editor’s letter

just a note from Barbara

Wayne & Cindy Martin join us on the street in Mount Airy...don’t know who the guy in the center is!

It’s invariably exciting to plan this extra-special food issue of Yadkin Valley Magazine. This year’s assortment of recipes is sure to feed the spirit of the holidays…the piéce de résistance of a Southern table. We relentlessly search for our readers' favorite successful, tried and true, kitchen tested cooking ideas for you to enjoy.

As with our tradition of three YV Best Cooks find some down-home goodness. Two guest cooks add to our regular special contributors to satisfy your menu plans for a Southern Christmas feast.

Let’s face it, 2020 has been as unique as we would rather not experience again. Try in the holiday craziness to slow down—engage help from your friends and family. A family gathering around the table offers welcome warmth. It’s a great time to have a tree trimming party. As enticing aromas creep from the kitchen, send folks into tree trimming, decorating, frosting cookies for a pot luck dinner or a festive dessert shindig…your imagination can come up with a plethora of ideas to eat as payback!

When we lost my mother at 49, my father dreaded the holidays. My mother worked outside the home yet the holidays were her claim to fame. Decorative icicles then bent with ease to stay where you put them. I had a visiting uncle who persisted in, much to my mother’s dismay, throwing a handful at one time on the tree. She and I spent hours placing icicles one-at-a-time! As for painting sugar cookies? We made masterpieces with delicate designs as we chatted. Too, in those days, elders lived with family members so three generations sat around that table, discussing everything: my mother, her mother and me. We also shared writing Christmas greetings—over 100 cards every year. We moved a lot so we had friends everywhere and this was an annual touching base activity! I was in charge of the envelopes…I never realized I was being taught to address, add a return address, practice my cursive and place postage stamps as my mother inserted a note and family photo. We never had anyone complain about getting their card!

For me, holiday magic is delicately crocheted snowflakes falling and disappearing the next day and at the end of the day, there’s no topping a traditional Christmas alongside the ones you love, snow or no snow.

There’s an uncommon approach to publishing a magazine—we perpetually are looking to the future and the next issue as we stand at the fringe of a new year of reaffirmed hope. We can’t wait to see you in 2021!

The Yadkin Valley Magazine family wishes you holiday cheer and merriment, good will and companionship.

staying in touch.... Our telephone number is: 336-699-2446 web address: yadkinvalleymagazine.com

Email Directory: Editor- Barbara Norman: barbara@yadkinvalleymagazine.com

Advertising- John Norman: john@yadkinvalleymagazine.com

Weekends/Events Calendar submissions: weekends@yadkinvalleymagazine.com

BEST Yadkin Valley COOKS recipes: bestcooks@yadkinvalleymagazine.com

Share your pet photos: petpics@yadkinvalleymagazine.com

Yadkin Valley Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Entire contents copyright © 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction of our created advertising materials and design work are strictly prohibited. Yadkin Valley Living, Yadkin Valley Magazine, Yadkin Valley Weekends, Best Yadkin Valley Cooks, 52 Pounds and then some!, are trademarks of Cherry Street Media LLC, 413 Cherry St., East Bend, North Carolina 27018.

Proudly printed in the USA. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the magazine. We assume no responsibility for changes in schedules, prices, hours or information.

Before traveling long distances, it is always wise to use the contact numbers included in the magazine to confirm that the events you wish to enjoy are still on schedule.

The contents of advertising and articles do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

The publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequential damage or any damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement.

A Boutique with Quality Women’s Fashions and Accessories

Order in store or call to order– our pies, cakes & breads for the holidays. Remember to order early! Try our delicious Dutch Delights Candies Try them and discover perhaps the best Chocolate candies in the area!

Customize gift boxes for a gift sure to please!

Pick up your copy of Shiloh’s Favorites Cookbook Includes hundreds of recipes!

just $1499

GREAT Gift for Christmas!

Side dishes for your Holiday table Jams and Jellies for a delicious sweet taste

The Graber Family and all the staff of Shiloh General Store want to say Thankyou, for your support during this past year. And wish you the Blessings of the Holidays. Shiloh General Store and Bakery

5520 St. Paul Church Road, Hamptonville (336)468-4789 www.ShilohGeneralStoreNC.com Tuesday - Friday 9am–5pm, Saturday 9am–4pm

Christmas Eve 12/24 9am3pm • Call for Winter Hours