometimes, we tend to forget that not everyone can tolerate the sugar overload that many others are able to enjoy. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 40 million Americans, or over 11 percent of the population, has diabetes, which is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Knowing what to eat — and adhering to the restrictions — are vital to successfully living with diabetes. For those newly diagnosed, taking the first step from the doctor’s office to the grocery store can be overwhelming. But, one step at a time is highly advised to help eliminate frustration and discouragement. Establishing a routine and knowing how eating decisions impact one’s blood sugar is key to success.  However, food is not the only factor that can impact your goals for diabetes management. I’ve read — and witnessed from those we know with diabetes, as well as their loved ones — that it affects one’s entire lifestyle and requires constant monitoring. It would be helpful if we all decreased our sugar intake, as consuming excessive sugar can lead to a range of other health issues, including weight gain, heart disease, tooth decay, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gout, and more. By Sherrie Norris

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January 29, 2025 With Super Bowl 2025 just days away, this year’s contenders for the title are giving us loads of ideas for the pre-game grazing spreads, half-time smorgasbords and after-the-win celebration parties. Kansas City is known for its barbecue and chili, and Philadelphia’s signature foods include Philly steaks and cream cheese, so the combination make for a party-planner’s dream. Folks in Kansas City tell us that their barbecue is “unique” with  a thick sweet and spicy, molasses-based sauce covering burnt ends of a beef brisket, and a dry rub on a rack of ribs, setting it apart. And, from what I’ve been told, “smoking low and slow” is their preferred method of preparation. The Philly Cheesesteak has long been a favorite of many, a sub/hoagie-type bun filled with thinly-sliced beef cooked with onions and peppers and topped with a delicious melted cheese. Recent years have seen the Chicken Philly Steak rise in popularity with the poultry meat replacement, and many of us love that, too. While some experts here in the south might come close to the originals, most of us will settle for the next-best scenario and be glad just to whip up something similar to entertain our guests for the big game. And, with the continued rise of contagious “bugs” in the area, some of us might be entertaining on a smaller scale than perhaps we’ve done in years past. Any semblance of a party at my house this year won’t require a lot of fixin’s, but I’ll throw out some ideas here that can easily be adapted to fit the size of your crowd. Stay tuned for more “super sides” and snacks next week! By Sherrie Norris

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January 24, 2025 January 2025 will go down in the history books, so I’ve been told. Measurable snow along the Gulf coast all the way to the east coast, and snow cream being made and devoured in Savannah,  probably with as much or more gusto than here in the mountains. It was an interesting site to receive photos of extended family’s beach house with snow covering the palm trees in the yard. And that’s just the beginning. It’s still a perfect time for soup and anything that resembles comfort foods. However, as I was searching for inspiration for this week’s column, I saw that January is also egg month. Yeah, I’m really going to encourage the use of those little golden nuggets right about now. Talk about historical achievements. I don’t recall the price of eggs ever being at its current level. Makes us appreciate every single yoke, broken or not. I’ll save the eggs for better days ahead. And I do hope there are many. In the meantime, it’s also National Citrus Month, National Meat Month, with specific days for particular “celebrations,” such as January 31 being National Brussels Sprouts Day. So, with that said, I’m just going to throw a figurative dart into my seasonal recipe collection and see what a hodgepodge I can come up with for today. Happy eating! By Sherrie Norris

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January 8, 2025 I know, we need to help promote healthier lifestyles right about now, but it’s cold out there and it’s not as easy for some to get out to the gym or walking trails these days. Some of us are hitting the treadmills at home and trying to get off to a better start in this new year, and we should feel good about that. But, the winter chill, along with the ice and snow, has us thinking about staying warm and cozy while also stretching our food dollars. There’s no better way to get through a winter’s slump than with a big pot of soup, which we featured last week, or with a hearty casserole to feed the family for a day or two. Much like soup, casseroles can make good use of some of our left-overs, like meat, rice, pasta, veggies, etc. And the possibilities are as limited as one’s imagination. So, let’s get those casseroles started and cozy up by the fire with a good book while they’re baking. By Sherrie Norris

