Town &Gown December 2016
The Holiday Issue
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Inside the December Issue HOME . GARDEN . LIFE . STYLE . FOOD . HEALTH . FITNESS
Calendar of Events
Wishlist
8
10
25
Holiday Glam: A step-by-step guide to creating that perfect holiday look
29
MSU and Starkville Community Step in to Help Students Staying in Town for the Holidays
32 Small towns we love: kick off this holiday season with a visit to New Albany
38
Christmas tablescape inspiration
41
Sitting down with Scott Tracy Griffin
48
On the page: Susan O’Bryan’s December book review
12
44
starkville’s christmas
Merry and Light:
tour of homes kicks
A holiday guide to
off another season
healthy eating
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56
62 Winter Fashion
Taste and Toast: Holiday Treats
77 Events
TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE .COM HOME . GARDEN . LIFE . STYLE . FOOD . HEALTH . FITNESS
Isn’t this tree beautiful? The participants of Starkville’s Christmas Tour of Homes have outdone themselves this year. Turn to page 12 to get a sneak peek at their homes.
on the cover.On. theOur food writer, Lisa Bynum really outdid herself
Coverthis December when it came to Taste and Toast. These cookies can be made and frozen ahead of time, and are perfect to pop into the oven for suprise guests!
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@townandgownmag December 2016 | 5
Letter from the
Editor
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas everyone! Here at Town and Gown, we’ve been gearing up for the holiday season for quite a few months. To be honest, we started decorating the office in November, but we weren’t the only ones pulling out our decorations then. The participants in Starkville’s Christmas Tour of Homes began decorating way before then. For a preview of the six beautiful homes on tour this year you’ll want to turn to page 12. Not to be outdone by the seasonal decorations both our Taste and Toast and our Health and Fitness writers have cooked up something special for all of our readers. If you are looking for something sweet and indulgent you’ll want to turn to page 56 or if you want something wholesome and healthy you’ll want to start on page 45. Or, if you’re like me, cook them both that way they cancel each other out, right? What ever you choose to make this holiday season be sure to whip it up with someone you love! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - Camille Carskadon
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For our Readers A Product of Horizon of Mississippi P.O. Box 1068 | Starkville, MS 39760 www.townandgownmagazine.com
{ s t af f } Don Norman | publisher - sdnpub@starkvilledailynews.com Camille Watts-Carskadon| editor - editor@townandgownmagazine.com
{ account e x ec utiv es } Kathryn Rooker - kathryn@townandgownmagazine.com
{contr ibut or s} joe lee richelle putnam
{wr it er s}
lisa bynum susan o’bryan katie zampini
{p ho t ogr apher s} ashley covin brittney dowell jessica tillotson
{fa shion spr ead}
divian conner - photographer mia salon - hair merle norman luna bella - makeup
{ s ty lis t }
camille watts-carskadon kathryn rooker
{ page design} camille watts-carskadon jessi cole
{adv er tising design} chris mcmillen
Reproductions in whole or in part,without written permission,is strictly prohibited. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, articles or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publication. Town & Gown is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in and around Starkville and the Golden Triangle area. Subscriptions are available for mail customers. For subscriptions or inquiries,write Town & Gown Magazine, P.O. Box 1068, Starkville, MS, 39760, or call 662.323.1642.
Subscribe Get Town and Gown Magazine delivered right to your doorstep! Subscribe for $48 a year, $26 for six months or $6 for one time. To order call 662-323-1642 or email info@townandgownmagazine. com. Announce your engagement or wedding with us! January is our Bridal issue! Wedding and engagement announcement pricing is listed at townandgownmagazine.com. Submit 15-20 wedding photos to info@ townandgownmagazine.com for review to be featured in Town and Gown Magazine. Events Town and Gown Magazine would love to be at your next event. If your organization or business is having an event please email info@townandgownmagazine.com a month before event date. We cannot promise we will be at all events, but we will try! If we missed out Send us your event photos with names from left to right (if available) and a brief description of event to info@ townandgownmagazine.com or mail or drop off a disc to 304 Lampkin St., Starkville, MS 39759. Give a Town and Gown! Town and Gown Magazine offers gift cards for subscriptions. Call us at 662323-1642 to order. Pricing listed above under subscription. Previous Issues Miss an issue? We can ship a copy of any previous issue to you for only $6. Call us at 662-323-1642.
December 2016 | 7
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Starkville’s Christmas Tour Of Homes Kicks Off Another Season The 2016 Christmas Tour of Homes will showcase a variety of historic and contemporary holiday homes in the Starkville community, according to Starkville Civic League member and 2016 Tour Chair, Lynn Infanger. “The homes on tour offer architecture and design from historic to contemporary,” said Lynn. A holiday tradition since 2004, the Starkville Christmas Tour of Homes is the League’s only fundraiser. Proceeds from the Tour go toward the annual High School graduate scholarship as well as civic improvements throughout Starkville. The Tour of Homes is on December 4 from 1- 5 pm, with the reception being held at the Starkville Public Library. Tickets can be purchased from any Starkville Civic member, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, the Bookstore on Main Street and at the Starkville Public Library reception. For more information, call Lynn at 706/280-8360 or email her at lynn. infanger@gmail.com. By Richelle Putnam
Photos by Brittney Dowell
Robby and Foley Holditch Greenbriar Subdivision “Robby and I are so excited to welcome visitors to our new home,” said Foley, who was born and raised in Starkville. “Christmas is one of our favorite holidays. Our Christmas celebrations are centered around Christ, family, food and traditions.” The Holditch family starts each Christmas by selecting the perfect live tree. Foley has been collecting ornaments since she was a teenager. “The whole family is involved in decorating. We love to incorporate fresh greenery and flowers into our décor.” The theme of the Robby and Foley Holditch home is traditional where less is more so they can focus on the reason for the season.
