It’s
special when someone gives you a satin & lace covered box holding
chocolates, or toasts you with champagne to say “you’re mine”, all those
romantic symbols of Valentine’s day. And, yes it is great to be a part of that.
But
Valentine’s Day can be for showing love and caring in many different ways, and
to a lot of different people in your life.
Take
advantage of this ENTIRE MONTH (it’s Heart Month), and do just that.
Start
with yourself! Be good to your own heart; de-stress with
a good book, take a walk, light more candles around the house, pamper yourself
a little.
That
Special Someone: Write thirty “messages of love” and
leave all around the house so they will find them during the month. Take a walk
together and hold hands. Write a few “coupons to collect” for items such as a
15” backrub.
Children
& Grandchildren: Name your kids King or Queen for the day.
Devote that day to their favorite thing to do and eat.
Be
silly! Even if you can’t sing, sing a song to them; a minute of embarrassment
will be a lifetime memory for them.
That
Special Senior in your life:
In this high-tech world we don’t get many hand-written letters, but do
you remember how good it felt to get one? Write a letter that isn’t necessarily
a love letter, just share your day.
Neighbors
& Friends: Cooking or baking for people you care
about remains one of the oldest ways to say “I’m thinking of you”. Sweet treats
are for Valentine’s Day, but don’t limit yourself. For instance, my friends and
family almost fall to my feet when I bake home-made bread for them.
Whether
for Valentine’s Day or any day this month, invite a few neighbors/friends over
for tea or coffee. Set a pretty table with some flowers and make this dessert
to serve. It will make your day in many different ways.
This
chocolate fudge heart cake is simple to make (starts with a boxed mix) and
could be a nice surprise for the kids coming home from school, a treat for a
helpful neighbor, or dessert for supper.
And
most children coming home from school will welcome hot chocolate that is topped
with whipped cream and crushed malted milk candy.
Chocolate
Fudge Cake
1
box Devils Food Cake mix
1
(3.4 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
3
large eggs
1
teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
1
and 1/3 cups water
1/2 to 1 cup dark chocolate chips; personal preference
Preheat
oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 13x9 inch pan.
Combine
cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, vanilla, oil and water in large mixing bowl.
Beat
at medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into pan
Bake
for 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in pan.
Frosting
is optional. If desired, decorate with confectioners’ sugar.
Note: If you are baking
cake in a heart-shape pan, fill pan two-thirds full with batter and bake at 325
degrees for about 60 minutes, depending on pan size. Use toothpick in center to
test if done.
Make
a few cupcakes with any leftover batter.
Rich
Chocolate Frosting
Heat
1/2 pint heavy cream just to a boil. Using 10 and 1/2 ounces
semisweet chocolate, break into pieces, add to cream and stir until melted. Let
cool; chill for 30 minutes, then whisk until thickened to a spreadable consistency.
Malted
Hot Chocolate
2
cups half and half
1
(4 ounce) bar semisweet chocolate, chopped
4
cups milk
¼
cup sugar
1
tablespoon vanilla extract
2
cups malted milk powder (baking aisle of supermarket)
Garnish: whipped cream, chopped malted milk
balls
In
a large saucepan, combine half and half and chocolate over medium heat,
whisking constantly until chocolate is melted. Add milk, sugar, and vanilla,
whisking until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently; do
not boil. Whisk in malted milk powder until smooth. Garnish with whipped cream
and malted milk balls, if desired.
Makes
4 to 6 servings
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
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