Valentine's Day Party

What can be more fun than an intimate gathering of 4-5 kids getting together to make their unique Valentine's Day hearts for that special someone. I put together all the supplies (pink and red hearts) crayons and markers and let their imagination be their guide. I also included an assortment of candy for kids to choose from, in a mainly pink color palette, both to enjoy and to include with thier Valentine's Day cards. Gum balls, chocolate mints, taffy, jelly beans, and hot pink chocolate lips will delight them and pink iced tea to be sweetened to
taste with pink rock candy will quench their thirst. Cute!  

Valentine's Day Desserts for Two

Valentine’s Day is a day that celebrates love and romance. Making the effort to put together a nice dinner for your date/loved one is a romantic gesture and it can also be easier on your wallet than going to a crowded restaurant. Set a romantic table for two with nice linens, napkins and candlelight. Serve a wine or champagne that will complement your meal (check out 17 romantic food & wine pairings). Finish the meal on a high note, with individual desserts- one for you and one for your guy/gal. Dark chocolate, strawberries, raspberries, and grapes would be good accompaniments to dessert. Here are some individual dessert recipes that will make both you and your date swoon.

 

Sources & Recipes: 
1. Strawberry Mousse with Meringue Hearts 
2. So-Easy Chocolate Souffles 
3. White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Dark Chocolate Sauce 
4. Molten Mocha Cakes 
5. White-Chocolate Semifreddo 
6. Chocolate Fondue 
7. Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse 
8. Double Coffee Tiramisu 
9. Sparkling Sorbet Floats

For additional elegant dessert ideas, take a look at my previous blog post, Champagne Desserts 

If you are planning to make a special cocktail for Valentine's Day, take a look at 12 champagne cocktails. 

Valentine's Day Cakes

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. You may consider putting in a little effort to make the day as wonderful as it possibly could be. You may want to follow one of these cake recipes which are sure to bring a smile. These would be great to share with that special someone, bring to a Valentine's Day bash, office party, or family gathering. Have fun!

Sources & Recipes: 

Buttermilk-Mexican Chocolate Pound Cake

Fabulous Red Velvet Cake

Sacher Torte Heart with Truffle Top

Blackberry-Raspberry Truffle Cake (I tried this one and it was delish!)

Sprinkles' Strawberry Cupcakes 

Heart Cake

Valentine's Day for Kids

It's that time again... time to break out the school list to send all of your children's classmates Valentine's Day cards for Valentine's Day. Instead of purchasing the overdone cartoon valentines found at the local store, try something new this year. Here are some creative valentines your kids will be proud to bring to class.

Handmade Candy Valentines:

Sources from MS

Sweet Spot Hearts: 

Snip candy hearts for an entire class in a snap. To make, cut a heart from a strip of candy dots, and glue it to a piece of construction paper. With scalloping scissors, cut construction paper to create a border around the heart.

Personalized Candy Bags:
To make these custom treat packages, cut out a picture of your child, scan it, and print onto heavyweight matte paper. Cut tags using pinking shears for the bottom edges, draw hearts, and stamp or write a message on each one. Fold the tags and tape them to cellophane bags filled with sweets.

Heart-and-Lollipop Flowers: 
1. Use card stock to make a half-heart template about 3 inches high and 1 1/4 inches wide. Fold a 12-by-3 1/2-inch piece of construction paper in half vertically, and trace four half-hearts along the fold.
2. Cut out hearts; unfold.
3. Stack hearts; punch a hole 1/4 inch up from bottom. Position petals to form a flower, making sure holes line up. Secure by applying glue around holes; let dry. Write name on a petal. Insert lollipop.

Baked Valentines:

Sources & Recipes:
X's and O's Cupcakes
Warm & Fuzzy Heart Cookie Pops
Rice Krispie Valentine Treats

For the ambitious bakers, you may want to try these pops:

Source & How-To:
Valentine's Day Cake Pops

For the less ambitious bakers, try this super easy fix:

Source: Easy Valentine Treats
Oreo Cakesters + heart shaped cutter = cute and easy Valentine's Day treats. These would be easy for kids to do by themselves.