The Cooking Corner

from Small Town Living in Gibson County

by Jancey Smith

Local CEO Student Gets National Recognition

Jancey Smith

Spring means produce time. Our local farmers and little business folks that have country ties should be filling stands with early season goodies very soon. Even if you can’t get to a farmer’s market or local produce stand, look for lower prices and more variety of these treats in your local stores. Early season crops are lettuce in numerous variations, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, and cabbage. If the weather cooperates, soon to follow will be many a person’s favorite - strawberries.

For years, lettuce to me was buying a head of iceberg at the grocers or maybe a sack of mixed greens that once the package was opened, turned funky in a matter of days. What a waste! However after getting to know some local farmers, I learned there was so much more out there. Not only is there romain, endive, bibb, and arugula, but my new favorite has turned out to be butter crunch. These soft leaves not only make a good salad but can also be filled and used as a wrap for those wanting to avoid bread. Now the bad news is that you have to thoroughly wash and rinse the lettuce - leaf by leaf. After all, they are grown right in the dirt. But if you wrap them in paper towel and put in an airtight container, they will last for weeks, so that’s the good news.

Now as far as those little red berries go, they tend to not always like the shifts in our Indiana weather. Days of rain can make them soggy and most unhappy and a late season frost would prove fatal. Locally, we not only have the option of the grocers’ lower prices, but we can visit a farm stand or try and save some cash at a U-pick. Even though picking berries yourself can be a fun family outing, I’ll pay the extra for others to do it. Your back and knees will probably thank you.

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

Ingredients-

1 graham cracker crust

1-8 oz. tub whipped topping, thawed

1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar, divided

1/8 tsp. almond extract (or 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract)

1 qt. fresh strawberries

Preparation -

In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy. Add almond extract. Mix well.

Gently fold in cool whip. Pour into crust and spread evenly. Let set 1 hour to over night (covered).

Wash and clean strawberries. Put berries and 1/2 cup sugar into plastic covered container. Mix carefully. Let set 1 hour to over night (covered).

Carefully place fresh strawberries on pie in a circle starting at the outer edges and working in. Fit as many on the top as you can without overflowing.

Refrigerate 1 hour.

Tip - Slice pie into 8 pieces before adding berries, noting cut marks.

Lankford Made Hall of Fame

On April 16th, the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association held the 27th ISSA Hall of Fame Induction in Greenwood, Indiana.

Richard Lankford of WRAY was honored for his 61-year career in broadcasting that spanned from 19532014. He announced numerous local sports for high school and college, as well as the 1954 Milan-Muncie Central title game, as well as the Princeton Community High School championship in 2009. He was also a Korean War Veteran and received the purple heart.

education that can help. It can help you look at better during the hiring process.

In addition to his work in law enforcement, Ballard’s commitment to public service extended far beyond the walls of the sheriff’s department. George is active in the community, serving on the board of several local organizations, is involved with the Chamber of Commerce, and participates in a number of charitable events. He is widely respected for his dedication to public service and his commitment to making Gibson County a safer and more prosperous place to live.

George is currently serving as Chief Deputy under Sheriff Vanoven. Daily he lives by the philosophy, in his words: “Plan for the worst, hope for the best and always be prepared.” Serving five terms and 20 years as Sheriff of the County, proves he is a trusted leader and voice in our community. Thank you for your continued service to our community former Sheriff George Ballard.

Deaconess Gibson Supports

Fostering Families & Their Children

Right: Lois and Sky from Deaconess Gibson Hospital

On Tuesday, April 25th, Deaconess Gibson Hospital announced their recent partnership with the Isaiah 1:17 Project. The hospital will have bags of hope, brochures and other information to support foster children and families.

“We support the great work that the Isaiah 1:17 Project provides to help children,” said Lois Morgan, Chief Admistrative Officer, Deaconess Gibson Hospital.