Matters of Hearts
As soon as February rolls around, everyone is thinking "hearts."
Hearts are the universal symbol for love, affection, and caring.
There are heart-shaped candy boxes, cookies, flower
arrangements, gift boxes, and charms. Children send Valentine's
Day cards to classmates and friends, and adults show their
feelings with notes, gifts, and special events.
Mealtime can also be an opportunity to use hearts in our table
decor. Heart-shaped ice cubes add just that touch of romance to
wine and champagne. Use enouch cassis for color to insure firm
cubes. Using yor favorite heart-shaped cookie cutters, place
"hearts" of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or pepperjack
on appetizer platters, or to accent a meat dish, vegetables, or
whatever you choose. For a Valentine dipping bowl, cut a heart
shape around a squash stem and remove the contents. Fill with
your favorite dip and surround with your choice of dippers.
Heart-shaped cutters can be used to make sandwiches, cookies,
bread slices, and cucumber slices. Heart-shaped pancakes, and
heart-shaped cut outs on the crust of your favorite fruit pies
add delight when that special day rolls around.
If you don't have heart-shaped pans, fill paper or foil lined
muffin cups half full of batter. Tuck a 1/2" foil ball or marble
between the liner and the cup to form a heart shape. Bake your
cupcakes as usual.
When mealtime rolls around set your table with red, pink, and
while table covers and napkins. Tie red/white or red/pink yarn
around silverware held in colorful napkins. Place a candy kiss
or heart-saying candy on each plate or pass a bowl around and
let everyone pick a candy note. In paper-bag lunches, slip in a
message, or a special treat. Visit a special person and make
them feel loved and cared for.
However you celebrate Valentine's Day, don't let the feeling
pass with the day. Carry a pocket-full of "hearts" and share
them with everyone. ENJOY!