Students receive First Place Voters Choice Award for Springfield Business Journal’s “2023 Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks.”

Student-made apple butter among “2023 Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks,” per the Springfield Business Journal

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — The student-made apple butter made by the Fruitcake & Jelly Kitchen at College of the Ozarks won the First Place Voters Choice Award in Springfield Business Journal’s “2023 Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks.” It received the most votes in polling before the event, with 440 votes out of around 1,700 votes in the SBJ contest.

The student-made apple butter was chosen as one of 16 products to be a part of Springfield Business Journal’s “2023 Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks awards.” A committee of five chose the products based on the uniqueness, innovation, and economic impact of their products. There are nearly 6,900 manufacturing companies in the Ozarks, so to be chosen was an honor for the students working at the Fruitcake & Jelly Kitchen. The voting started March 17 and continued until April 12. This voting was made available to the public to determine who was given the top spot. The results were announced April 26.

“I am proud to be a part of a team that works to produce great quality products and quality students,” said Kiley Hutcheson, director of retail operations. “Our apple butter has been a fan favorite for a long time so, for it to be recognized in this fashion speaks volumes. We are so proud of our Fruitcake & Jelly Kitchen team of students and managers. We couldn’t have done it without them and the fantastic products they produce.”

Student-Made Products

College of the Ozarks has been known for their student-made products since 1933 when the first batch of fruitcakes were made by Anabelle McMaster and her home economics students. Since 1933, the unique vocational goal of the College allows for the products made by students to have a clear purpose, where the students can see firsthand how their labor provides for their education.

When Dr. R. M. Good was still directing The School of the Ozarks, he noticed a fragrance coming from the Green Building where he discovered the fruitcakes being made. He asked to send some of the fruitcakes to friends of the College, and he said if he got a check in the mail, he would buy them an electric stove. The checks came in, the stove was bought, and the rest is history. The following year they began baking earlier for the fruitcake Christmas gifts, beginning a new tradition.

Over the years, student industries have expanded to include apple butter, fruit spreads, flavored pecans, granola, specialty cakes, homemade ice cream, dry good mixes, handwoven baskets, handcrafted stained glass, and candles. All products are handmade by students in the Fruitcake & Jelly Kitchen, Edwards Mill, and the Stained Glass & Candle Shop. Students work with dedication and skill, using their head, heart, and hands to make the signature products.

Edwards Mill and the Stained Glass & Candle Shop are open to the public Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.