Russell and Amy Winston Wild Briar Subdivision Welcome to a family home designed and built by Couvillion Design Build that focuses on easy, comfortable lakeside living with plenty of room to entertain family and friends. The large porches and windows take full advantage of the lake view. “This is our first year to do the tour,” said Russell, “We thought it would be a chance to promote Wild Briar and let everyone see what the subdivision offers.” The Winstons’ holiday decorations celebrate Christmas traditions carried forward from both families with a theme of the natural simplicity of pine cones, fresh greenery, and berries. “We wanted to decorate in a theme that created a laid-back feel in a lakeside setting,” said Russell. “We based our theme around family, nature and entertainment, which is the concept of the house. It’s kind of a celebration of life.”
Joe and Carrie Couvillion Wild Briar Subdivision “We designed this home from the ground up. Our goal was to take full advantage of the property’s wooded hillside and make it appear as if it had been there for a long time.” With three young children, this home is functional and comfortable. Neutral colors spread throughout the house, and reclaimed materials can be seen in the exposed beams, the island and the front door constructed from the wood of an antebellum home. “We also used white oak for our floors and a lot of cypress,” said Joe. This simplistic taste in Christmas decorating came about with the help of Adiranna Coffman, who used magnolia leaves, vine wreaths and pine found in the Couvillion backyard. “We have accumulated many of our ornaments and decorations over the years, but also enjoy using many family artifacts and items throughout. It’s fun when the tree goes up. National Lampoon Christmas Vacation starts to play; the kids drink way too much eggnog, and they hang ornaments from both our childhood and theirs on the tree. Simple, but great!
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Sid and Amy Crigler Huntington Place “At the Crigler home, we like to think of our decorations as versatile!� Here, traditional reds and greens are seen in the den and kitchen area while the dining, living and study areas are more elegantly decorated. The ceramic hand painted nativity scene done by Amy’s mother years ago is a treasured decoration, as well as the replica of the aluminum tree with the original color wheel that Amy enjoyed growing up. Collections of Santas, decorative trees and nutcrackers welcome visitors into the Crigler home. Outside, the patio and deck areas are aglow with lollipop lights and trees. Everywhere is Christmas!
December 2016 | 19
Cheryl Lyon Sherwood Forest The original 40-year-old Williamsburg style home was renovated into an English Manor style with 11-foot ceilings, Brazilian Cherry woodwork throughout the house, on the stairway and the stairway railing. A mahogany mantel provides a beautiful display shelf for the holiday season and lion figurines in wood, porcelain, tree decorations, and furniture accents carry the “Lyon” name theme into each room. Royal Family English figurines of the Cold Stream Guard and the Black Watch Guard for the Queen of England, as well as nutcrackers, are tastefully displayed in unique corners of the home. The Christmas tree holds memories of the Lyon family history. The stunning cloth nativity sets throughout the house are lovingly placed within easy reach of the grandchildren in the original den where historical stockings hand-sewn by Moni, Cheryl’s loved and respected mother-in-law hang above the fireplace. In Moni’s room is an MSU decorated table tree accompanied by three generations of cowbells. Visitors don’t want to miss Cheryl’s “Kitchen of the Century” it’s fully equipped with everything from a custom designed butler’s pantry to everything a chef would want.
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December 2016 | 21
Rocki and Vicki Katz Country Club Estates Rocki and Vicki treasure Christmas and are eager to share their interpretation of the Spirit of Christmas with the community. Eager to downsize, Rocki & Vicki Katz planned their home in detail with G & S Builders, hoping to capture the spirit of fine, comfortable living while prioritizing “efficiency of function,” The front courtyard is defined by brick and custom wrought iron. Once inside, winter’s chill is warmed by three fireplaces. Vicki, a member of the Town & Country Garden Club, has begun planning her landscape, but visitors will immediately interpret her eclectic style in her collection of fiber art and pottery. Included in the tour will be Rocki’s domain, the large screened in back porch, full of Christmas color.
