Author: Pam Gillis

I look forward to this time of the year when there are fresh vegetables you can buy at the farmer’s market or when neighbors are kind enough to share their garden goods. My neighbors, Elaine and Rodney Ragsdale, were so hospitable in bringing to my doorstep the largest tomatoes I have ever seen. They were also beautiful in their color and, soon to find out, their taste. Tomatoes are one of my favorites, especially the South Georgia ones. I don’t know why but they just taste better. My mother-in-law, Frances Gillis, had a salad that I loved in the summer.…

June has arrived and we are pleased to announce our selection for “Business of the Month.” Since 1995, the Town Square Antique Mall has been an incredible asset to our downtown community. The massive 8,000 square foot building is full of antiques and anything vintage. From glassware and pottery to furniture, books and much more, you can certainly find a treasure there! Dixie Belle paint line is an exclusive line for their store. I have had the opportunity to try this paint recently and it is easy and painless to use for any project you may have.   Visitors from…

I love sweets but try not to have too many around because I’m usually either dieting or about to start. My other half doesn’t eat desserts very often unless it’s ice cream, honey buns or oatmeal pies. If I bake anything, I usually binge myself sick! So, therefore, I steer away from baking a lot. This past week I craved something chocolate and decided to bake a Mississippi Mud Cake. This was always a must dessert when our whole family got together for outings at the beach or the Satilla River.I got to wondering why in the world would anyone…

I hope everyone is enjoying this spring weather but I’m afraid the heat is on its way. I love these cool mornings and hate to see them disappear.  I’ve been dealing with crystals in my ear again this weekend! If you have ever experienced this vertigo issue, you know how debilitating it can be. I thought I was getting better yesterday afternoon and decided to go visit the kids but unfortunately on the way to the car, the sky started spinning. I tried my best to get to the front door but I was walking sideways and could not keep…

Elite Landscape Solutions is our “Business of the Month” for May.  If you’re in need of any yard equipment, Elite is the place to find it all.   From mowers to weed eaters and chainsaws to blowers, they have just what you need.  They also stock pavers, mulch, bulk rock and pine straw to spruce up your landscaping areas.  Stihl, Mahindra, Gravely and Grasshopper are some of the name brands they offer and financing is available for those that qualify.   Elite Landscape is located at 606 S. Gaskin Avenue here in Douglas.  You can also visit their website at elitelandscapedouglas.com…

Danny’s Pizza is our “Restaurant of the Month” for April.  Since 1973, Danny and Carol Maley have served thousands of customers with some of the best food around. When you walk in the door to their restaurant, it just feels like home. From pizza and sandwiches, to chicken wings and salads, you can rest assured you will not leave their place hungry.Due to the growth in Douglas, they felt the need to expand to be able to accommodate their customers. They completely destroyed the old building and built a new one just like it, except larger. Growing up as a…

I am pleased to announce our “Business of the Month” for April is Nellie’s Interiors. For over 35 years, Nellie’s Interiors has been providing Douglas and our surrounding counties with everything interior you may need for your home or business. Stacey and Nellie Adams opened their operations over 35 years ago and strive to provide excellent products for your home.   From flooring, tile, window treatments and paint, Nellie’s is your One-Stop Shop! They also provide installation for all your needs. Jamie Vaughn is currently the owner, and he, along with his friendly staff, are ready and willing to assist…

Cheese Stars, Straws or Crackers, however you call them, have been a staple at every wedding, baby shower, bridal shower or any other event in the South for as long as I remember! I have recently served these at a couple events and got glowing reviews and requests for the recipe. There was a restaurant in Nashville, GA named “Mimi’s” and it came out of the cookbook Mimi sold. Apparently she was a great cook! Note to remember, if you don’t like “spicy.” you may want to cut back on the cayenne pepper. Hope you enjoy!  Cheese Crackers (Straws or…

Do you ever go through a period of preparing a dessert or an entrée and everything just seems to not work out or even be edible? That has been my dilemma lately! I tried a strawberry cake and then a fruit pizza. My pizza recipe had a crescent roll for the crust and it was horrible. My family were brutally honest and I took it in stride because I felt the same way. The strawberry cake was cooked too long and the icing was too thin. But I did not give up! Today I prepared the Fruit Pizza again and…

Holt’s Bakery and Restaurant has been named our Business of the Month for March. Mr. Cecil Holt began making donuts when he was 12 years old and didn’t stop until his children took over the business. When you walk in the door you can smell the sweet aroma of the delights inside. Everyone has their favorite treats and mine is definitely a cream puff, lemon stick and oatmeal pie. Birthday and wedding cakes are a specialty and they can create anything you can imagine. They also have a restaurant where they serve breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Friday. If you…