Celebrating Love - Valentine's Day
By Arlene Marshall (TwinLakesChef) on February 10, 2012
| Being born into a loving family is a blessing. My first memorable experience of learning to share that love with the rest of the world was in grade school . . . every year on Valentine’s Day. |
That was the one day of the year we were allowed to have candy at school and to give valentines to each other that were so bold to say, “Be Mine”. For weeks leading up to the day we were excited. An old cardboard shoe box could easily be found and a slot cut in the lid. We worked hard decorating the boxes so that by just a few days before, they were all lined up on the windowsills in the classroom, in all their 4th grade artistic splendor. When the day came we were excited to get to school. We had curled our hair, found something red to wear, and begged to wear our Sunday “Mary Janes” to school just for that one day. We were so excited, we could hardly study. And when the last hour of the day came, we had a class party with punch and heart shaped cookies. No one was unhappy; I believe there was a rule about bringing a card for everyone in the class. As the years go by, Valentines Day seems especially important for young loves. Once you have chosen that person to spend the rest of your life with, Valentine Days seem to fly by with the years. Sometimes we are so busy, we even forget the day. Valentine’s Day should be a day to celebrate all kinds of love. It is an opportunity to teach by example to our children. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest. Think about some simple ways to show love that come from the heart. Leaving notes of appreciation and going out for heart-shaped pizzas. Creating Valentine's cards together can be a loving family experience. Ever since Marc Antony first fed Cleopatra grapes, food and its sensual side has been entertwined with romance. . . hence our preoccupation with romantic foods for Valentine's Day. If you haven’t observed this day in a while, you can take your favorite meatloaf recipe but shape the meat into a heart, slather it with red chili sauce and use prepared mustard to write your sentiment. It will elicit smiles all around. Put a couple of candles on the table and get out the champagne glasses. Children feel special when drinking sparkling apple juice out of a champagne flute. My husband happens to like spinach salad; I will be surprising him with a new unusual recipe that I got from vic.
Spinach-Apple Salad with Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
I must admit . . . when I prepared the Sugared Curried Pecans for the salad, I doubled the ginger and curry powder called for. And, of course, there will be a special dessert, Meringue Shells with Fresh Fruit.
Happy Valentine's Day! This year, instead of going for an expensive meal in a restaurant and spending the evening surrounded by "smoochie" couples, consider cooking a special meal at home. That's actually our favorite way to go . . . it's so much more romantic and intimate to enjoy a quiet dinner together. |
| Be Mine, celebrate, desserts, Feb 14, love, meatloaf, spinach salad, valentine, valentines day |
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Comments and discussion:
| Subject | Thread Starter | Last Reply | Replies |
|---|---|---|---|
| How sweet it is! | Zanymuse | Mar 11, 2012 12:16 PM | 29 |
| Showing our love for our "crew" on Valentine's Day | TwinLakesChef | Feb 18, 2012 5:44 PM | 4 |