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January 3, 2025 Most any day, especially during the winter season, is a good day for soup. Since 1984, the entire month of  January has been set aside to honor a piping hot bowl of the aromatic concoction, usually centered around bits of meat and veggies. It’s interesting that National Homemade Soup Day is actually on February 4, but we’ll take it any day. It’s estimated that Americans eat more than 10 billion bowls of soup every year, with gumbo considered the country’s favorite; clam chowder follows close behind. Apparently, I wasn’t part of that survey, since tomato soup is my all-time favorite with French onion coming in a close second. Both received some fierce competition during the last year when I needed comforted and was introduced to chicken gnocchi by a wonderful friend and neighbor. She has prepared it for me twice now and it’s something I could eat every day. This soup is on the menu of a popular Italian eatery, but I dare say it’s any better there than what is served here in the holler.It’s a safe bet, too, that chicken noodle soup ranks pretty high with many people, especially during flu and cold seasons when it’s thought to be part of the cure. Who are we to argue with logic? Regardless of popular opinion, there’s likely a soup for everyone, with as many possibilities as there are personalities — and  leftovers. I have a tendency to place leftover vegetables, sauces, broths and meats in small containers and pop them into the freezer until I think I have enough for soup. It’s amazing what a seasoned cook can come up with  — and it’s a great way to stir the pot without causing a problem.  Join me now in celebrating National Soup Month. Hopefully, there’s something here to help warm you from the inside out during this blast of winter weather we’re facing. By Sherrie Norris

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December 19, 2024 It’s been said that Santa might like a little something different than the traditional sugar cookies that he’s been finding on the hearth every year, so we’re here to help. We must do all we can to keep the jolly old elf himself happy this year. And the kids can help, too. Hopefully, most families will be in a location where Santa can find them, even if he has to look a little farther than usual. It is my hope and prayer that the real meaning of Christmas will find a special place in our hearts and minds this year, amid all the pain and loss that many have felt. Here’s wishing you and your family peace and comfort in the coming days as we all look forward to a new year and a new beginning. And, in the meantime, here are a few ideas to keep Santa satisfied as he helps keep alive the spirit of giving. Merry Christmas! By Sherrie Norris

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December 11, 2024 Having never grown up with too much live “cultural” access in the ‘60s and ‘70s, I was not so familiar with holiday stage productions beyond school and church Christmas programs. I remember attending The Singing Christmas Tree presentation in Charlotte with my friend, Gina, and her family one year, and was in awe at that experience. Only after becoming an adult and expanding my horizons just a bit, did I learn to enjoy other seasonal shows outside the “norm.”  I’ve had the opportunity to help promote countless events through the years, and in particular, The Nutcracker, on occasion when my coworker and entertainment editor, Jeff Eason, now deceased, allowed me to squeeze in a few words here and there. Jeff absolutely loved featuring the timeless treasure each year, attending the final dress rehearsals, interviewing those involved, and especially the director, Cay Harkins. It didn’t hurt that Cay always followed up his great reviews with a homemade chocolate chip pie she hand-delivered to our office a few days following the final show. By Sherrie Norris

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December 5, 2024 . My tree was standing bare in the living room for almost two weeks before a single decoration was added to its branches. It was the best I could do.  But, with help from the grands and their Papaw, the house is finally beginning to look a little more like Christmas. The twinkling lights provide a peaceful, almost comforting glow, and the sentimental ornaments hanging in the shadows remind me that nothing on this earth lasts forever, but that what we have should be cherished. As much as I miss my brother and others this year, I think of the plight of those who don’t even have a home to decorate. That’s when I remember that I am more blessed than I deserve and try to snap out of my gloom and despair.  I do not want or need to wallow in sadness or guilt. I want to enjoy what has always been my favorite time of year. And I’m trying.  I’ve been sporadically stocking up on my seasonal baking ingredients, and last night I did bring out a stack of holiday recipes that I keep tucked away 11 months of the year. So, just maybe it will happen. And in the meantime, I’ll share some of those ideas with you. By Sherrie Norris

