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Let’s Talk Valentine’s Day!

Posted by in Kitchen Talk

Tasty Kitchen Blog: Kitchen Talk (Valentine's Day 2015)

Well, it’s that lovey dovey time of year again. Time for chocolates, flowers and hounding the children to finish their valentine cards. Some of us go all out with fancy meals and gifts for this holiday, and others just keep it simple with a card and maybe a small treat. Some people reject the whole darn thing. And that’s okay!

We keep it pretty low key around here. This year I’m thinking since it falls on Saturday, a nice, big breakfast sounds good. Then the pressure’s off for the rest of the day.

What about you? How do you like to celebrate Valentine’s Day with food? If you have special traditions, make favorite meals or treats for your kids or honey, or get treated to something yummy yourself, we’d love to hear about it!

We’re planning to make Ree’s heart cookies you see in the photo above. It’s fun to spell out a friend’s name or just do the first initial if you want to give out a bunch. They satisfy the chocolate craving, and they’re so fun to decorate.

So tell us your cooking/baking/eating plans! We know the food love is flowing with all of you every day of the year. Thanks for sharing it with us!

XO!

 

17 Comments

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Amy on 2.15.2015

The kids and I make sugar cookies and bring them to people who might be lonely. We have lots of widows and widower, divorced, singles, etc where we live. Every year, it’s been a great experience!

Sandi W. on 2.13.2015

I made Ree’s chocolate pie the day after last Saturday’s show so I made my ginger crinkle cookies for the weekend and hope I won’t have to make dinner tomorrow!

Lezlie on 2.13.2015

Chocolate!

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Shawna C on 2.12.2015

My husband and I met on February 15th, so we usually skip the crowd in the restaurants on the 14th and go out the next day.

This year the kids’ last school day before Valentine’s is today so I included some of my egg-free pumpkin chocolate-chip muffins (in my recipe box) baked in silicone heart molds, soy pudding, and cute lunchbox notes I got as a free printable download from ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com.

Marilyn Healy on 2.12.2015

I ordered a foody box for the grandkids. Came with 2 of each in the box for both to share. Fun for them. We don’t go out that night because it is crazy lines most places. We celebrate later and go out for a nice steak dinner.

Sheila on 2.11.2015

Nothing fancy! Just being together is enough.

Karen on 2.11.2015

Our go to meal had become baked meatballs and sauce (Foodie with Family) and baked creamy polenta (Joy the Baker) it is comforting, the whole family loves it and we can all play silly games while it is baking. Then we put the kids together and pop the cork on some champagne. This year our Mardi Gras party and Valentine’s Day are a mash up. Jambalya, King Cake (and chocolate ganache tart for those of us who are gluten free.) Plenty of cocktails too.

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Annette S. on 2.11.2015

No roses, especially red!!! So overpriced. We have two rose bushes in our own backyard, and they are more beautiful than the store bought. A nice romantic dinner out, nothing too fancy, with a delicious dessert. Just being with the ones I love is all I care about! I do want to try Ree’s heart cookies from the show on Saturday. They look easy and so festive!

Nicole on 2.11.2015

Heart shaped shortbread cookies! No icing needed. :-)

Erin on 2.11.2015

Local take-out hamburgers.
Best.
Valentine’s Day.
Ever.

kim on 2.11.2015

We don’t really have any particular food traditions for Valentine’s Day. We definitely avoid restaurants, since they’re crowded and tend to have “special” limited menus. But honestly, after more than 20 years together, we just haven’t figured out what we like to do for Valentine’s Day.

We’ve never gone for big gifts, but instead limit ourselves to something we find at the local drug store in our town. That means we might get a little box of locally-made chocolates, or (for me, of course) a bright red lipstick or (for him) a nice jar of bath soak. There are always cards.

As for food this year, we’ve been invited to our friends’ home for a nice dinner, which is a nice change. They’re making the meal; we’re bringing the dessert and a bottle of bubbly.

grandmajohnnie on 2.11.2015

I have enjoyed making heart-shaped pizzas on Valentines Day for many years – since my children were younger than my grandkids are right now! They are always a hit! Some of the pizza places now sell them like that – gives me a break – but always a fun dinner. I have never liked going out with the cost and crowds!

Patty Paulsen on 2.11.2015

Many years ago, I decided that there was too much hoopla and pressure around Valentine’s Day. Basically, I reasoned that you should show your loved ones you care all year long, and that to try to cram it all into one day is just silly.

That being said, I still used to give a little box of chocolates to hubby, kids, and my MIL. This year, we have given up sweets altogether, so no little boxes of chocolates. It is okay, I still managed to show my family I love them all year long–from Sunday dinners to special birthday meals to egg muffins for work. Food will always be the language of love in my house…whatever is on the menu.

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C. L. ( Cheryl ) "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser on 2.11.2015

I have been baking cookies, cupcakes and decorating them with Pink and of course Red Buttercream icing. Just finishing up the last few batches. We are going out of town?! Where? I am sure it’ll be lovely and fun! Hoping Everyone has a wonderful “Valentine’s Day”. Cheryl.

Beth B. on 2.11.2015

We normally stay at home on Valentine’s since the restaurants are booked and busy. Our favorite meal is filet on the grill (weather permitting) or seared in a skillet and then put in the oven to finish cooking, hot smashed potatoes (Ree’s recipe), and a salad. We finish off the meal with chocolate dipped strawberries (easy to make, light and delicious). We prepare the meal together. It’s fun and we enjoy spending the evening doing something together – Plus we do not have to try to beat the crowds!

Leslie S on 2.11.2015

I like keep the evening meal light on Valentines Day so I can indulge on something sinfully sweet. I big slice of chocolate cheesecake sounds good this year.

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Donna H on 2.11.2015

I’m going to make Ree’s Chocolate Heart Cookies too! I love Ree’s cooking and baking, everything I made so far is so delicious.