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Be Good to Your Valentine
Foods That Say "I Love You!"
By Donna Smith
"I like to serve those small boxes of cereal, a bagel with cream cheese and a bowl of fruit salad," says Debbie of St. Louis, Missouri. "Those little cartons of milk are great, plus those aren't as easily knocked over. Milk spilt on your bed sheets is not fun!"
If your spouse sleeps like a baby, or if you don't care if the breakfast is a complete surprise, make up a batch of cinnamon pecan waffles and some homemade apple syrup. The batter could be made a day ahead of time and refrigerated, making this recipe a snap to throw together. The apple syrup adds a special touch to these waffles, or even to pancakes. Pancakes made from a boxed mix taste like heaven with a spicy apple syrup running down them. Add a single red rose and the morning paper to the tray, and you are sure to make a lasting impression.
Picnics are always great! If you live in a mild climate, grab your jackets and have an outdoor picnic. If you live in a cold climate, improvise! Spread a blanket in the middle of your living room – preferably in front of the fireplace, if you have one – and have an indoor picnic.
"Living in Michigan, it's kind of hard to have an outside picnic in February!" says Jim. "Once, I gathered all the houseplants and put them into one room. In the middle of all the plants I set up the picnic. It was like being in the middle of a forest ... well, almost. My wife enjoyed it anyhow."
Place a couple of pillar candles in the middle of the blanket, then lay out your wonderful spread of food. A bowl of dressed-up macaroni salad, stuffed cerry tomatoes, a loaf of crusty French bread and a bottle of wine makes a delicious meal. If you prefer a more traditional picnic, make some sandwiches, but use a good loaf of bread such as Italian or Rye. Stuffed cherry tomatoes would be great with sandwiches as well. A simple bowl of strawberries served with sour cream, powdered sugar or brown sugar for dipping is a quick, but romantic, end to the meal.