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Holiday Glam: A Stepby-Step Guide to Creating that Perfect Holiday Look By Alaina Prentice
Model: Cindy Peterson
Photos by Brittney Dowell
With the holidays upon us, our calendars seem to be filling up faster than ever with parties, dinners and events. To ease your stress, follow these easy steps to create a classic and simple, glamorous makeup look to get you through all your holiday festivities. Step 1: Eyes First A little secret, if you apply your eye makeup first, you have less cleanup and damage control to deal with! For the eyes, always apply a thin layer of eye shadow primer as your first step. This will keep the eye shadow on longer, prevent creasing and allow the true color of the shadow to show. We used an eye palette with four shadow colors, two highlights, a middle tone and a dark contour. Using one of the lighter colors, apply a generous amount on the inside corner of the eye. Using a flat thin eye brush, apply the darkest color on the outside portion of the eye, in an almond or sideways “V” shape. Start along the upper lash line, and curve upward into the crease. To keep this look more natural, we then added the middle tone color over the darker color and in towards the middle of the eye. Blend all colors so that you cannot tell where one ends and the other begins. Apply eyeliner to the top and bottom of the eye. To make the eye appear larger, only go about half way on the bottom portion of the eye. Apply a coat of mascara primer and mascara. As you apply your mascara, wiggle the wand in a zig zag motion to deposit more product onto the lashes. Don’t forget your brows! Fill in your brows using a powder or pencil, apply a sealer over to ensure the little hairs stay put. Mascara tip: Never pump your mascara wand in the tube, this dries the mascara out quicker! Replace your mascara every 3-4 months. Products used: Eye Shadow Primer, Eye Color Couture in Cozy Nudes, Soft Touch Eyeliner in Teak, Mascara Primer, Fat Lash Mascara, Natural Brow Powder in Taupe, Brow Sealer in Clear
Step 2: Prep your Skin The eyes are out of the way, now you can clean up any fallen shadow with your foundation and concealer! Before applying any foundation, we always recommend that you first apply a moisturizer and foundation primer for your skin type. Our model, Cindy, has dry skin and a little redness, so we used a moisturizer and foundation primer for her skin type. For the redness, we applied an Anti-Redness Foundation Primer to the apples of her cheeks, and a regular foundation primer to the rest of the face. Follow with foundation. Remember to blend your foundation on your neck, but it is not necessary to add foundation to the neck. Apply a concealer that is a slightly lighter shade than your foundation under your eyes in a “V� shape so that the concealer is blended over the cheek bone. Set the foundation with a small amount of setting powder if desired. Applying the powder only in the T-zone area will set the foundation without setting in any fine lines or wrinkles. Foundation Tip: When matching your correct shade, for lighter to medium skin tones, match the color on your neck. For medium to darker skin tones match the color on your forehead. To find out if you are a Warm, Cool or Neutral, look at your wrist! If the veins in your wrist are a greenish color you are a warm, blue veins are a cool, and a neutral is a bluish green mix. Products used: Anti-Redness Cream, Anti-Redness Foundation Primer, Foundation Primer Plus SPF 15, Perfecting Foundation SPF 25 in Alabaster, Dual Action Concealer in Light, and Flawless Effect Loose Powder in Barely There.
December 2016 | 27
Step 3: Contouring Made EASY! Contouring is extremely popular and made to look oh so complicated in nearly every makeup tutorial out there! But it’s not… PROMISE! First identify your face shape, contouring is slightly different for every face shape. You want to highlight all the high points on your face, and contour to create angles or hide things. Apply highlighter under the eyes on the cheek bones, bridge of the nose, forehead and chin. To contour or sculpt, apply your contour basically in a “3” shape on the sides of your face: along the hairline of the sides of your forehead, under the cheek bones, along the jaw line, on the neck, and the sides of your nose. That’s it! See how easy and painless that was? Products Used: Contouring & Highlight Duo
Step 4: Color You are contoured, you are highlighted! Now for some color! It is important for your cheek color and lipstick to coordinate. Matching perfectly is not necessary, but you do not want to wear a bright pink blush and red lipstick. Apply your cheek color on the apples of your cheeks and dust upward with a lighter hand towards the top of your ear. When it comes to lipstick, the number one complaint is it not staying on long enough. To solve this problem use a lipliner in a color matching your lipstick or slightly darker. Apply the liner over the entire lip, almost as if it were the lipstick itself. Then apply your lipstick. Spray your eyes and entire face with a setting spray to ensure your glamourous hard work will last through the entire holiday party or event! Products used: Lasting Cheekcolor in Bombshell, Age Defying Lipliner in Roses, Merle’s Kisses Pure Color Core Lipstick in XOXO, Expert Touch Finishing Spray If you follow these steps your makeup will be perfect for any event this holiday season. For more information about any products used or for a holiday look tailored towards you, stop by and see us.
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MSU and Starkville Community Step in to Help Students Staying in Town Over the Holidays
O
nce upon a time, the handful of students at Mississippi State University (MSU) who weren’t going home for the three-week Christmas break were housed in one dorm. Because MSU’s student population has almost doubled in the last generation, different practices are in place on campus – as well as an effort both on and off campus to make sure those students have some holiday dining and mingling options. “Many years ago Herbert Hall was what we called the guest housing. We could consolidate back in those days,” said Ann Bailey, Director of Housing and Residence Life for the Division of Student Affairs at MSU. “The days of moving everyone into one building is over. The reason is that the demand for our bed space now is such that we do not have one single building that we could move everyone into. “Campus will close on December 10 at 6 p.m. and re-open in January. If a student needs to stay over, they pay for what’s called Break Housing and stay in the building where they currently reside. We normally make them aware of any dining options that are available on campus or around town.” By Joe Lee
Bailey said that although there aren’t as many international students staying through the holidays as there once were, all university organizations which have commitments over the holidays – such as the MSU marching band and football team traveling to a New Year’s Day bowl game – are required to be present on campus to complete a given assignment. Likewise, there may be students who have job obligations or, for whatever reason, choose not to go home. One thing is for sure if you’re staying at MSU over the holidays: you won’t go hungry. “Four years ago, one of our AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) created the MSU Food Security Network to help match members of the MSU community who are food insecure with valuable food resources in the community,” said Meggan Franks, assistant director of Student Leadership & Community Engagement. “It started as a food pantry referral and matching system and now includes the Student Association’s Block by Block program. Through Block by Block, MSU students donate unused campus meals to students in need. Aramark (MSU Dining Services) matches the donation, and our office distributes them.
