BLC Connection November/December 2026 by utilitypioneers

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Sweet Treats McMinnville bakeries

B&P LAMP SUPPLY WORLD WAR II MUSEUM

Rural Connections By Mike Romano, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

Broadband Powers AI

System Reset

e’ve all heard the inevitable question when troubleshooting an internet outage: Have you tried turning the router off and on again? Rebooting electronics is such a common fix that it’s become a running joke. But why does it actually work? You might not think about it this way, but your router is a small computer, complete with its own memory, storage and operating system. Just as your computer can crash or freeze up, the same is true for your router.

WHAT DOES A REBOOT DO? As with any computer, bugs can use memory or trigger safety measures that cause problems. A reboot won’t solve the underlying issue, but it can be a quick fix. Your router also manages multiple devices on the network. If some IP addresses are the same or are not up to date, your router can make mistakes. Rebooting the router resets those assignments. Just like computers, a router can overheat, especially if it’s in a tight space hidden from view. Turning it off for a few seconds can give the hardware a needed break. 

Adobe Stock image by Lightfield Studios

rtificial intelligence is a hot topic these days with a constant stream of news articles talking about its benefits and potential pitfalls. While many of us think about AI in terms of chatbots like ChatGPT, it can also play a powerful role in helping businesses, like small, rural broadband providers, operate more efficiently behind the scenes. As we all explore the practical applications of AI, NTCA members are implementing various AI tools to analyze network performance data, identify potential issues before they affect customers, strengthen cybersecurity efforts and streamline routine administrative tasks. Finding these efficiencies allows employees to spend less time on repetitive work and more time on what matters most— building and sustaining reliable networks and supporting their communities. Especially if the implementation is done right and if providers “own their own AI future,” they can be well positioned to identify and capitalize on new opportunities to grow and sustain their operations and serve customers and communities even better. Rural broadband providers are unique. They are rooted in their communities, and personal relationships are the heart and soul of their service. AI should not replace that but, rather, it should be another tool to help local teams operate smarter and more efficiently so they can continue to provide high-quality, reliable service to their friends and neighbors. And none of this innovation is possible without broadband. Every AI tool, whether used by a family, school, business or even a data center, relies on high-speed, reliable broadband. As the demand for these tools continues to grow, rural broadband providers will invest in building and sustaining the robust networks needed now and in the future. 

Adobe Stock image by Ivan

POWER UP Simple habits help your devices’ batteries last longer Story by DREW WOOLLEY

hether it’s a smartphone, laptop or a favorite pair of earbuds, most of us rely on rechargeable batteries every day. But like any electronic device, those batteries don’t last forever. Most modern devices use lithium-ion batteries, which gradually lose their ability to hold a full charge over time. While battery aging is unavoidable, a few simple habits can help slow the process and keep your devices working well for years. Maintaining good battery health can also delay the need for costly repairs or replacement of a device.

CHARGE SMARTER Many people think leaving a phone plugged in all night will damage the battery. Fortunately, today’s smartphones and laptops are much smarter than older electronics. Most stop charging once they reach 100% and manage the charging process automatically. Even so, experts say batteries tend to last longer when they aren’t constantly kept at either a full charge or completely drained. If possible, try to recharge your device before the battery falls below about 20% and unplug it once it has enough charge for the day. Many newer devices also offer optimized charging settings that learn your routine and reduce battery wear. Heat is a battery’s enemy. Avoid leaving phones or laptops in a hot car or in direct sunlight for extended periods, especially while charging.

CHECK YOUR CABLES A charging cable may seem like a minor accessory, but taking care of it can save both frustration and money. Instead of pulling a cable out by the cord, grasp the connector itself. Avoid tightly wrapping cables around chargers or bending them sharply, since repeated stress can damage the wires inside. If a cable becomes frayed or the connector is loose, replace it rather than continuing to use it. It’s also a good idea to use charging cables and power adapters from reputable manufacturers that meet your device’s specifications.

