Valentine’s Day- Gifts from the Kitchen

by Michele Pesula Kuegler | January 30th, 2017 | Tasty Thoughts
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fetchpriority=”high” decoding=”async” class=”alignleft size-full wp-image-162216″ src=”https://thinktasty1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Heart-shaped-cookies2.jpg” alt=”” width=”400″ height=”400″ srcset=”https://www.thinktasty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Heart-shaped-cookies2.jpg 400w, https://www.thinktasty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Heart-shaped-cookies2-150×150.jpg 150w, https://www.thinktasty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Heart-shaped-cookies2-300×300.jpg 300w, https://www.thinktasty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Heart-shaped-cookies2-170×170.jpg 170w” sizes=”(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px” />I have mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. I’m not a fan of celebrating a day that was constructed as a financial promotion for card stores, flower shops, and restaurants. However, with the world proclaiming it as a day of love, I’d also feel sad not to recognize it. I know, peer pressure shouldn’t make me behave in a certain way, but I have my weaknesses.

So, in our house it’s a day of celebration in a small fashion. I don’t expect big pieces of jewelry and definitely don’t want overpriced flowers. Our celebration usually involves a menu that I have hand-crafted and cooked. While it seems one-sided, I thoroughly enjoy cooking. I task my husband with buying a good bottle of wine. Of course, if he wanted to surprise me with a present, I wouldn’t decline accepting it. (Hint, hint, dear.)

I also don’t think of Valentine’s Day as something just for romantic love. I always do something for my kids, also along the simple lines. I’ve given candy, small gift cards, and even get-out-of-chore passes. This year with them both away at college, I will send care packages filled with both homemade treats and small (not heavy) tokens that will be useful to them.

This week my two new recipes focus on the most important loves in my life- my kids and my husband. I’ve crafted a new treat for each of them to try and show my love in some small way. In the meantime, here are a few treats I’ve made for Valentine’s Day past. Give them a try and surprise your love. Who knows? It may even be the recipe that wins over a new love!

Triple Chocolate Truffles– These treats are rich and decadent; you only need to wrap up a few to give as a gift. They would make a wonderful in-person present but also would ship well. My kids (and others) can verify that they are delightfully indulgent.

Strawberry, Champagne, & Mascarpone Trifle– This dessert is the perfect ending to a candlelight dinner for two. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it also is delicious in every bite. It’s a good way to win someone’s heart through his or her stomach. 

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