One family’s two pecan businesses span five generations Sometimes you meet a person so dedicated to their craft their passion is infectious. For Jennifer Cassaday, that was her grandfather Vernon Byrd and his love of pecans. As Jennifer — and anyone who knew Vernon —...
Magazine
Glass Compositions
Light slips in through the stained glass suncatcher in the window and brightens the room with rainbow colors. The studio is warmed by the wood stove and the ceramic kiln at work. No winter’s chill is going to keep this artist from creating glass masterpieces. The...
Savory Soups
Thai Chicken and Rice Soup One 4.4-ounce cup instant cilantro and lime jasmine rice 1/2 cup cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup coconut milk 1 tablespoon Thai green curry paste 3 small shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 scallion, thinly...
Taboo Burgers, Grill and Ice Cream
Over-the-top burgers with a story photos by Paul Newton and Sara Schafer There’s no definitive path for finding your footing as a rural restaurant. Some go to culinary school, others rely on family recipes and more lean on their business acumen. The path for David and...
Our wish for you
Reflecting on the past, while looking toward the future As we close out 2023 and the observance of our 75th anniversary, the staff of Rural Missouri would like to thank our readers for welcoming us into your homes, both figuratively and literally for those of you we...
The call to adventure
Missouri couple builds canvas tents for campers, outfitters and more The cold mountain air of autumn has arrived with the first snowfall of the season. The ground is covered in white as animals forage for food. You’re miles from civilization, but inside your canvas...
Reindeer Games
Vanzant farm brings magic of the North Pole to southern Missouri The magic of the holidays captures kids of all ages — just ask Sara Prescott. The cattlewoman, wife and mother wears another hat one month out of the year. That’s when she, along with husband, Michael,...
Palatable Presents
Sweet treats for holiday giftingPeppermint Bars Brownies: 1 family-size package fudge brownie mix Peppermint Filling: 5 cups powdered sugar 14 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract 1/8 teaspoon red food coloring ...
Lighting up the season
Madison care center invites guests in for the holidays Equal parts excitement and relief greet Fannie Miller as she stands in the circle driveway outside of the assisted living facility where she’s worked for a quarter century. She’s standing alongside her longtime...
Handmade with a higher cause
New Florence shop offers decor and more There’s just a little bit of everything going on inside the country craft store. A couple passing by stopped to check out some of the fall decorations and homemade candles that are making way for the upcoming Christmas displays....