NO WIRES? NO PROBLEM Wireless charging pads have become increasingly common for smartphones and some earbuds. Instead of plugging in a cable, you simply place the device on the charging pad. Wireless charging can reduce wear on a device’s charging port, especially if you plug and unplug your phone several times each day. Some newer devices also support magnetic wireless chargers that help align the phone for more efficient charging. While wireless charging is convenient, it may charge more slowly than a cable and can generate a bit more heat. For many users, though, it’s an easy way to simplify charging while reducing wear on connectors. With a few simple habits, you can help your devices stay powered longer and keep their batteries healthier for years to come.  November/December 2025 | 3

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO

Saying Farewell The final issue of Connection magazine

hen we began Connection magazine 14 years ago, we had a simple mission in mind—to tell local stories about the people and places that make our home so special. We’ve been honored to bring them to you and are grateful to have had a place in your homes.

In July/August 2019, we shared the woodcarving passion of Russ Jacobsohn, a Navy veteran who fell in love with Tennessee and made it his home. An ambulance ride in a snowstorm set the stage for our story about Dr. Dawnmarie Riley, of McMinnville, in the January/ February 2020 issue. The spirit of perseverance was in the spotlight when we met Emily Partin in the May/June 2021 edition and learned about her campaign to save the old Grundy County High School. With the July/August 2022 magazine, we were all tempted to lick the cover to enjoy the GREG SMARTT oversized milkshake from the Rock Island Trolley Stop. General Manager/CEO November/December 2023 continued the treats—although the inedible kind—as we shared the hometown connection of Jerry Walker and Sweet Savannah, the company that creates high-end holiday decor like the elaborate gingerbread houses featured in the story. In 2024, as Ben Lomand Connect was in our 70th year, we celebrated the near-century mark of Mitchell’s Drug Store in Crossville as it marked 99 years of local service. See the September/October issue for that story. Last year in the March/April issue, we visited with Julie Keel, executive director of Housing Hub, to learn about the efforts to help working families own homes. This great storytelling tradition continued this year. We cheered for Sweetzie freeze-dried candy, settled in for some fantastical tales from R.J. Hayes, got a little messy at local barbecue joints and heard Grundy County updates on the former National Guard Armory and restoration efforts underway at the Archives. In our September/October issue, we learned what motivates the team at True North Real Estate and Auction Services. Then we stopped by to see how Warren County is breathing new life into the Three Star Mall. Now our last issue is in your hands. Join us as we visit with B&P Lamp Supply, which dates back to the early 1950s. And we end on a sweet note, with stops at three McMinnville bakeries. You can find these stories and many more on our website, benlomandconnect.com, under the News tab. Thank you for reading. 

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

VOL. 14, NO. 4

is a member-owned corporation dedicated to delivering advanced telecommunications technology to the people of Middle Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland, including all of Grundy, Warren and White counties, and portions of Coffee, Cumberland, DeKalb, Marion, Bedford, Franklin, Van Buren and Rutherford counties. Ben Lomand Connect is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Ben Lomand Connect 311 N. Chancery St. • P.O. Box 670 McMinnville, TN 37111 Telephone: 931-668-4131 or 800-974-7779 benlomandconnect.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeff Flatt, President, Warren County Donald Hillis, Vice President, Van Buren County Randall Day, Secretary/Treasurer, White and DeKalb counties Roger Bynum, Coffee County Chad Graves, Warren County Cain Rogers, White and Putnam counties Joe C. Roper, Coffee, Bedford, Rutherford and Franklin counties Gerald Sitz, Grundy and Marion counties Bobby A. Thompson, Grundy County

Produced for Ben Lomand Connect by:

On the Cover: Sally Roberson, left, and her daughter, Kayla Woodard, welcome customers to The Vanilla Bean Baking Co. in McMinnville. See story Page 12.

Photo by Mark Gilliland

BEN LOMAND NEWS

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

FAIR WINNERS

Ben Lomand Connect drew a lucky winner at each of five local fairs this summer and fall. Each winner received a Milwaukee Radio + Charger, perfect for the job site, the farm or the backyard. The Van Buren County Fair drawing had not occurred by press time. For more photos, see our Facebook page @BenLomandConnect.

