By Kara Kimbrough This easy to stir together creamy chicken pesto dish is the perfect, easy meal when time is short.    It’s only January, but I’ve already discovered three new products that I can’t live without in the kitchen. As if that wasn’t life-changing enough, I found a recipe that’s quickly becoming my go-to dinner rescuer of 2025.    But first, the products that are making food preparation and cooking just a little easier. ThermoMaven F1 Digital Meat Thermometer  – I’ve lost count of the times I’ve tried – usually unsuccessfully – to read the temperature of meat displayed on those tiny, hard-to-read thermometers. Even worse, the smoke and heat from the oven usually caused the miniscule dial to become cloudy and completely indecipherable. All that changed when I was gifted this instant ready digital meat thermometer. Not only is it much larger than those ordinary thermometers, but the easy-to-read window with bright digital numbers allowed me to quickly view the temperature of the meat as it cooked. This high accuracy thermometer with a fold-out sensor rod (picture a large pocketknife design) features advanced sensors that provide immediate, instantaneous temperature readings. And, the magnetic back allows for easy storage on the side of my refrigerator, insuring my thermometer never get lost in the kitchen gadget drawer again.  Forget those ordinary salt and pepper or other seasoning shakers. The Fliptastic Electric Gravity Grinder by Kitchen Mama  seasons dishes with perfectly-ground seasonings with the flip of a wrist. Not to mention, using the sleek, attractive rechargeable grinder is much more exciting than an ordinary salt and pepper shaker. Kitchen Mama Orbit One Rechargeable Can Opener  – forget those bulky electric versions that inevitably cause the lid to fall into the food– this one-press solution effortlessly opens cans with its patented tilted blade design, cutting 360° along the lid without touching the food inside. This genius invention is compatible with almost any can type and size, lightweight  and easily operable, with a sleek, compact design. And, it's rechargeable for eco-friendly convenience.     Last, I’ve never been able to resist a dish that included pasta, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto. This one is even better - it's filled with more tasty ingredients – chicken, heavy cream and cheeses. Even better, it can be mixed together in minutes in one pan and baked to a bubbly goodness. I honestly can’t think of a better way to get through 2025 than by using these time-saving kitchen gadgets and indulging in this delicious dish at least once a week. One Pan Creamy Chicken Pesto Bake 1 pound pasta of choice (rotini works well) 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes + oil 1pound chicken breasts 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 yellow onion, diced Salt and pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (to taste) 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (to taste) 1 teaspoon oregano (to taste) 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 cups heavy cream (room temperature) 2 handfuls spinach 6-8 ounces freshly shredded parmesan cheese (divided) 8 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella (divided) 1/2 cup pesto, to taste      Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the cream on the counter to come to room temperature. Boil noodles in salted water a few minutes less than package instructions (al dente). Drain and set aside.   In a large oven-safe saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side until no longer pink, then remove from the pan and set  aside. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.    In the same pan, melt butter and add salt, pepper, red pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir to toast, then toss in the onion and sauté for about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn heat to low, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.   Add half of the parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, stir until the cheese is melted.. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, chicken, cooked pasta and pesto. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.     Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then broil for another 5 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.  Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) is pleased to announce open enrollment for its 4-year-old PreK program, with applications being accepted now through February 7, 2025. This program provides young learners with a strong educational foundation in a supportive and nurturing environment. Designed to promote early childhood development, the BEEMS PreK program offers a well-rounded curriculum led by experienced educators who are committed to fostering social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Parents and guardians are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited. Interested families can obtain an application by visiting the school or contacting the administration for further details. This is a wonderful opportunity for young children to begin their educational journey in a welcoming and enriching setting. For more information or to obtain an application, parents can contact the school directly.