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November 28, 2024 . I Thanksgiving 2024 is still happening in these hills. If you and/or your family are unable to prepare, serve and enjoy the big feast together this year, hopefully, you are able to partake of a meal prepared by someone else who wants you to know that you are not forgotten.  Since our area was changed forever by the historic storm two months ago, good Samaritans have come from near and far with gifts to help the hurts and nourish our bodies and souls. And it is especially true right now. There should be no shortage of opportunities to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal this week across the High Country. Numerous groups have been announcing that meals are being made available at various locations, so hopefully you will be, or have already been, on the receiving end, one way or another. For those who may be cooking at home and helping to stuff your loved ones, as well as the turkey, we are sharing a few “left-over” ideas to stretch the love for another day or two. After the initial stuffing, oftentimes it’s the second or even third round that tastes as good, or even better, than the first. I seriously hope that, regardless of your current situation, you are able to find something for which to be thankful. And, if you are among the more fortunate to sit at your table in the comfort of your home, please remember those who are not. By Sherrie Norris

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November 21, 2024 . I In these mountains, we’ve always held tight to traditions, especially surrounding the holidays. It’s going to be hard this year, plain and simple. For starters, many homes in some area that have always been filled with family, friends and lots of food in celebration of Thanksgiving, aren’t even standing; if they are habitable, chances are, their structures have been damaged, mold has infiltrated the interior and/or their driveways and yards have been washed away. Many of us, along with our families and friends, might be hard-pressed to find the “happy” in our holidays for obvious reasons. And, it’s heartbreaking all over again. While not everyone will be able to sit down to their dining room table, surrounded by the comforts of home and loved ones, the traditional meals are being brought in to nearly every corner of the High Country and the greater Western North Carolina. A number of agencies, organizations and volunteer groups are coming together to make sure that Thanksgiving will be served to deserving folks in these hills. Hopefully, you have been seeing our publicity notices, and social media posts that are helping to get the message out: There should be enough food to go around on Thanksgiving Day to feed those who have been impacted by the storm. By Sherrie Norris

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November 18, 2024 . I Holiday décor began showing up on a few store shelves in the middle of summer, so it’s not like we didn’t have plenty of notice. We were sailing right along and then the unexpected, unprecedented and awful happened, changing everything for the majority, and affecting all of us in ways we’d like to forget. Some of us were sad before Helene even arrived; for countless others, the storm compounded sadness and deep grief with losing not only loved ones, but homes, vehicles, jobs, and in some cases everything but the shirt on their backs. There’s nothing “normal” about any of this, and I’m not sure when complete recovery will be possible. Even though we are making strides, overall, I don’t know of too many people in our mountainous area who are really thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas like we “normally” do. We’re noticing the Choose-N-Cut signs going up on the roadsides and trucks loaded down with trees, and we’re really glad for that. But still, many of our tree farmers suffered, too. Overall, a lot is different this year for most of us, and for several different reasons. Some of us are still dealing with survivor’s guilt because we still have our home, our vehicles and so much more. By Sherrie Norris

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November 6, 2024 . I November has long been a month set aside to reflect upon our blessings, and at no time is that more evident than the present. Despite the storm, many in our area still have much for which to be thankful. We know there are those who have suffered great loss in the recent past and may feel less than grateful. Loved ones have been taken, homes, livelihoods and possessions have been destroyed. Gratitude may be hard to uncover beneath the literal flood of losing so much, and that’s understandable. As I sit here writing these words in the comfort of my home, I won’t try to imagine the depth of loss that so many people in our area have experienced since the historic Hurricane Helene roared through our beautiful mountains, leaving destruction at every turn. But, I have seen unbelievable response from nearly every corner of our nation. Incredible acts of kindness extended toward our people in the wake of the storm has given hope to so many people who had little hope left in the muck and the mire. So, for the overwhelming acts of kindness that have been shown to our High Country, and western North Carolina, as a whole, I say, ‘Thanks for giving.’ I would be remiss to try to name everything that I’ve seen, and continue to witness, but we know that our hometowns would not have begun the healing process without the help of countless individuals, organizations, churches, businesses and other groups who came to our aid from near and far. So, my message is simple today: Thanks for giving. By Sherrie Norris