From the Ben Lomand Connect family to yours, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Our offices will be closed in observance of the following holidays: Cumberland County Fair winner Scott Miller receives his prize from Nicole McCann at the Crossville office.

Thanksgiving—Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27 Christmas—Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25 New Year’s Day—Friday, Jan. 1

Nora Jones is the lucky winner from the Coffee County Fair.

Kaitie Moore, left, a customer service representative in the Sparta office, presents Ashley Roberts with the prize from the White County Fair.

Diane Grove takes home the prize from the Warren County Fair.

KEVIN BOULDIN MEMORIAL PARK

Earlier this summer, the Kevin Bouldin Memorial Park in Spencer was dedicated to the memory of a Ben Lomand Connect employee who lost his life in the line of duty in 2018. Ben Lomand Connect CEO Greg Smartt led the service and thanked Spencer Mayor Alisa Farmer and Van Buren County Mayor David Sullivan for their help. He also acknowledged the board of directors and employees who helped transform the former jail property into a welcoming public space. BLC GM/CEO Greg Smartt hosts the dedication ceremony. Ben Lomand Connect

Scan the QR code to watch the dedication video.

Museums and M TRAVEL

Remembering the war that changed the world Story by LAURA McGILL

hen measured on a grand scale, World War II is almost too immense to comprehend. An estimated 16.4 million people served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the war, with more than 405,000 losing their lives. The United States spent about $341 billion on the war effort, or $4.7 trillion when adjusted for inflation. Globally, the loss of life is estimated to be as high as 85 million people, with adjusted costs surpassing $15 trillion. On a human level, the war is responsible for countless stories of lives cut short and those forever changed. Many of those accounts are preserved at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

OVERWHELMING AND INTIMATE Located on a sprawling campus, The National WWII Museum features seven distinct areas. The experience captures both the

grand scale of battle through immersive displays and the small, poignant reminders of the men and women who fought for freedom on the battlefield and the homefront. While tours can begin in any of the buildings, the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion provides an important orientation and history lesson on the significant events that set the stage for World War II. Exhibits explain the political debates, the attack on Pearl Harbor, rationing of consumer goods, America’s internment camps, segregated military units and the dramatic economic response. Building 3, Campaigns of Courage, is divided into two parallel exhibits—the Road to Tokyo and the Road to Berlin. Each brings to life the hard-fought victories and the devastating losses on the long journey to end the war. Battles in the Pacific are recounted in a gallery that places visitors in grueling conditions from Guadalcanal and the Philippines to the haunting scenes from

Request permission to come aboard With their sailing days long behind them, a few of America’s World War II ships continue to serve their country. Today, the mission is to honor those who served and educate about a time that is slipping away from living memory. Here are a few treasured museum ships that welcome visitors to come aboard.

USS Lexington Corpus Christi, Texas Commissioned in 1943, the ship was the Navy’s oldest working carrier when decommissioned in 1991. In 1980, it became the first aircraft carrier in U.S. history to have women stationed aboard as crew members.

USS Alabama Mobile, Alabama After earning nine battle stars, the Mighty A battleship and its crew of 2,500 led the American fleet into Tokyo Bay on Sept. 5, 1945. The ship is joined at Battleship Memorial Park by the USS Drum, the oldest American submarine on public display.

USS North Carolina Wilmington, North Carolina The battleship served in every major Pacific naval offensive during World War II, earning 15 battle stars. It is the state’s official memorial to the more than 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war.

USS Kidd Baton Rouge, Louisiana Learn the story of how the Kidd became the only U.S. Navy ship allowed to fly the Jolly Roger flag of piracy. Check before planning a visit, as the Kidd has been in dry dock for repairs and was awaiting a higher water level to return home.

USS Yorktown Mount Pleasant, South Carolina The Navy’s 10th aircraft carrier, the Fighting Lady, was commissioned on April 15, 1943. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is also home to the USS Laffey, the most decorated World War II-era destroyer still in existence.

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans gives many opportunities for visitors to learn about the war and its impact on the world.

A display at the Arsenal of Democracy exhibit details the role of the media in sharing information about the war.

