Sure, some have labeled Valentine’s Day a conspiracy by greeting card companies to get rich while lowering the self-esteem of single women everywhere. Or a way for candy companies to bridge the lull between the holidays and Easter.
But really, it’s a day to remember all the people in our lives whom we love, and who love us. And what better way to do that than with teddy-bear shaped Rice Krispies treats? Check out the recipes below to make your Valentine’s Day weekend extra sweet.
Breakfast
Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, so why not infuse your family brunch with a little festive flavor? All it takes is a little red food coloring and some imagination.
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Pretty in Pink Pancakes
Add a few drops of food coloring to pancake batter and try pouring them in a heart shape (good luck!). Swap out the usual maple syrup for whipped cream and red sprinkles. For an over-the-top touch, try adding freshly sliced strawberries.
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Positively Pink Milk
A few drops of red food coloring added to your kid’s milk glasses or the cream for your spouse’s coffee will tickle them all pink.
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Cheesy Valentine Bagel
Add a pink punch to ordinary cream cheese with a few drops of red food coloring and spread on your favorite bagel.
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A Valentine’s Day Toast
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut regular bread slices into heart shapes. Pop in the toaster and spread with raspberry jam or butter and red decorator’s sugar.
Dinner
Mamma (Mia!) Dearest
This one comes from reader Vicki Moeller: “We make the whole day red and have heart-shaped food. We do heart-shaped pancakes and then for dinner we make individual heart-shaped pizzas that the kids love to make by themselves.”
Spaghetti and Sweet-balls
OK, they’re really just meatballs. But when you’re forming your meatballs, give those cookie-cutters a try. Heart-shaped meatballs will take your spaghetti dinner from ho-hum to heart-ily delicious.
Oh-so-sweets
A Bear-y Happy Valentine’s Day
Put a holiday twist on the classic Rice Krispies treats with this recipe. For a healthier alternative, consider using rice cakes instead. Go to recipe>>
No-Bake Chubby Cherub Cake
Long on love but short on time? No worries. This recipe uses store-bought pound cake, some pink cherry icing and a few sprinkles and takes just minutes to put together. Go to recipe>>
