Ann Cipperly

1 month ago | opelikaobserver.com | Ann Cipperly

ALABAMA — At a country setting in the outskirts of Wetumpka near his childhood home, Walter Albritton has authored over 20 books and countless newspaper columns, including his popular weekly article in The Observer. At nearly 93 years of age, Albritton has not slowed down, as every day is filled with activities and purpose. The beloved minister served at several churches for over 70 years, and while dealing with cancer treatments and family losses, he still has pastoral duties in two churches.

1 month ago | opelikaobserver.com | Ann Cipperly

With warm breezes and brilliant pink azaleas beginning to bloom, thoughts turn to preparing scrumptious spring dishes with seasonal fruits. Strawberries are nearly everyone’s favorite, and they can be used to create yummy cakes, pies, breads and other treats. When azaleas begin blooming in the yard, it brings back memories of springtime when I was growing up in Opelika. Mom could grow the most beautiful azaleas, as well as having a bountiful garden.

1 month ago | opelikaobserver.com | Ann Cipperly

In the small community of Waverly, Summer Humphry and her husband Matthew enjoy gathering family together each week for Sunday supper and for holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day. Summer, the sixth generation in her family to live in Waverly, has a love for southern cuisine and prepares recipes passed down in her family. On St. Patrick’s Day, she serves Irish inspired dishes, honoring her Grandfather Moynihan, whose parents came to this country from Ireland.

2 months ago | opelikaobserver.com | Ann Cipperly

BY ANN CIPPERLYThirteen years ago, I featured Carol Pridgen as she was preparing Valentine treats for her 5-year-old son, Cade, and older son, Trace. While Cade is still helping his mother bake, Carol is now baking Valentine treats with her grandson, Grant, the 3-year-old son of Trace and Annie Pridgen. Just as years ago, Carol has decorated her front door with large Valentine hearts, with her continuing love of crafts, as well as cooking for her family.

2 months ago | opelikaobserver.com | Ann Cipperly

During cold winter days, hearty pasta dishes provide warm, comforting meals that everyone in the family will enjoy. With a big pot of pasta sauce simmering on the stove top, the tantalizing aromas drift throughout the house. Place a loaf of bread in the oven and toss a green salad for a wonderful dinner with family around the table sharing their day. When making pastas, it is easy to double the recipe to put an extra dish in the freezer for busy days when you don’t have time to cook.