Adobe Stock image by Ryan Conine

the aftermath of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. European battles are revisited with landscapes ranging from fortified beaches and bomb-torn villages to frozen forests and unimaginable death camps. Other buildings include the Solomon Victory Theater with the 4D movie experience “Beyond All Boundaries,” narrated by Tom Hanks. The Liberation Pavilion explores the postwar years and the war’s continuing impact. At the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, visitors can get up close with WWII tanks, trucks and planes. Building 7, the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, may be the last on the list, but it is worth including to see the museum’s ongoing restoration work. The space is dominated by the patrol torpedo boat PT-305. With so many stories to tell, it is difficult to tour the entire museum complex in just one day. Two-day passes are available, and memberships include unlimited regular admission. Learn more at nationalww2museum.org. 

Photos courtesy of The National WWII Museum

Memorials

During USS Lexington tours, visitors can explore 11 decks along five routes. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions.

Adobe Stock image by andrea

A Bright Idea McMinnville company shines after more than 70 years Story by LAURA McGILL

B&P Lamp Supply, is run by their great-grandchildren, Laura Gheesling and Michael Barnes. Building a business around solving a problem is a sound strategy. Before finding their ultimate plan, Lawson, Pauline and their son, Paul, started as antique dealers,

traveling from Tennessee to Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and into New England to buy items for resale. They developed many friendships along the way, often staying in the homes of other dealers. On their trips, one question kept coming up—people wanted to know where

Photo by Mark Gilliland

hen Lawson and Pauline Barnes had a light bulb moment in the early 1950s, it really was about light bulbs. It was also about shades, finials, chimney glass and everything else needed to restore antique lamps. Today, the company they founded,

Michael Barnes and Laura Gheesling continue the tradition started by their great-grandparents more than 70 years ago at B&P Lamp Supply. 8

Ben Lomand Connect

to buy parts to restore antique lamps. They heard the question so often that it led to a shift in the family’s business plan. In 1954, that plan became a 12-acre reality when Lawson and Pauline bought land near McMinnville and opened B&P Lamp Supply, named for their sons, Bobby and Paul. That same year they published their first catalog of replacement parts for lamps. Following Lawson and Pauline’s retirement, leadership of the company passed to Paul, who guided the business through the 1960s and ’70s. From the 1980s through the early 2020s, Barry Barnes and Paul Michael Barnes were at the helm, overseeing continued growth with the same commitment to quality. In 2025, Laura became the company’s newest president, representing the fourth generation of the Barnes family to serve the lighting industry. “We are a very unique company,” Laura says. “We don’t have a lot of competitors. Maybe there are some on the East Coast or West Coast.” After working in the family business for 10 years, she feels pride in its history and is excited for its future. “It is amazing to see how much it has evolved and that our business is still thriving,” she says.

IN THE SHOWROOM

AROUND THE WORLD Being a niche business has allowed B&P to reach an audience Lawson and Pauline could never have imagined. The company worked with a major fashion

B&P LAMP SUPPLY 843 Old Morrison Highway, McMinnville 931-473-3016 Wholesalers can learn more at bplampsupply.com. Consumers can find tutorials, materials and a wide variety of lamp parts at antiquelampsupply.com and chandeliersupply.com. brand to create a vintage feel for the lighting in its retail stores. Movie and TV productions have used B&P’s products in set designs. The company works with ceramic and pottery artists to add light to their creations. Home builders often come in with special requests for a new build or something to match the period of a restoration project. Perhaps one of the most unusual collaborations is with two designers from Burlington, Vermont. In 2024, Clay Mohrman and Rory Shamlian launched “Will It Lamp?” With the straightforward question asking if certain objects can be transformed into lamps, the series has a devoted social media following. Fans watch everything from duck decoys to tissue boxes find bright new futures. “I think thrifting has become popular with young people,” Laura says. “The trend in making lamps from found objects is a fun extension of that.” Laura and Michael are working to continue the business that their great-grandparents started more than 70 years ago. “We want the future of B&P to be successful,” Laura says. “It is a family legacy, and our hearts are in it.” 