December 2016 | 29
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“Last year we distributed over 1,700 meals to students in need. This year, we will likely distribute over 2,000 meals. So through the MSU Food Security Network, we distribute campus meals to students in need of food resources and also refer them to a local food pantry and the casserole kitchen. The food pantry and the casserole kitchen are very helpful food resources when campus food services are closed. Our office promotes both resources to students, and we promote them heavily during the holiday season.” As to local folks in Starkville who offer a warm welcome at the holidays, Armando and Ruth de la Cruz of Starkville began a Thanksgiving tradition in the 1970s by inviting international students from their native Philippines to dine with them – that offer of generosity grew over time into an annual Thanksgiving meal at First United Methodist Church of Starkville (FUMC) that feeds over 250 guests representing 25-30 countries. (FUMC now co-sponsors the meal with World Neighbors Association.) “During holidays, staying students — especially international graduate students – get invited by their major professors for a meal and thereby experience holiday food,” Armando said. “There are also churches who will host a reception or a dinner for international students during holidays. Some students join out-of-town trips during the holiday weeks sponsored by organizations like the Wesley Foundation and the Baptist church. “We find joy and satisfaction in hosting students, not necessarily to feed them, but to give them a sense of belonging to a group like a family. Holidays – especially Christmas – is a lonely time, especially when alone. I experienced it when I was a graduate student and watching the noisy and bright streets of New York City from the tiny window of a YMCA hotel during my first Christmas holiday in America.” If you have the heart for service that Armando and Ruth do, volunteering is a wonderful way to do good for others. And there are lots of ways you can help. “We work with Volunteer Starkville to create a guide of volunteer projects for the holidays,” Franks said. “We promote the guide on our website (www. mvc.msstate.edu), in the MSU Maroon Memo, and through our mailing list with over 7,000 subscribers. Also, Volunteer Starkville produces a guide to holiday giving that we also promote to the campus community.” Find Volunteer Starkville online at www.volunteerstarkville.org.
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December 2016 | 31
Small towns we love: kick off this holiday season with a visit to New Albany There’s nothing quite like the sense of peace and love you feel in a small town at Christmastime. And that’s certainly true for the residents of New Albany, a quaint little place not far from Tupelo the offers many of the same traditions Golden Triangle residents find at Christmas right here at home. “New Albany is lucky in that its downtown has always been the heart of the city,” said Sean Johnson, director of marketing and tourism for the city of New Albany. “Look at pictures and video footage from fifty years ago, and you’ll see many of the same shops that are there today – businesses passed down from father to son and mother to daughter. “Clearly the storekeepers and restaurants are happy for this time of year when they get to meet new customers and visit with childhood friends who’ve returned home
By Joe Lee
Photos by Dewayne Phillips
December 2016 | 35
for the holidays. New Albany, with a population of only 8,500, is still small enough that everyone knows everyone and most people feel like family. This closeness, both physical and otherwise, makes for a cozy Christmas season.” The annual Christmas parade and this year’s lighting of the Christmas tree are already the stuff of fond memories, but folks all over North Mississippi can look forward to visiting the Union County Heritage Museum in the Historic Northtown District on December 10 for some festive fun – a silhouette artist will be taking sittings for hand-cut portraits, and the kids can enjoy Santa, live music and refreshments. Also, the downtown shops are open until 8 p.m. every Thursday night until Christmas. “Christmas is a time when New Albany is all of its own and somehow separate from the larger world and the busyness and uncertainty that comes with it,” Johnson said. “For the month of December, at least, New Albany is home to whoever happens to be walking its streets.” To learn more, visit www.visitnewalbany.com.