In anticipation of prolonged frigid temperatures and winter precipitation next week, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is cautioning residents to take steps now to ensure safety later. Freezing temps, snow/ice, and loss of power or water present hazards to your health, food and safety. Here is what you need to know:   Stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning Heaters that burn fuel, such as a furnace, generator, or gas water heater, produce carbon monoxide that can contaminate the air, causing nausea, dizziness, headaches, brain or heart damage. Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills indoors. Outdoors, keep them away from windows. Never burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented properly. Never heat your house with a gas oven. Do not warm your car up in a closed garage. If your garage is attached to your house, close the door to the house while you warm up the car.   Stay healthy from food poisoning Food in your refrigerator will be safe to eat if power is out for less than four hours. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold longer. After four hours, pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice or a Styrofoam cooler. Freezers can keep food safe for up to 48 hours if they are full, 24 hours if they are half-full. Bottled, boiled, or treated water is safe to drink when you are under a boil-water alert. Watch for boil water alerts specific to your area. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. If you are under a boil-water alert, do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. If possible, use baby formula that does not need to have water added.   Stay healthy outdoors Drink warm liquids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol. Watch for signs of hypothermia (shivering, slow speech, memory loss, stumbling, sleepiness). Watch for signs of frostbite: Your skin may feel like "pins and needles" followed by numbness. If you think you have frostbite or hypothermia, don't eat or drink anything containing caffeine or alcohol – they can worsen your symptoms.   For more information, visit  https://msdh.ms.gov/winter Stay up to date on news and updates at  www.msdh.ms.gov .  and on social media:   facebook.com/HealthyMS ,  twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.ms   Download our new MSDH Healthy App in Apple and Android stores.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB It’s an odd choice to do a sequel to the 2018 heist movie “Den of Thieves” in 2025. The first film made less than $50 million at the domestic box office and to my knowledge doesn’t have much of a cult following. I didn’t see that film at the time, but I did see it on Max to prepare for the sequel, and was unimpressed. There was some competent action, but the story and characters were unoriginal and unengaging. I would have given it a C-. For such a bland movie to get a sequel at all seems unlikely, let alone one that goes to theaters and isn’t dumped on streaming or Video on Demand. For all I know, that was the plan and then some studio executive noticed there were no wide releases scheduled for this past weekend, so they just threw in whatever they had. The tactic worked, the film took the #1 spot away from the fourth weekend of “Mufasa,” but this is not a movie that I could see succeeding through any means other than a lack of competition. Gerard Butler is back as L.A. detective Nick O’Brien, still in pursuit of the elusive Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.). Donnie and a crew stole $30 million from the Federal Reserve in the first movie in a job that left both cops and criminals dead, with Donnie himself getting away scot-free. Nick seems more concerned with avenging his own humiliation than any fallen comrades. Whatever his motivations, he tracks Donnie to France, where he and another crew are about to ransack the World Diamond Centre. Nick could just arrest Donnie, but he makes another play: joining in on the heist himself. What follows is your standard heist movie protocol: Nick gaining the trust of the Pantera crew led by Jovanna (Evin Ahmad), pushing out those that don’t trust him, doing some light bonding with Donnie and the faithful members of the crew, manipulating the technology and staff of the WDC, and getting on the bad side of the local mafia for an inevitable third-act twist. Then there’s the heist itself, which is so smooth that the movie barely remembers to throw in a few wrinkles to keep viewers from falling asleep. Clocks tick, cars are driven. There’s never really a question of whether or not the crew can evade the WDC’s security, the suspense comes from wondering who’s going to betray whom and how violent it will be. The film is R-rated and the first movie was pretty violent, so things could get messy. As with the first movie, this one just doesn’t make much of an impact. Neither film ever rises above coming off as a “Fast & Furious” knockoff. This film admirably tries to give some much-needed depth to the Butler and Jackson characters, and the actors are fine, but even with the fleshing-out, these characters are completely standard for a movie like this. A third movie is heavily teased, and I won’t exactly say no to spending more time with the surviving characters, but the studio is going to have to find another deserted weekend if it wants me to have any enthusiasm. And getting one of these movies down to under two hours certainly wouldn’t hurt. After I saw “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” my friends asked me if I liked it. When I told them I didn’t, they all asked some variation on, “So it didn’t live up to the original?” No, the original was too