Photos courtesy of B&P Lamp Supply

In what was originally a farmhouse,

Laura and Michael welcome visitors to the company’s showroom. Shelf after shelf of shades and globes, rows of harps and whimsical finials share the room with finished table lamps and fixtures hanging from the ceiling. The space is warm and inviting and includes several antique furniture pieces for sale—an homage to the early days. With what feels like an endless selection, DIYers are sure to find what they are looking for. To help them be successful with their repairs and restorations, B&P’s retail websites have an extensive how-to section with expert advice. From choosing the right size lampshade to knowing the correct wick for your kerosene burner, the library is a wonderful resource. In addition to selling parts and sharing how-to advice, B&P Lamp Supply also offers repair services. “These light fixtures hold sentimental value, and people want to keep them functional,” Laura says. With some on-site manufacturing and more than 10,000 parts available, B&P can help anyone repair or restore pretty much any lamp or fixture.

Lawson and Pauline Barnes traveled as antique dealers before founding B&P Lamp Supply in 1954. Ben Lomand Connect

Barry Barnes, left, talks with Paul Michael Barnes at the factory. 9

Have a Holly Jolly Kitchen Smart gifts can make holiday cooking easier Story by DREW WOOLLEY

he holiday season means warm family gatherings, pulling out favorite recipes and sharing memorable meals. But it can also bring crowded kitchens, packed schedules and stress over that perfect entree overcooking. Fortunately, smart kitchen devices can take the pressure out of home cooking. Whether you need to monitor food remotely, automate routine tasks or just get rid of some of the guesswork, there are tools to help experienced chefs and culinary newbies alike. That makes these connected kitchen gadgets the perfect gifts that continue paying off long after the holidays are over.

SMART COFFEE MAKER Holiday mornings often begin before sunrise, and a smart coffee maker can have a fresh pot waiting before anyone reaches the kitchen. Many models allow users to schedule brewing from a smartphone, create recurring routines and integrate with voice assistants for hands-free operation. Consider brewing capacity, programmable schedules and compatibility with whole-pot or single-serve brewing preferences when comparing options.

KITCHEN DISPLAY A smart display serves as a digital recipe book, cooking timer, entertainment hub and communication center all-in-one device. It can display step-by-step recipes, manage multiple timers, stream music or video and answer cooking questions without requiring users to touch a phone with messy hands. When selecting a model, compare screen size, voice assistant compatibility and integration with other smart-home devices. Displays that support video calling can also help families connect with relatives during the holidays.

SMART MULTICOOKER A connected multicooker combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and saute pan into one appliance while adding smartphone controls and guided recipes. During the holidays, it can free up valuable space by preparing mashed potatoes, soups, stuffing or desserts while the stovetop and oven are occupied. 10

Look for models that include a variety of cooking programs, delayed-start options and recipe integration through a companion app. Capacity is another important consideration, with larger households typically benefiting from 6- or 8-quart versions.

WIRELESS MEAT THERMOMETER A wireless smart meat thermometer allows cooks to monitor the internal temperature of turkey, ham, beef or other meats from a smartphone without opening the oven or smoker. Many models estimate cooking times, alert users when food reaches the desired temperature and provide guided cooking recommendations to help avoid overcooking. When shopping, consider how many probes are included. Larger families or frequent entertainers may appreciate systems that can monitor multiple dishes at the same time, while singleprobe models are often sufficient for everyday use.

SMART AIR FRYER Connected air fryers allow users to start cooking, adjust temperatures and receive notifications through a mobile app. They’re ideal for preparing appetizers, vegetables or rolls and reheating leftovers quickly during busy holiday gatherings. The basket size should match the number of people typically served. Dual-basket models provide additional flexibility by allowing two foods to cook at different temperatures simultaneously.

COUNTERTOP OVEN A smart countertop oven can bake, roast, air fry, broil and toast while offering app connectivity, automatic cooking programs and recipe guidance. These appliances are especially useful during the holidays, when the primary oven is filled with a turkey or roast and additional cooking space is needed for side dishes and desserts. Interior capacity is one of the biggest differences between models. Shoppers should also compare available cooking modes and determine whether remote monitoring or automatic cooking adjustments are important features.