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Tablescape Inspiration Brought to you by Giggleswick and Thyme
Photos by Divian Conner
Created by Thyme
Created by Thyme December 2016 | 39
Created by Giggleswick 40 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM
Sitting down with “Tarzan in Film” author Scott Tracy Griffin
Every child has a hero growing up. For some it’s their parents for others, it’s firefighters or policemen, and for others still it’s characters in their favorite novels. If you were to ask Starkville native and author Scott Tracy Griffin who he looked up to growing up he wouldn’t hesitate to say, Tarzan. Born at the Oktibbeha County Hospital to Jesse E. Griffin an optometrist and Sarah D. Griffin a homemaker, Tracy became fascinated by the Tarzan folklore at a very young age. “I walked into the [Book Mart] on Main Street when I was nine years old, and they had all the Tarzan books. I had asked my parents for a Tarzan book, but we didn’t have any in our home library. I bought the very first one, “Tarzan of the Apes” and I just fell in love with the writing,” Tracy explains. Not only did Tracy fall in love with the writing, but also the character who seemed like the strongest and most honorable man alive. “[As a kid] Tarzan was always an inspirational character to me. Tarzan was a lot of children’s hero at the time. He was honorable and noble and strong and courageous. All the things that little kids look up to. I think he also inspired my physical efforts. I played basketball and was a long distance runner. I had a book entitled “Tarzan of the Movies” that had all of this information about these Olympic champions that played Tarzan. So I thought that to be Tarzan you had to be athletic.” Tracy even credits Tarzan and his creator, Edgar Burroughs for inspiring him creatively, and not just with books; he’s even had a hand in creating comic strips for of character. After graduating from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, Tracy moved out to California to pursue acting and writing. One day Burrough’s grand-
By Camille Watts
Photos submitted
42 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM
son, Danton Burroughs, called Tracy to tell him he enjoyed reading an article Tracy had written on his grandfather. After becoming friends, Danton approached Tracy to help create an illustrated book of the Tarzan franchise “Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration” which was published by Titan in 2012. The first book details the character’s literary history and appearances in comic strips, comic books, radio, and other media, and was a 2013 Locus Award Finalist for Best Art Book. Once “Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration” was successfully published, Tracy then began to work on a second book about the jungle man this time focusing on the Tarzan of the movies and TV. “Tarzan on Film” was published by Titan Books in August 2016. This lavishly illustrated and colorful book spans nearly a century of ape-man film history, beginning with the 1918 silent picture Tarzan of the Apes starring Elmo Lincoln and Enid Markey and includes Warner Bros. Studios’ 2016 release The Legend of Tarzan, starring Alexander Skarsgård and Margot Robbie. The book includes fantastic photos of the actors on set as well as movie posters ranging from the very first movie all the way to present day with a poster for a Netflix children’s show entitled Tarzan and Jane. This beautiful book doesn’t just include pictures on each page there are facts about each movie or TV show as well as profiles on each actor and actress that play a main character in the series. Even in the hands of someone who isn’t a Tarzan expert or even a movie buff, this book is fascinating. The character of Tarzan debuted to immediate success in the October 1912 pulp magazine, The All-Story, leading to 24 novels featuring the apeman. Olympic champions Johnny Weissmuller, Buster Crabbe and Glenn Morris all portrayed Tarzan on screen as did former Los Angeles Rams linebacker Mike Henry and UCLA basketball standout Denny Miller. Actor Casper Van Dien, who starred in Tarzan and the Lost City (Warner Bros., 1998) provides the foreword to “Tarzan on Film.” Griffin has consulted and appeared in numerous documentaries and news programs, and will next be seen in Tarzan Revisited, a forthcoming documentary by Lowlands Media of Australia. Griffin divides his time between Mississippi and the beach community of Santa Monica, California.
December 2016 | 43
y r r e M d n a
t h g i L Plant-based recipes for this holiday season. Article and food photography by Katie Zampini
The holiday season is upon us, bringing ample opportunities to indulge in the season’s many culinary traditions; and indulge we must! Celebrating the seasons of life with festivity and gusto is among the greatest pleasures of the human experience. The key then, as with most things in life, is finding balance. In this month’s article, you will find inspiration for bringing more plant-based nutrition into this festive season so that you can celebrate in good health. Whether you incorporate these plant-based recipes into your existing holiday traditions or perhaps use them in place of old favorites, your body will benefit from the amazing micronutrients found in the seasonal ingredients. These are foods that work for your body by providing important vitamins, minerals, and nutritional density for the lowest caloric cost. This month’s recipes take inspiration from some of winter’s warm and rustic comfort foods, but with a refreshing, plant-based approach. Cheers!
Ingredients: • 2 cups of de-stemmed kale • 3 oz of regular virgin olive oil • 1 oz of white truffle infused olive oil • ½ cup of raw almonds • 1 clove of garlic • salt and pepper to taste
Truffle Kale Pesto
Ingredients: • 6 cups de-stemmed kale • 3 cups diced butternut squash • 2 cups thinly sliced Brussels sprouts • 2 cups cooked wild rice • 1.5 cups red cabbage
This pesto takes the traditional basil version a few steps up the nutritional ladder. Featuring kale and almonds, it is a vegan version of a holiday favorite, and the added flavor of truffle oil makes it distinctly celebratory. It’s delightful when paired with crusty bread and a subtly oaky chardonnay.
Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until thoroughly combined. 2. Season with salt and pepper and serve over crostini. 3. To make your own crostini, slice a whole grain baguette and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until crisp.
Warm Winter Vegetable Salad
As delightful to the taste buds as it is to the eyes, this warm salad is a nutritional knockout. It features in-season vegetables, warm wild rice, and crunchy roasted pecans, with delicious and simple flavors. It is a celebratory salad you’ll enjoy all season.