disposable. This one is only mildly disposable. I can see the game being upped a smidge. It’s not to a point where I give it a recommendation, but for a sequel to a movie that was easy to dismiss seven years ago, it’s surprisingly hard to dismiss now. Grade: C “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” is rated R for pervasive language, some violence, drug use and sexual references. Its running time is 142 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Years ago, a young couple left their almost-two-year-old son with his favorite baby sitter, Miss Elva. A few days later, she laughingly told them that he had come to her that evening, dragging his diaper bag behind him. Paul was a unique little boy who disliked speaking. He simply refused to talk unless he was forced by circumstances beyond his control. And that didn’t seem to happen very often. Most of the time that intelligent, determined tyrant resorted to manipulation, pointing, and outright sulking to convey what he was thinking. But there was another thing that child detested. Feeling sogginess next to his little hiney. So that evening he simply brought the bag to her and stood there, mutely asking for a change in attire. Amused, Miss Elva told him to get a diaper out and hand it to her. Paul quickly set the bag down and dug clear to the bottom. After finally locating the lone diaper that was sent, he handed it to her and broke his habitual silence with this loud and clear complaint, “I’m gettin’ sick and tired of Momma sendin’ me only one diaper!” Now, before you get yourself into a tizzy, those parents were very aware that their stubborn little son was quickly approaching what approximates the “elderly years” in potty training.  They were  trying  to get him potty trained. But you have heard of people who march to their own drumbeat, and do things on their own time table? They definitely had one on their hands. No amount of coaxing, teaching, bribing, or discipline tactics moved him from his own set course. Consistently using a potty chair was going to happen when he said so, and not before. Yes, he certainly was too old to be constantly relying on diapers. His problem? That little toddler preferred to just blame someone else for his problem. And have someone else fix it for him. Learning responsibility for his own uncomfortable-ness wasn’t on his radar. He simply didn’t want to stop playing and take care of business. Miss Elva laughed at the incident. Paul’s mom and dad sure didn’t. They were aware what it could mean down the road for a child to be able to talk but refuse to be toilet trained. Had they failed to teach him to take responsibility for his ‘personal habits,’ then how difficult would it have possibly been to teach him personal responsibility for his actions in the years ahead? Moreover, it stands to reason that if he had been allowed to ‘roam free’ in childhood, he could have also struggled later in life to teach his own kids to accept responsibility for their own actions. If a not-my-problem mindset doesn’t get changed, a child can easily become just a baby grownup. Unfortunately, sure sounds familiar today. I think our country is dealing with a whole bunch of baby grownups. Bring on the potty chairs.

Bolton, MS is gearing up for a spectacular day of fun and festivities with its annual event, "May Day the Bolton Way." Scheduled for May 24 from 10 AM to 4 PM, the celebration will take place at 130 Champion Hill Road, the site of the old V.L. Ruben School. This highly anticipated event promises a day filled with entertainment and activities for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring tents, coolers, and chairs to make the most of the outdoor festivities. Grilling will not be permitted, but a variety of delicious options will be provided by food vendors on-site. With security provided throughout the event, guests can enjoy a safe and relaxing atmosphere while they take part in the fun. The event will feature a live DJ spinning tunes throughout the day, creating an energetic and lively environment. Children can look forward to a range of exciting activities, including face painting, games, and space jumps. Whether it’s dancing to music, enjoying tasty treats, or participating in games, there will be something for everyone. "May Day the Bolton Way" offers the perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy the warm weather, and celebrate community spirit. With an array of entertainment, food vendors, and fun activities, it’s set to be a memorable occasion for all who attend. A Day Full of Excitement and Entertainment "May Day the Bolton Way" is designed to bring the Bolton community together for a day of excitement and enjoyment. The event will include an impressive lineup of attractions such as space jumps, face painting, and a variety of engaging games. Families are welcome to set up their own comfortable spaces with tents and chairs, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Food lovers will have plenty to savor, with numerous food vendors offering a wide selection of dishes and refreshments. Attendees are reminded that grills are not allowed on-site, ensuring that all food services are provided by the vendors. Adding to the festive atmosphere will be a live DJ, who will keep the crowd energized with a diverse mix of music. Security will be on hand to maintain a safe environment, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the day’s activities without worry. This year’s "May Day the Bolton Way" promises to be an unforgettable experience, fostering community bonding and providing endless fun for everyone. Residents and visitors alike are invited to join in the celebration and make lasting memories.