CONNECTED WALL OVEN Smart wall ovens connect to home Wi-Fi networks, allowing users to preheat the oven remotely, watch cooking progress and receive alerts when dishes are finished. Some premium models

also feature internal cameras or food-recognition technology that can provide additional guidance throughout the cooking process. Because these appliances are built into cabinetry, buyers should carefully verify dimensions, installation requirements and compatibility with existing kitchen layouts before making a purchase.

SMART MICROWAVE Connected microwaves can automatically adjust cooking times, download cooking instructions through companion apps and send notifications when food is ready. They simplify reheating leftovers, preparing vegetables and handling quick side dishes while the rest of the holiday meal comes together. Capacity, sensor cooking functions and compatibility with existing smart-home ecosystems are among the most important features to compare when choosing a model.

While stand mixers have long been a staple for holiday baking, newer connected versions can guide users through recipes, recommend mixing speeds and synchronize with companion apps. They’re particularly helpful when preparing cookies, cakes, breads and festive desserts. Consider bowl capacity, motor power and the availability of optional attachments that expand the appliance’s versatility beyond baking. Holiday meals keep the kitchen busy with dozens of dishes, careful timing and plenty of coordination. Smart cooking tools can’t take care of everything on their own. But for families who enjoy cooking together or playing host, they can simplify many of the tasks that make holiday cooking stressful, so you can focus on what makes this time of year special. 

Adobe Stock image by Vadym

CONNECTED STAND MIXER

Photos by Mark Gilliland

Made From Scratch McMinnville bakeries make life a little sweeter Story by LAURA McGILL

hether you are looking for the perfect, no-fuss addition to your holiday menu or just craving a treat, these three McMinnville favorites are ready to welcome you.

COOKIES BY BRAX A few years into his business, including 16 months at his new storefront on West Main Street, Braxton Fitts hasn’t lost his love of cookies. “I could eat them all day long,” he says.

His loyal customers feel the same way. Cookies By Brax often sells out of the seven or eight rotating varieties Braxton bakes fresh each day. In total, he has approximately 50 cookie recipes in the lineup including chocolate chip, peanut butter, banana pudding, strawberry cheesecake, red velvet and Braxton’s favorite, oatmeal raisin. The menu also features a few popular items that aren’t technically cookies, but no one is complaining. The reactions on

Braxton Fitts learned his love of cookies from his mom. Today he makes all the cookies and sweets for his business, Cookies By Brax. 12

Ben Lomand Connect

ABOVE: JoAnna Yoder, right, and baker Marty Cain, of Rock Cliff Farm Market, show off their pecan and apple pies.

Christmas tree cakes are always a customer favorite at The Vanilla Bean Baking Co.

to debut a lineup that is both visually stunning and Rock Cliff Farm Market’s pecan pie, a top seller “Our customers delicious. during the holiday season, is available year-round. are the most rewardSally Roberson, Kayla’s mom, started the business at home ing part of the job,” JoAnna says. “Our and later moved the growing operation goal is not just to sell to people, but to to a storefront on East Main Street. “We have a relationship.” bought the building and fully renovated Deli customers enjoy sandwiches made it,” Sally says. “We added the kitchen but with fresh-baked sourdough and whitekept the exposed brick and tin ceiling. The wheat bread. Many stick around and eat building is more than 100 years old.” their lunch on the porch. It has become From the beginning, Sally knew she such a popular spot that the Yoders are wanted to sell coffee to complement the planning to add indoor seating in their sweets. “We got an espresso machine,” newly constructed flower greenhouse. Sally says. “That has grown to be half of Shoppers can expect to find apple, the business. Some people come every pecan, cherry and chess pies all year day to get their caffeine.” Keeping it close round, along with oversized cinnamon to home, Sally purchases roasted coffee rolls. During the holidays, the pie options beans from Franklin. expand to include pumpkin, chocolate Today the sweets menu also includes cream and coconut cream, as well as seasonal cakes. JoAnna strongly recommends muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls and cake preordering to guarantee customers can slices. Savory items are also available, like get their favorites. breakfast casseroles to start the day and chicken salad for lunch. When the holiTHE VANILLA BEAN BAKING CO. days roll around, the cupcake lineup takes Some artists express their creativity on a fun seasonal theme and the popular on canvas. Others craft using marble or Christmas tree cakes appear.  wood. Kayla Woodard’s preferred medium is cupcakes. Each week she uses The Vanilla Bean Baking Co.’s Facebook page

