Jessica Wright

Collage of chalkboard cursive lettering, students working at tables, and a woman in a white cardigan with a lanyard.

Achievements in Education

From special programs to distinguished awards, the area’s school systems are paving the way for students to be successful both in the classroom and in the real world.
Family of five posing in a kitchen; inset photos show a stool-lined island and a wood

Rebuilding Character: The 1914 Safford Home

As they searched for a new place to call home, Shawn and Kristine Safford discovered Roanoke had practically everything they wanted, right down to a historic house to renovate and make their own.
Kale salad with sliced almonds, dried cranberries and crumbled white cheese in a white bowl on a wooden table.

The Wannabe Chef: Kale Salad

If you're looking for a healthy salad that's full of flavor, try Jessica's kale salad and homemade dressing!
A creamy banana pudding in a ceramic bowl, topped with whipped cream and edged with vanilla wafer cookies.

The Wannabe Chef: Banana Pudding

It's hard to go wrong with a classic banana pudding recipe. Get Jessica's here and try it on for a different holiday dessert or maybe just a treat for around the house!
Pumpkin Rolls

The Gist: A Thanksgiving Breakfast

This year, Associate Editor Jessica Wright wants to start off her Thanksgiving morning with at least one flavor of the holiday season: pumpkin!
Collage of lemon cookies with lemon slices, cranberry biscotti, and coconut macaroons with chocolate chips.

Please Pass The Cookies: 3 Delicious Recipes

Our annual holiday party at LeisureMedia360 is full of good food, good laughs and LOTS of good cookies. Here are 3 scrumptious recipes you can try at home!

The Flavor: Farm-to-Table Fanatic

Bent Mountain Bistro Chef Benjamin Ward shares his recipe for Goat Cheese & Prosciutto-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Pepper Kash
Tuscan Soup

The Wannabe Chef: Tuscan Soup

Tuscan Soup is perfect for a rainy weekend. Paired with cheesy breadsticks, this soup makes your rainy day blues disappear.
Chocolate cupcakes topped with white frosting, blueberries and sliced strawberries on a glass cake stand.

The Wannabe Chef: Festive Brownie Bites

Armed with boxed brownie mix, a can of cream cheese frosting, red food coloring, and fruit, Jessica made Festive Brownie Bites!
Fabulous Family Spaces

Four Fabulous Family Spaces

Four Special Rooms Ideal To Dwell With Loved Ones.

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