• 1 cup roughly chopped pecans • 2 cloves minced garlic • 2.5 tablespoons olive oil, divided • Salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. On a baking sheet, place butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage and pecans in a single layer. Drizzle with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, and a dash of salt and pepper. 2. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes (vegetables are done when the squash is soft, and the Brussels sprouts are slightly crispy). 3. Meanwhile, prepare wild rice according to package instructions, and set aside. 4. In a pan, heat remaining olive oil, then add garlic until it is fragrant. Add kale, occasionally stirring to heat all kale evenly. Once the kale has softened, remove the pan from the heat and let the kale rest; it will become slightly crispy as it cools. 5. Combine all ingredients in a large serving bowl, and serve warm.
Rustic Winter Bourguignon
A plant-based take on a traditional beef bourguignon, this French favorite uses the aromatic richness of truffle oil to add warmth and a distinctly delicious note to a warm, comforting dish. Mushrooms, a known superfood, play a savory, starring role. You’ll need dry red wine for the preparation, so why not go ahead and pour a glass as you prepare this dish for loved ones. As a bonus, your house will smell amazing! You can then serve it three ways: as a stew over warm crusty bread, as openfaced pot-pies, or baked into crispy pastries. Ingredients: • 1 lb bella mushrooms, stemmed and sliced • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced • 1 medium yellow onion, diced • 1 leek, finely sliced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup vegetable broth • ¾ cup dry red wine • ¼ - ½ cup flour • 2 tablespoons truffle infused olive oil • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 bay leaf • Salt and pepper to taste • Parsley and thyme to taste • Fresh parsley for serving • Optional ingredients: vegan croissant dough, warm crust bread
Directions: 1. Heat the 2 tablespoons of infused truffle oil in a large pot over medium heat, and then add mushrooms. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all mushrooms soften and brown. Remove the mushrooms to a dish. 2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot, and add onion, garlic, leek, and carrots. Cook until the onions are soft. Add the dry red wine and bring the whole pot to a slight boil. Add flour slowly, one spoon at a time until the mixture thickens to a slightly thicker than stew-like consistency.
prepare large muffin tins with some spray oil. Using perforated croissant dough, spread out one triangle into the bottom of each tin, and then top with prepared bourguignon. You can either leave the top open or cover with another croissant triangle. If you top with another triangle, use a fork to seal the edges. Bake for 12-15 minutes until done.
3. Toss the mushrooms back in and add the vegetable broth. Stir until combined and start tasting! Add salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme to taste. Adjust with more flour if necessary (you’re looking for a pot-pie filling consistency). Add the bay leaf, and then bring the mixture back to a low boil for about 35 minutes. 4. If you choose to serve this dish over warm bread, you’re pretty much done! Just heat some sliced whole grain bread and serve the bourguignon over it. 5. Alternately, you can heat the oven to 400 degrees and
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on the page: susan o’bryan’s december book review
The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” is certainly true in John M. Floyd’s latest collection of mystery, intrigue and suspense. Don’t get me wrong – the illustration of a mystery figure sitting on a horse with a stone castle in the background is fetching, but what does it mean? With the “Dreamland” cover, I’m just not sure. It’s an attractive illustration, and it certainly does hint that there’s more to the story than meets the eye. On second thought, it’s the perfect cover for Floyd’s latest – and his sixth - collection of tales. From the first story to the last, nothing is ever what it first appears to be, thanks to this gifted writer. In “Dreamland,” “you can escape reality altogether, and parachute into a world of enchanted settings, fascinating people, and spine-tingling action,” according to the book jacket. “Welcome to the land of dreams.” Floyd never dreamed he’d wind up as an author and storyteller. After graduating Kosciusko High School and Mississippi State University with an
electrical engineering degree, Floyd served his country as an Air Force captain and then worked for IBM for 30 years. It wasn’t until he was 30 that he wrote his first story, “just sort of piddling around to see if I could do it,” Floyd says. “I was 47 when I finally got around to submitting something, so I truly started late.” Before he turned 48, he was a published author. He’s now penned more than 1,000 short stories and become a three-time Derringer Award winner, an Edgar Award finalist and a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee. Although he’s written two novels, Floyd stands out in the art of the short story. Asked why he seems to have chosen that style, he has a simple answer. “I’m not sure I ‘chose’ them over novels -- it’s just that most of the stories I dream up fall within that short-story word count,” Floyd says. “But I admit I do enjoy the challenge of creating a fully formed story in a limited space; for one thing, it forces me not to ‘waste’ words and keeps the story on track. And it’s great fun to work on something for a matter of days or weeks, write ‘THE END,’ and then the next day write something completely different.” All the content in “Dreamland” fits his love of “something completely different.” Each is a standalone story, whether it runs three pages or 20. Their topics are varied as can be, but at the heart of each is an unexpected twist – or two or three. Most are