By Kara Kimbrough Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect way to help get the daily recommended amount of vegetables, vitamins and antioxidants. Equally important, it's hot, filling and delicious.     Don’t get me wrong, I don’t actually "love" freezing cold temperatures, icy roads and sky-rocketing electric bills as a result of the first two factors. However, now that cold weather seems to have arrived – after all, it’s officially been “winter” for a few weeks now - it’s time to start thinking about ways to keep warm. That goal extends to meals...after all, we know there’s nothing better than hot soup with a skillet of cornbread to ward off the aftereffects of a cold, dreary winter day.     I’ve always loved making and eating soup, but my favorites haven’t always been doctor-approved. After reading about healthier versions filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, I became more intentional about the soups I was eating.      Here are three recipes to get us through the current arctic-like weather – two would pass health experts’ tests; one is “not exactly healthy,” but too delicious to leave out.     Here’s to weathering Winter 2025 in a healthier way! Winter Detox Soup (this soup contains a lot of ingredients, but is so easy; everything is thrown into one pot and cooks together) 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil5 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon of minced garlic from a jar2 yellow onions, diced1 red and 1 yellow pepper, diced 5 stalks celery, chopped 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped 5 carrots, peeled and chopped2 zucchini, peeled and chopped 1 pound green beans, trimmed and chopped (can use frozen) 12 cups chicken stock 1 can crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon 4 cups fresh spinach, trimmed and chopped 1 cup dried couscous     Sauté garlic in oil. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add in all other fresh vegetables (except spinach and couscous) and sauté for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.     Add broth, can of tomatoes and bouillon to pot. Simmer for 3 hours. Add couscous 30-45 minutes before serving; then add spinach 5 minutes before serving. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup 1 pound orzo pasta 1 teaspoon olive oil 3 medium carrots, chopped, or more to taste 3 ribs celery, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried oregano Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 bay leaf 3 (32 ounce) cartons low-sodium chicken broth ½ cup fresh lemon juice 1 lemon, zested 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped 1 (8 ounce) package baby spinach leaves      Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in orzo and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered until partially cooked through but not yet soft, about 5 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cooled completely.      Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften and onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season mixture with thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper; continue cooking another 30 seconds before pouring chicken broth into the pot.      Bring broth to a boil. Partially cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes. Stir orzo, lemon juice, and lemon zest into broth; add chicken. Cook until chicken and orzo are heated through, about 5 minutes. Add baby spinach; cook until spinach wilts into broth and orzo is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Crockpot Lasagna Soup 1      pound ground chuck 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 (32 ounce) carton beef broth 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, or more to taste 5 lasagna noodles (add more to taste; I always do!) Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 4 dollops ricotta cheese (optional)      Crumble ground chuck in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. Drain. Place beef in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add bell pepper, onion, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Cook on low 4 hours.     Add broken lasagna noodles. Cook on Low until noodles are tender, about 45 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add mozzarella cheese a few minutes before removing from heat; stir until melted.  Serve with ricotta cheese for those that want to top off their bowl with it. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

By Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB          Robert Eggers is one of those directors that always puts out exactly the movie he wants. I’m not saying that as a comment on his professionalism or his attitude, I’m saying that because he clearly has the ability to shut down naysayers. If he didn’t, we’d never get the archaic dialogue of 2015’s “The Witch” or the grainy imagery of 2019’s “The Lighthouse.” Here’s another idea that must have sounded ludicrous to his financial backers: a remake of a groundbreaking vampire film from over 100 years ago, a film whose legendary status makes it practically untouchable. The original came out five years before groundbreaking talkie “The Jazz Singer,” and there must have been a fear that Eggers’ take on the material would be about as well-received as the 1980 Neil Diamond version of that film (which is to say not well). But because Eggers puts out only what he wants, we have this sexually-tinged horror movie competing with Christmas blockbusters at the box office, and admirably holding its own.             The film tells the tragic story of Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) and Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), a young couple living in Germany in 1838. Real estate agent Thomas is on the verge of a promotion by his boss, Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), who needs him to do just one thing before securing his future: travel to Transylvania and get a signature from a wealthy client, an eccentric count. Ellen (who dabbled in summoning supernatural spirits when she was a teenager) doesn’t want Thomas to go, as she’s having weird dreams and fearing that her past may not be done with her. But Thomas needs the promotion, so he leaves Ellen with friends Friedrich (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Anna (Emma Corrin) and sets out to meet the mysterious count by the name of… Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). Yeah, we know it’s really Dracula, but the 1922 film couldn’t get the rights to the book, so we’re stuck with Orlok.             Orlok is as imposing as he is bizarre. He lives in the creepiest castle imaginable, drinks questionable beverages (an Eggers staple), and sleeps in a coffin all day. Thomas takes care of business and later gets into a fight with Orlok, which both parties barely survive. He flees to what he thinks is safety at home, unaware that Orlok is already traveling there to seize control of Ellen, herself becoming more sickly as Orlok grows in power, much to the distress of her caretakers. The vampire (or “nosferatu”) wants her all to himself, and he’s willing to bring a deadly plague upon the entire country, not to mention harming her loved ones, in order to have her. Thomas’s only hope lies with controversial doctor Von Franz (Willem Dafoe), who is an expert on vampires in theory, but has no practical experience. Things get really icky as Orlok unleashes his powers further, including using hypnosis to get victims to violate some serious taboos.             “Nosferatu” is certainly a competent movie. Eggers is seeing his vision through to its full potential in areas like production design and performances. His drive and eye for detail are required of any filmmaker that wants to take on the challenge of such a cinematic institution. I can’t think of a filmmaker that could have done a better job with this material, I just question how badly we needed this job done at all. I would have been fine with leaving the 1922 classic alone and not subjecting audiences to some of the more unsavory aspects of this movie. Indeed, Robert Eggers has once again put out exactly the movie he wants. I just can’t say that it’s the movie “I” want. If you’re not in the mood for something so dark, serious, and occasionally stomach-churning, then this probably isn’t the movie “you” want. Grade: C "Nosferatu" is rated R for bloody violent content, graphic nudity and some sexual content. Its running time is 132 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Emmanuel Tabernacle in Christ, Bolton, Mississippi Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Emmanuel Tabernacle in Christ warmly welcomes individuals from all walks of life to join its close-knit congregation. Located at 1752 Lyon's Road, Bolton, Mississippi, this small country church is dedicated to glorifying God through worship, fellowship, and service to the community. Under the leadership of Bishop Bettye J. Ervin, Emmanuel Tabernacle offers a range of weekly services designed to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Sunday mornings begin with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., followed by an inspiring worship service at 11:00 a.m. Additional gatherings include Monday night prayer, Wednesday night Bible class, and Friday night Evangelistic services, all starting at 7:00 p.m. Each session features heartfelt music, prayer, and thought-provoking messages that encourage spiritual growth. The church is not only a place of worship but also a pillar of support for the local community. Emmanuel Tabernacle provides a warm and inclusive environment where individuals can find hope, healing, and purpose. Its mission to unite people as one family under God is reflected in its outreach and acts of service. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, a sense of belonging, or an opportunity to serve, Emmanuel Tabernacle in Christ invites you to experience the love of Christ in action. For more details, visit their official website or attend one of their vibrant services. Bishop Dr. Bettye J. Ervin, Presiding Prelate