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September 25, 2024 . Garden-fresh produce is on its way out here in the hills. The old-timers already predicted an early fall, and now, they tell us, “It won’t be long ‘til frost.”  But, according to the current weather forecast, it’s not frost we need to worry about. After Helene moves through these mountains, there likely won’t be much, if anything, remaining of our gardens. Some of the goods that are still lingering will hopefully be harvested this week before the storm arrives — a few late-blooming tomatoes, corn, cabbage, peppers and potatoes, mainly, with a few greens.  Regardless, the garden spots will need to be cleared in preparation for winter — and hopefully we can do it all over again come spring. It’s a little sad for those who love the beauty of summer and savor  growing a garden — and watch in awe, each year — as the earth, with a little help, produces bountiful harvests. We are truly blessed, when seeds we toss into rich fertile soil result in the growth of delicious vegetables only weeks later and linger into the following months.  By Sherrie Norris

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September 4, 2024 . Has one of  the season’s favorite flavors already grabbed hold to your taste buds and decor, like it has for so many others? Of course, we’re talking about the great pumpkin! Hardly a restaurant menu or store display anywhere misses out on spotlighting the pumpkin as a special feature this time of year. I usually don’t “go pumpkin” until October, but I’d likely be too late if I wait much longer. Like everything else, it seems to be rushed this year. Apparently, the giant colorful gourd has grown in abundance around these parts once again — huge piles are showing up on roadside stands everywhere. A little history-digging reminds us that pumpkins are believed to have been first cultivated in Central America, and that Spanish and Portuguese explorers carried pumpkin seeds back to Europe in the 14th century. However, In North America, Native Americans grew pumpkins for food long before the first Europeans arrived on the continent in the 1600s. The pumpkin certainly has its share of lore associated with it, and even beyond that, its orange coloring indicates a high content of carotene pigments such as lutein, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which becomes vitamin A in the body. By Sherrie Norris

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August 28, 2024 . It’s hard to believe that another Labor Day weekend is on the doorstep of time and the end of summer is insight. And, folks, the older we get, the faster it happens. Beach trips will be replaced by many in the coming days with Friday night lights and excitement on the football fields, and locally, as we also know, Saturdays at the stadium; each game will be preceded by tailgating, which has become an event all its own and something we’ll explore soon. This year has been a blur to me for reasons most of you all know, and I won’t continue to rehash the personal setbacks I’ve encountered with health scares and family loss, but “it’s been real,” as the saying goes. At the same time, however, I am blessed to be here to share food, fun and fellowship ideas with you through each season. The High Country of North Carolina is such a great place to call home, so let’s make memories, eat well, love well and enjoy life while we can. Hope you have Labor Day off from work to spend with your loved ones and are able to cook up a few favorites for your family and friends. Maybe these suggestions will help. By Sherrie Norris

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August 14, 2024 . Talk about a fast summer. Wow. It seems like just yesterday that the bells rang for the last time and the busses made their final rounds through the High Country. And  we parents and grandparents were sitting in the pick-up lines at school, wondering just what “surprise snacks” we had on hand once we made it back home with the littles. And now, we get to do it all over again. I’ve loved how my grandson coined the phrase for his afternoon snack a couple of years ago, when asked what he wanted to eat after a long day at school. “Just surprise me, Nana.” I loved even more that he trusted me to provide something I knew he wanted. Of course, it usually included an apple, cut up with Nutella or caramel on the side for dipping. And maybe a few chips of some sort, a carrot or celery stick, a Slim-Jim and probably an Oreo or two, despite the fact that there was already enough chocolate in the “dip.” And then, little sister started school and wanted her own “surprise snack,” which has been similar, but her chosen preferences often included more salty, crispier treats. And with cheese. Of yeah, if there’s a gummy bear or three thrown in for good measure, everyone is happy. By Sherrie Norris

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August 7, 2024 . August has long been a time of transition for us here in the mountains. In fact, August 1 each year begins the “bean counting” that has little to do with cooking and eating. Rather, it has become a tradition, of sorts, to place a bean in a jar to represent a foggy morning. And then, at the end of August, each bean helps “forecast” how many snows we should expect in the coming winter. If it’s a light fog, then a small bean goes in. Larger beans are for heavier fogs, and thus, a heavier snowfall.
Some of the “old-timers” lean heavily upon this method, and more times than not, the end result is pretty accurate.
Then, there’s the start of a new school year from mid to late August in most counties, and with that comes a plethora of schedule adjustments. But, also, within the month come other southern traditions, including family reunions and related activities, namely first meeting at the family cemeteries and decorating the graves of loved ones with colorful floral arrangements and a few tears. By Sherrie Norris

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