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mysteries, but they generally are entwined with humor, strong emotion and morality. Floyd is so imaginative in his writings that there’s no need for overdone sex or violence. As for his imagination, “I would probably describe it as overactive,” he says. “My wife would probably describe it as scary. I do seem to be one of those people who is either blessed or cursed with more ideas than they’ll ever be able to put on paper.” The 352-page collection includes some stories presented to his audience for the first time, while others have been published in national anthologies and mystery story collections. One is even being considered for a possible movie adaptation. It’s hard to pick a favorite from among the “Dreamland” stories. After each one, readers will catch themselves chuckling or muttering, “Oh, now I see.” A bus wreck sends two lawyers to the afterlife in “High Places,” and most would say that at least one deserves what he gets. Sheriff Lucy Valentine and her busybody mom Fran are featured in several stories, including “A Thief in the Night,” “Eddie’s Motel,” “Hartmann’s Case” and “Oversight.” My favorite is “Arrowhead Lake,” a tale of a sister’s devotion to her injured brother. Wait, I changed my mind – “Margaret’s Hero” is definitely the best. The family dynamics are fascinating. But then there’s “Over the Mountain,” with its rhyming story line. With such fine writing as Floyd’s, it’s just too hard to choose. “I think my favorite is ‘Molly’s Plan,’ a tale about the robbery of a supposedly un-robbable bank,” Floyd says. “All the stories were fun to write, but this one has an unusual number of plot twists, and was selected last year by James Patterson for inclusion in The Best American Mystery Stories 2015.” With so many stories, accolades and honors behind him, some might think Floyd’s inkwell might be running dry. They would be wrong – dead wrong. This grandfather of seven is far from writing his last chapter. His “to-do” list includes “more stories for magazines, especially mystery magazines,” Floyd says. “I feel fortunate to have found a pastime that’s this much fun, and I want to keep doing it.” John M. Floyd’s work has appeared in more than 200 different publications, including The Strand Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, The Saturday Evening Post, Mississippi Noir, and The Best American Mystery Stories 2015. A former Air Force captain and IBM systems engineer, John is also a three-time Derringer Award winner, an Edgar Award finalist, and a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee. His sixth book, Dreamland, was released in October 2016. 50 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM
y a d i l o H
s t a e r T The best recipes to gear up for the holiday season! Recipes and food photography by Lisa Bynum
Pecan Freezer Cookies
Each cookie log makes approximately 16 cookies • 5 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 cup unsalted butter • 1 cup shortening • 2 large eggs • 2 cups granulated sugar • 2 teaspoons vanilla • 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar • 2 cups chopped pecans 1. Sift flour, salt and soda. Set aside 2. Mix butter, shortening, eggs, and sugar until fluffy. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour to the butter mixture a little at a time. 3. Add vanilla and vinegar. Mix well after each addition. Add nuts and mix until nuts are evenly combined throughout.
Homemade Chex Mix Serves 8
• 6 tablespoons bacon grease • 2 sticks (1 cup) butter • 4 tablespoons Worcestershire • 2 tablespoons garlic salt • 4 cups Rice Chex • 5 cups Corn Chex • 5 cups Cheerios • 2 cups Wheat Chex • 2 cups pretzel sticks • 2 cups Spanish nuts
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. 2. Place bacon grease, butter, and Worcestershire in a large roasting pan. Heat in the oven until the butter melts, about 5-7 minutes. 3. Add garlic salt and mix until dissolved. 4. Add cereal and pretzels, one cup at a time, mixing between each addition. 5. Roast for 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes. 6. Add nuts during the last 45 minutes.
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4. Divide dough into four part. Shape each part into a seven-inch log. If immediately baking, allow the dough to chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before baking. Otherwise, wrap each cookie log in waxed paper and place in the freezer. 5. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Allow frozen cookie dough to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing. Slice cookies about 1/4-inch thick. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Allow cookies to sit for five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Mulling Spices for Mulled Apple Cider
For the mulled apple cider:
For the mulling spices: • ¼ cup whole allspice • ¼ cup whole cloves • ¼ cup whole juniper berries • 6-8 whole star anise • 4 whole cinnamon sticks, crushed • Dried orange peel segments from one small orange
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
For the mulled apple cider: • 4 cups apple cider • 2 tablespoons mulling spices For the mulling spices:
1. Combine all spices in a mason jar or container with a lid. Should keep for one year
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1. Pour apple cider into a medium saucepan. 2. Add mulling spices. Bring cider to a boil.
4. Remove from heat. Strain cider. 5. Pour into four individual mugs. Add bourbon or rum if desired.
Cranberry Eggnog Muffins Makes 12 – 14 muffins
For the streusel topping: • ¼ cup all-purpose flour • ¼ cup packed brown sugar • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the muffins: • 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon allpurpose flour, divided • ½ cup sugar • 2 teaspoons baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ¾ cup eggnog • ¼ cup vegetable oil • 1 large egg • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. Line 12 muffin cups with cupcake liners or spray with cooking spray. 3. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the streusel topping. Set aside. 4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
5. In a separate, larger mixing bowl, combine eggnog, oil, and egg. Beat at medium-high heat until combined. 6. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients and mix just until flour is moistened. 7. Combine cranberries and the remaining tablespoons of flour. Stir until cranberries are coated with the flour. 8. Gently fold in the cranberries into the batter. 9. Fill each muffin cup about ⅔ full. Sprinkle the top of each with the streusel topping. 10. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Gingerbread Pancakes with Banana Whipped Cream Serves 6
For the banana whipped cream: • 1 cups heavy whipping cream • 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, sifted • 1 medium ripe bananas, chopped For the pancakes: • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened • ¾ cup packed brown sugar • 3 eggs • ¾ cup molasses • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground ginger • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon ground allspice • 2 cups milk • Maple syrup
increase speed to medium and continue to mix until soft peaks form. 3. Turn mixer off. Gently fold in chopped bananas. Cover whipped cream and chill until ready to serve.
