6 minute read
Miss Annie's Kitchen and Home
BY CAROLYN DRINKARD
Annie Emens McDaniel always had a desire to teach, but life took her down a different path when her husband, Darryl, was in school.
While she was working in an outdoor education program in Chelsea, Alabama, a friend suggested that she try some of her strategies in schools around the area. Annie McDaniel used her talents to create “Miss Annie’s Educational Adventures,” exciting, 30-minute field trips delivered by a delightful character named “Miss Annie.” Dressed in a whimsical costume to fit the topic, “Miss Annie” came directly to the classroom, bringing fun, hands on educational activities that reinforced the regular curriculum.
Since 1999, “Miss Annie” has taught timely, science-based activities that have enthralled and excited youngsters. She started with programs on Native Americans, woodland animals and the cornhusk doll, but she now offers many more interesting selections. She has been invited into eight different public school districts, which is about 35 elementary and private schools, as well as many home schools. Working with K-3 students, “Miss Annie” has been able to reach and teach more than 20,000 students, with seasonal programs and delightful learning opportunities. “Miss Annie’s Educational Adventures” are still very popular, and her schedule is always filled each school year.
As “Miss Annie,” Annie McDaniel brings educational field trips to Birmingham area schools. In Kendall Aiken’s kindergarten class at Chelsea Park Elementary, she taught the life cycle of a pumpkin in a program called “Pumpkin Circle.” She dressed as a scarecrow because scarecrows watch how things grow! The teachers got her pumpkin bread as a treat.
“Miss Annie” also became well-known for her cooking, especially the home-baked sweets she brought along with each visit. “I loved to bring treats to the teachers,” she laughed. “My little homemade goodies said to these teachers, ‘I love you! I see you! and I appreciate you!’ for doing such a wonderful job!” In appreciation, teachers shared their delight on social media and raved about “Miss Annie’s” treats, making her even more popular.
Last fall, Annie’s dear friend, Sue Garrett (Mama Sue), began treatments for breast cancer. Annie and Angela Deaver stepped in to help with the thousands of cookbook orders waiting to be filled. It was during this time that Sue urged Annie to start her own Facebook Live series, featuring the treats and tricks that had endeared her to so many in the Birmingham area.
“I did not want to compete with Mama Sue,” Annie added, “but Sue encouraged me and pointed out that we had different audiences, especially since I had been in the schools so long.”
After Sue Garrett posted some of Annie’s videos on her “Mama Sue’s” site, “Miss Annie’s Home + Kitchen” became an instant success!
Viewers never know what to expect when Annie’s smiling face appears. In one video, she may cook, but in the next, she may teach easy home and decorating ideas. In still another, she may offer encouraging words and heartwarming support.
Annie McDaniel uses her own family favorite recipes, but she also brings simple hacks that help busy, working mothers. During the Christmas season, she often appeared with decorating tips, using things found around the home or yard. In one video, she clipped live, fresh magnolias and cedar branches from her own backyard to adorn a mailbox and front door. She brought two of her grandchildren into her kitchen to make easy holiday treats and suggested creative ways the kids could share these with neighbors and family.
“Miss Annie’s” fans rallied to support her, liking and sharing the videos. In the first month alone, she soared to over 23,000 followers! She was also named a spokesperson for Tanner’s Pecans. Many other opportunities are now in the works.
After Mama Sue’s surgery, Miss Annie visited and the two friends cooked in Sue’s kitchen. They made caramel corn from Miss Annie’s new cookbook. Their followers responded with thousands of comments, encouraging and supporting both ladies.
Annie McDaniel has tapped into a niche market, hungry for timesaving tips on cooking and decorating as well as innovative ways to entertain kids stuck at home because of the virus. “I love to find creative ways to make life simple, fun and meaningful,” she laughed.
In January and February, Annie’s popularity soared! She brought out her crockpot, sharing easy, practical recipes that helped busy moms make mouth-watering meals. Annie’s own “Family Favorites” cookbook came out in January, and it was a huge success.
“I had wanted to do this for so long,” she said. “Now, I have all my favorite recipes together in one book!” She is also working on another cookbook, called “CELEBRATE.” It will contain recipes for the treats she has demonstrated on her show in 2022. This treasure will be available in the fall.
When “Miss Annie” visits a classroom, she always brings homemade goodies to the teachers, which say, “I love you! I see you! and I appreciate you!’ for doing such a wonderful job!” Annie gained quite a reputation as a great cook, long before she had her own show.
Her family is Annie McDaniel’s most cherished possession. She and Daryl are blessed with 4 children and 9 grandchildren. Not pictured is Baby Cooper, who came along after this family picture was taken.
On many shows, Annie McDaniel wears a T-shirt with the logo, “I Can Do Hard Things!” These encouraging words have become her mantra and her personal ministry. In 2014, Darryl McDaniel suffered a debilitating stroke. He was misdiagnosed for four days, before the doctors finally life-flighted him to another hospital. While traveling to be with her husband, Annie McDaniel remembered a church talk she had heard back in 2008. The words, “I can do hard things!” echoed in her mind.
“The seed was planted,” said Annie. “I had cried, and I had prayed,” she said quietly. “Now, here was God telling me that I could do this!”
She made cards with the phrase, putting them in visible places to remind herself that she was not alone throughout this journey. As Darryl entered rehab and learned to do one small thing each day, he grew stronger and so did Annie! She discovered a new purpose! With a heart full of gratitude, she became a magnet for miracles. Daryl recovered and went back to work! Now, he occasionally appears with her on her videos.
Every cook’s dream is to create her own cookbook with all her favorite recipes in one book. Annie’s dream came true when her cookbook came out in January. It was a huge success! UPS driver Judson Jones was quite busy delivering Miss Annie’s new cookbook.
Annie had shirts printed with the inspirational message to show her appreciation to friends who had supported her. (Mama Sue often wears one while reporting on her cancer progress.) The t-shirts have become so popular that viewers can now find them on Annie’s website: missannie’shomepluskitchen.com.
“When I did hard things, my heart opened up bigger, “she said. “I now have a greater appreciation for life! “
Annie McDaniel rose from the ashes, and beautiful things happened. Her struggles awakened talents she never knew she had and opened a whole new world to her. She still continues to teach, but now, her heartfelt words encourage and inspire thousands.
Watch “Miss Annie’s Home + Kitchen” on Facebook. Explore her website: www.missannieshomeandkitchen.com. Check out “Miss Annie’s Educational Adventures” at missannie.com.
After Daryl McDaniel suffered a life-changing stroke, Annie was encouraged each day by a saying that she had heard at church: “I Can Do Hard Things.” These words inspired her to open her heart to gratitude for the little things each day. Her heart became a magnet for miracles as Daryl recovered, and Annie discovered talents she never knew she had.
Annie McDaniel feels right at home in her kitchen. After demonstrating apple brownies, her followers responded with hundreds of comments. Her fans contact her after making her recipes, offering support and sharing tricks that they have tried. They also help one another through their comments.
