Magnolia a Taste of Celebrate Every Day Like It’s Valentine’s Day with Matcha Tiramisu

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DIVIAN CONNER

Holidays have always been important to me. Growing up, my mother would decorate for each and every holiday and it was really a big deal. From the tablescape to the carport, front door and garage, every holiday was amplified with the coordinating decor. It was something I looked forward to – what theme will make its appearance this time?

Each February is touted as the month of love. Even though my Christmas tree is still up and lit each night, I look forward to the heart shaped chocolate boxes, conversation hearts and Valentine cards. Valentine’s Day really pulls at the heartstrings and brings with it a sensation of gratitude and the utmost showcasing of love. Chocolate candies, truffles and pink gummies mix with pink and purple confetti and candles. It is a time when I really want to express the love I have for my children, family and friends, so I always try to make something that we have not had before. I want the experience to mimic a trip to a 5-star restaurant but with the close intimacy of being at home.

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.

Over the last few years, the importance of holidays has shifted. I still celebrate them with my family and loved ones but we have adopted a “celebrate anytime” approach these days: there’s no reason to wait for them! We want to celebrate our love for one another throughout the year, no matter the day. I often surprise my kids (and friends) with a table complete with Neapolitan ice cream tub and store-bought cake just because. Even though it takes only an idea for me to celebrate a holiday on an unofficial day, there is still something so special about February 14th and what it means. It is a day of love, a day of expression, a day of gratitude and thankfulness to others. It is showing those who mean so much to us that they are special, appreciated, and loved. What better way to celebrate them than with food?

When it comes to that beautiful day of connected hearts and cupid arrows, dessert is always the one decadent thing most do not want to miss out on. This year I am opting for Matcha Tiramisu, a recipe discovered while browsing international cafés online. My friends and I are all tea lovers and have a strong appreciation for a good Southern sweet iced tea; my family members are also avid fans of matcha. While I adore a nice creamy traditional tiramisu, my children, sadly do not share that same adoration. Compromise seems to be a great way of showcasing love and this recipe is just that–a showcase of love. When planning your Valentine dinner, why not consider this amazingly good Matcha Tiramisu. Everyone will fall in love. edm