For the pancakes: For the banana whipped cream:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream at medium to medium high speed using an electric mixer until cream begins to thicken. 2. Turn mixer off and add confectioners’ sugar. Mix on low until sugar is incorporated, then
1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, salt and allspice. Set aside. 2. In another large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until mixture is light and fluffy. December 2016 | 55
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3. Add eggs, one at a time, making sure that each egg is incorporated into the batter after each addition. Mix in molasses. 4. With the mixer on medium-low, add about â…“ of the flour mixture. Once it is well incorporated, mix in half of the milk. Repeat steps until flour and milk are thoroughly combined within the batter. 5. Using Âź cup pour batter onto a greased hot griddle. When bubbles begin to form on top, about 3-4 minutes, carefully flip and continue to cook until the other side is brown, about two minutes. 6. Stack pancakes on a plate. Serve with a dollop of banana whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Full-Service Sales, Repair and Support Storefront
Managed Business Technology Services
(662) 324-7272
8 Experienced Technicians Here To Serve North Mississippi Since 2000
December 2016 | 57
Town and Gown’s Holiday Fashions P hotography by Divian Conner | Hair by Mia Salon | Makeup by Merle Norman Luna Bella | Clothes provided by The Book Mart and Cafe, Liza Tye, Giggleswick, Park P lace Boutique & Susan’s Hallmark
From left to right: Urita’s clothes provided by Liza Tye and Company. Karrah’s clothes provided by Book Mart & Cafe
Urita’s clothes provided by Liza Tye and Company, shoes provided by Park Place Boutique.Karrah’s clothes provided by Giggleswick
Urita’s clothes provided by Park Place Boutique. Karrah’s clothes provided by Park Place Boutique.
Urita’s clothes provided by Giggleswick, shoes provided by Park Place Boutique. Karrah’s clothes provided by Liza Tye and Company and shoes provided by Park Place Boutique.
Urita’s clothes provided by Book Mart and shoes provided by Park Place Boutique. Karrah’s clothes provided by Liza Tye and Company and shoes provided by Susan’s Hallmark
Urita’s clothes provided by Liza Tye and Company and shoes provided by Park Place Boutique.
Urita’s clothes provided by outfit and shoes provided by Park Place Boutique. Karrah’s clothes provided by Susan’s Hallmark and shoes provided by Giggleswick.
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Come see us for your Christmas gifts!
and more! 441 Wilkins Wise Rd. Columbus. 327-1008 401-A East Lampkin. Starkville. 324-4008
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Laurie Parker Book Signing Photos by Ashley Covin
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Phi Mu Open House Photos by Kathryn Rooker Phi Mu Ribbon Cutting Ceremony- The Phi Mu Kappa Alpha chapter at Mississippi State University held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 30th in honor of their new home. The event was filled with active members and alumnae. A tour of the new home was given, along with refreshments. The current Phi Mu President and other women presented speeches remembering the past chapter and what holds for the future
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1. Hunter Harrington, Kaitlyn Vassar, Mary Katherine Shipp and Lindsay Bean 2. Sydney Swedenburg, Sarah Beth Jones and Ellen Condoure 3. Karlyn Purvis and Mattie Grace Fritscher 4. Mike and Lisa Rooker 5. Karly McCoy, Hannah Finch, Caitlin Fournier and Chandler Morgan 6. Lisa Rooker, Leah Clark, Miram Hood and Esther Virden 68 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM
Bully’s Pumpkin Patch Photos by Ashley Covin
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Art Crawl and Parents’ Night Out Photos by Brittney Dowell
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6. 1. Jacqueline Posley and Elizabeth Williams 2. Holli Seitz and Megan Smith 3. Mackenzie Welborn, Hannah Krapac and Katie Allen 4. Shannon Shepherd and Daniel Clark 5. Lilo Santos and Joseph Garland 6. Lori Neuenfeldt & Charles Freeman
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SHOPS STARKVILLE From stocking stuffers and packages for the tree to holiday decor and that special style for a New Year’s Eve party, shop STARKVILLE this holiday season! /mscollegetown
IG: @starkvillems
For a directory of WHERE TO SHOP:
starkville.org
OCH FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC’S goal is to provide you with thorough, appropriate, responsible and responsive health care. Beyond providing care during illness, we emphasize working with you to prevent disease, maintain good health and promote well-being. Seeing you once a year for an annual exam is crucial in your overall healthcare maintenance. During this visit we are able to give you a thorough check up that may or may not include routine blood work, urinalysis, vision test, EKG, and more. OCH Family Health Clinic, where your family matters.
Blood pressure Blood glucose/Diabetes Cholesterol/Lipid levels Physical exam Pap smear Breast exam Bone density Vaccinations Sexually transmitted diseases Mental Health Healthy eating plan Physical activity
Ava Stegall, D.O. 302 Hospital Road • Starkville
(662) 615-3731
Colorectal health Tobacco cessation counseling Skin cancer check