Cranberry Plum a Taste of Hand Pies to Ring in Magnolia the New Year BY DIVIAN CONNER
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DIVIAN CONNER is a Mississippi mama of four ‘not so little’ little ones. Coming up with recipes, trying new ones, and feeding her crew of tweens and teens is her passion. Southern recipes, easy recipes, sorta hard recipes, but always delicious recipes is what you will find on her food blog, www.divianlconner.com. Now venturing into outdoor cooking over an open fire, Divian is fascinated with camp cooking and entertaining.
12 • December/January 2021
his year, the holidays may feel a bit different, but that does not mean the true meaning that it conveys has to be lost. Now is the perfect time to reflect on what really matters, what we hold most dear and to hold intimate personal family dinners that showcase the true meaning of the holidays. We may not be dashing off to large holiday parties and gatherings, but that does not mean the party spirit has to be lost. Instead of the office party, we can plan a special shindig for our spouse, our children or why not just for ourselves? No one said you need to have a huge gathering to have a party! Put out the good cutlery and china and treat yourself to a party complete with a wide array of party foods and turn on the playlist. This year has taught me that I truly value my time alone and with my family. It has taught me that there is no reason needed to simply do something that you have wanted to do or planned to do. It may look and feel different, but that just gives room to being more creative and more meaningful. While the neighborhood holiday party and New Year’s Eve countdown may not be like it was last year, send out invites to your children and those in your house, require formal attire for everyone to attend. Make it an event for just your household. Put up the special party decorations, curate a special playlist of music and come up with an enviable menu that will dazzle everyone. It has definitely been a time of reflection for us. I even put up my Christmas tree the day after Halloween. It just felt right. 2020 has been a whirlwind and one thing I know for sure now more than ever is if it feels right for me, then by golly, I am going to just go with the flow. This year I have thrown so many ‘just because’ themed dinners and parties because it felt right. I ordered that projector and screen that I have said for years I wanted and watched movies with my kids for that theatre experience. I even ordered salt and vinegar crickets online because we watch a ton of Bizarre Foods on television and we wanted the experience at home. We subscribed to an international candy box club I have been eyeing for months. So many things I said I wanted but yet put off time and time again, this year stopped me from that. No matter what is happening in this world, we have a chance each day to show those closest to us our love, and that begins with simply doing. So, instead of putting off something or feeling as if we are unable to do what we would normally, let’s change it a bit—let’s party anyway. Let’s countdown any way and let’s ring in 2021 with our family and friends, and some cranberry plum mini pies! edm