I LOVE Valentine’s Day, it has always been my favorite holiday. No, I was never the girl that got Valentines from all the boys and most of my Valentine’s Days were spent single, so it’s not a weird obsession with relationships. Many think of it as a “Hallmark Holiday” and don’t give it a second thought, but I think of it as a perfect excuse to spread love. This is where things get fun, I like to plan little festive goodies for the people in my life.
Cookies are a favorite. I usually try a new recipe and force them into heart-shapes, because that’s just festive. Sometimes they turn out and sometimes they don’t, but either way they are always appreciated when delivered. One year I made little heart-shaped soaps, that was fun. I’ve done gift bags of candies and have also sprung for professional delivery (you can’t go wrong with Edible Arrangements, Funky Chunky or personalized Hershey Bars). One year I got to work really early and put Hershey’s Kisses in everyone’s mailbox, who doesn’t want a little love in their life?
This year I took Valentine’s Day off to make deliveries and they are going to be pretty special (or so I’m hoping). I can’t share yet in case recipients are reading this post, but I’m looking forward to having a box of treats and driving around town to share some love. There will be a Valentine dinner at some point, but as we are reservationless, that might mean a heart-shaped pizza from Italian Pie Shoppe. Of course, with the day off there is still time to come up with a yummy dinner to make at home.
For those of you looking for a delicious dinner at home, I highly recommend The Husband’s Fettuccini Alfredo. This week he made it with penne pasta but it is also great with fettuccini noodles. This is one of his specialties and it is just the kind of indulgent meal that would be perfect for a Valentine’s treat. This is a vegetarian recipe but he often grills a boneless chicken breast for his portion. I find that a large helping of broccoli makes me think it is a healthy dinner:
He uses the Joy of Cooking’s recipe, this makes 8 first-course or 4 main-course servings):
1/2 cup butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan
Combine all in large skillet. Salt and pepper to taste, toss with one pound of cooked pasta.
So for many it will just be a Friday but I hope some of you take a moment to spread love and indulgence, even if it is for yourself. Everyone needs a little love in their life and this “Hallmark Holiday” makes for the perfect excuse.
