Many people say that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach – so what better day is there to whip up a fast, festive, recipe for your sweetheart than on Valentine’s Day?
Nothing says “I Love You” like breakfast in bed. In a matter of minutes you could whip up this fun twist on a popular breakfast food: heart-shaped pancakes. Use your favorite made-from-scratch recipe or pancake mix (such as Bisquick). Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle with a hole in the cap (like a clean ketchup bottle) and squeeze it to draw a thick “V”. The batter will spread to heart shape. Or, you can make the regular circular pancakes and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter. You’ll give your valentine a festive start to their day.
Need a fast, yet romantic, dinner? Fondue is the answer. No fancy equipment is required — just a saucepan, a stove, and forks or skewers. Simply melt your favorite cheese (you can use anything from regular Cheddar to fancy Gruyere). Serve with chunks of crusty French bread, chips, vegetables, pretzels, anything. Light some candles and a romantic Valentine dinner atmosphere is set.
Cheese fondue is not the only dipped recipe that is perfect for your valentine. Melt some chocolate and dip a variety of treats: marshmallows, cookie bits, fruit, or nuts. Of all the dipped desserts, the one that is most associated with Valentine’s Day are chocolate covered strawberries. Just melt a half-pound of chocolate (dark, milk or white) in the microwave until softened and then mix until smooth. Dip your strawberries, let them cool, and then serve.
Valentine’s Day isn’t only for couples seeking romance. There are many festive recipes that can be made for the entire family or for kids to deliver with valentine cards.
Almost everyone loves pizza and making a festive pizza for Valentine’s Day is surprisingly fast and easy. All that is needed is pizza dough (the pre-made pizza dough in the refrigerated section of the grocery store works great), bottled pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, or any other favorite toppings. Form the dough into a heart shape and place on a baking sheet. Spread the sauce, cheese, and meat. Kids will enjoy sprinkling the mozzarella and making designs or spelling out Valentine’s Day phrases (like a conversation heart). Bake at 400 degrees until the dough is brown and the cheese is melted.
One fun recipe the kids can make to give to friends are heart-shaped Rice Krispies Treats. All you need is 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, 4 cups of mini marshmallows, red food coloring, and 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Stir in as many drops of food coloring until as desired (ranging anywhere from light pink to a darker red). Remove from heat. Add cereal and stir until well coated. Press mixture onto a baking sheet and cut out the hearts with a cookie cutter. Package the treats in a plastic bag, tie with string at the top.
With just a little bit of planning, but not too much hands-on time, you can make the perfect Valentine’s Day meal or treat for the people you love and create some great memories in the process.