Send responses to:   andybowman839@gmail.com Do. Not. Give. Up.  Giving up creates hopelessness. And hopelessness creates a huge black hole of depression and deadness in you. When you quit caring about anything in life, you stop living, even though your heart continues beating. Living in hopelessness means having to keep walking a step at a time when you don’t have a destination that even matters anymore. There is no food to listlessly put on your fork and carry into your mouth that will give you a rush of pleasure. No amount of sleep will relieve you from the aimlessness and dread of facing each new day. There is no sparkling sunshine and perfect temperature outside that will even really register on your dulled brain. You start to live life as if you are simply not alive. Hopelessness also opens up an entire new bag of potential physical ailments. The medical field tells us that stress in itself is not a bad thing. Your body and mind thrive on contemplating possibilities and problems you need to solve - when you convince yourself to feel confident that it will all work out in the end. But dis-stress is the actual problem, when you allow yourself to give in to the belief that you have no way of winning. The human body and mind take a very dim view of you deciding there is no hope in sight, and they tend to let you know they disapprove. In ways that you can’t miss. But how does a person avoid hopelessness, when your world has slid slowly but definitely downward and you are afraid there is no way back up? When someone dear to you tragically dies?  When the business that you poured your entire life into abruptly shatters into splinters, leaving you with nothing but debts and painful memories? When you drastically and permanently lose your good health? When life no longer feels like you are living. Know this : You have to make a choice, a very definite, firm, conscious choice. A choice to not let yourself sink into that seducing, sucking, tempting hole of hopelessness. That is the first step. Realize this:  Unless you decide to commit suicide, you HAVE no choice but to keep living. You have to find a way to keep living. So, 1) grieve your loss, fully. Then 2) look for some small interest that will at the least help you stay existing each new day, until finally you can 3) grasp at a new beginning. One that will allow you to start over and give you a real reason to walk, to eat, to laugh, to make plans. Hang on in faith:  You have to tell yourself that countless others have walked this same road, you can do it also. Although it looks impossible, you will find a way with time. That God really is in your corner, He wants to help you survive what this broken world has thrown at you and to keep walking.

By: Kara Kimbrough Chicken parmesan at Mario's Italian in Hattiesburg, pictured here, is one of the best dishes I've ever tasted. While I don't have the exact recipe, the printed recipe is similar to the ingredients used in Mario's dish and is quick and easy to make. I often hear from readers who fall into different categories: 1. They don’t cook, but instead, rely primary on restaurant or takeout meals; 2. They’re proficient home cooks and chefs who prefer preparing their own meals; and 3. Traveling the country and world is a favorite pastime, so they enjoy hearing about my travels. In an effort to make everyone happy, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite finds that may appeal to home cooks, regular restaurant patrons and travelers (and some may fit into more than one category).   Here are a few of my favorite restaurant meals, supermarket finds and travel products of 2024 - I'm hoping you may enjoy experiencing a few for yourself in 2025: Chobani Creations Greek Yogurt with Dessert Flavors   - I’ve “tried” (emphasis on tried) to eat healthier this year, including choosing healthy yogurt as a snack instead of my favorite potato chips. Making the choice even easier this year is this brilliant product from Chobani. It combines all the benefits of yogurt with the delicious flavors of apple pie à la mode, bananas Foster, cherry cheesecake and mocha tiramisu. Even better than the taste is that it's made with natural ingredients and real fruit, but no artificial flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. And, each container comes with 10 grams of protein. Safe Catch Wild Pink Salmon  – Salmon is always on the list of the world's healthiest foods, but I’ve always been a little leery of its high mercury content if eaten on a regular basis. This year, I tried the canned products and learned they contain the lowest mercury level of any salmon brand. It’s safe for children, pregnant woman and others with compromised immune systems. Safe Catch hand selects and tests every single salmon to insure its mercury limit is 25 times lower than the FDA’s recommended limit. Oh and here’s the best part: it’s the freshest, best-tasting salmon I’ve ever sampled. Krog’s Scout Travel Luggage Tag  – After having several luggage tags either cut or pulled off during airline travel, I ditched the flimsy pieces of faux leather and switched to the “world’s smartest luggage tag.” Scout Travel stores my contact details digitally in the sturdy tag that easily attaches to my luggage. My personal information is accessible if necessary via a QR code but is not "out there" for strangers to view.  