OPPOSITE PAGE: Each week, a new cupcake lineup is available at The Vanilla Bean Baking Co.

his Facebook page let Braxton know that strawberry pretzel salad, chess squares, brownies, cakes and cobblers are all welcome additions. Braxton also fills custom orders and is willing to try any special request. “I’m going to test out the recipe first before I agree to the job,” he says. “I get some honest feedback from my friends and family.” When he doesn’t sell everything from the case, the tasty treats don’t go to waste. On those days, Braxton delivers a sweet surprise to the local nursing home, hospital or police department.

ROCK CLIFF FARM MARKET JoAnna and Glenn Yoder weren’t planning on selling sandwiches, pies and bread when they started their hydroponic vegetable farm in 2016. It wasn’t until 2023 that they decided to expand the operation to include a full farm market, deli and baked goods. That proved to be a good decision for Rock Cliff Farm Market on Viola Road. JoAnna and Glenn are joined by their sons and daughters-in-law, Travis, Carla, Tristan and Beth, to run the busy store. Ben Lomand Connect

SOUTHEAST KITCHENS MIDWEST KITCHENS

Snacks Worth

Sharing

Crowdpleasing recipes for festive gatherings

he holiday season is full of opportunities to gather with family, friends and neighbors, but hosting doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Just a few simple, shareable dishes can help guests mingle while keeping the cook out of the kitchen, so everyone can be part of the celebration. Whether you’re hosting an open house, pitching in for a potluck or serving appetizers before a holiday meal, these easy recipes are big on flavor and short on prep time, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. 

Photography by Mark Gilliland Food styling by Rhonda Gilliland 14

HOT SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP 1 1 8 ½ ½ 1 ½ 2

10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ounces cream cheese, softened cup sour cream cup mayonnaise cup shredded mozzarella cheese cup grated Parmesan cheese cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste Crackers, sliced baguette or tortilla chips

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine the ingredients until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly with lightly browned edges. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices or tortilla chips.

BAKED BRIE IN PUFF PASTRY 1 8-ounce wheel brie 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed ¼ cup cranberry sauce or your favorite fruit or jam ¼ cup fresh or dried cranberries or fruit of your choice ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans 1 tablespoon honey 1 egg, beaten for egg wash Fresh rosemary or fruit, for garnish Assorted sliced fruit and crackers for serving Preheat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Place brie in the center. Spread cranberry sauce, jam or fruit over the top of the brie. Top with cranberries or fruit and nuts. Drizzle with honey. Fold pastry over the brie, sealing the edges. Place seamside down on the baking sheet. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is soft and melty. Garnish with rosemary and serve warm with sliced fruit and crackers. Tip: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, so the cheese sets slightly.

BRUSCHETTA

Fresh, ripe tomatoes, any color Sourdough bread, fresh or day-old 2 garlic cloves, skin removed Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Fresh basil (optional) Thoroughly wash the tomatoes, then chop roughly into small pieces and place in a bowl. Save any juice. Add a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, one clove of crushed garlic and fresh basil, breaking up the leaves if desired. Mix and leave to rest for 10 to 20 minutes at room temperature or in the fridge. Slice up to two pieces of bread per person. Heat a skillet on high and cook bread on both sides for a few minutes, until golden. You can also heat the bread in a toaster or oven. Once ready, immediately rub a clove of garlic over the top of the bread. Using a tablespoon, drizzle any remaining tomato juice over each slice of bread, then add the tomato mixture and a few pieces of fresh basil. 15

P.O. Box 670 McMinnville, TN 37111

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HILLSBORO, OR PERMIT No. 66

Ben Lomand Connect will donate 50 cents for every can collected up to $5,000.