And, it pairs with my Apple iPhone’s "Find My" app, allowing me to track my belongings at all times. Scout Travel also features a motion-sensitive alarm, providing an extra layer of security. Pacific Foods’ Organic Bone Broth  - Speaking of healthy eating lists, you might have noticed the addition of bone broth on many of them. I’d never used it until this year, but now that I’ve discovered Pacific Food’s version made from non-GMO, organic-certified ingredients like unsalted chicken and beef cooked with vegetables, herbs and cider vinegar, I may never go back to regular broth. With 9 grams of protein per serving, I feel good about adding it to soups, stews, casseroles and other dishes. Sugar Pop Baking Co. in Waveland  - It might seem odd that this small, unassuming bakery and restaurant with a limited menu made the list this year, but once you experience it, you’ll understand why. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s in the Ground Zero Museum, which showcases the damage done by and reconstruction after  Katrina. Or, it could be due to the building's architecture harkening back to a bygone era. Actually, I believe it’s the amazing cakes and pastries created by the talented owner and staff as well as the delicious smash burgers and other sandwiches served at lunch. Experience it yourself the next time you’re on the Gulf Coast. Check out the website to see photos of some of their creative offerings and learn about hours of operation and specials at: sugarpopbakingco.com . Tyson Restaurant Style Crispy Wings  – Every now and then,  a craving for crispy wings can't be denied. This new frozen product is the perfect antidote. As someone who doesn’t like heavy breading or wings with soft, chewy skin, this product fits the bill. The ultra-crispy wings come in a variety of flavors; my favorite is rotisserie-seasoned. Bigelow Green Tea with Elderberry  – I love a mug of hot tea in the afternoon, but preferred a fruit-flavored version like peach, blueberry and apple. Despite its high nutrient content, I’ve never cared for the taste of green tea. After reading just how good green tea is for the body (improvements in brain/cognitive health, heart, inflammation, digestive, blood sugar, stress, skin and with a hearty dose of antioxidants for good measure) I decided to give it another try. Thankfully, I ran across a green tea flavored with a hint of berry and other woodsy flavors.  makes. It makes drinking a daily glass of the healthy tea much more palatable. Favorite restaurant meals of 2024  -  I was fortunate to sample a delicious array of meals at home in Mississippi, in nearby states and in New York City. A few memorable dishes included: chicken parmesan and garlic rolls at Mario’s Italian in Hattiesburg; pancakes with blueberries and maple syrup at Bubby’s in New York City; Italian meatballs at Teatro Bistro and chili at Tolbert’s Chili Parlor, both in Grapevine, Texas; shrimp po-boy and gumbo at Taranto’s in Biloxi and shrimp cocktail at Grand Central Station’s Oyster Bar in NYC. Yes, 2024 was a great year for supermarkets, restaurants and travel, but I have a feeling this year will be equally memorable. Email me with your favorites in these three categories. I’ll do my best to try them out in the coming year. Happy New Year! Most Used Recipe of 2024:  Easy Chicken Parmesan 4 boneless chicken breast halves Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2  large eggs1 cup panko bread crumbs, or more as needed ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or more if needed ½ cup olive oil for frying, or as needed 1 cup prepared tomato sauce (more to taste) ¼ cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes¼ cup chopped fresh basil ½ cup grated provolone cheese 2 teaspoons olive oil      Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy freezer bag on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken with a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/2-inch.      Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over chicken breasts, evenly coating both sides.     Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside. Mix bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl, set aside. Dip a flour-coated chicken breast in beaten eggs. Transfer breast to the bread crumb mixture, pressing crumbs into both sides. Repeat for each breast. Let chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes.     Heat 1/2 inch olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Cook chicken in the hot oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.     Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with 2-3 tablespoons tomato sauce. Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and provolone cheese. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over top and drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.    Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is browned and bubbly and chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes.  Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkrpco@yahoo.com .

Officials at Itawamba Community College (ICC) have announced the honors list for the Fall 2024 semester, recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. The honors list is divided into categories based on grade point average, highlighting the dedication and hard work of students across various disciplines. Among those recognized is Brice D. Nunnery of Bolton, Mississippi , who earned a spot on the Dean’s List. This distinction is reserved for students with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79. ICC’s honors list serves as a testament to the college’s commitment to academic excellence and the success of its students.