Valentine’s Day Recipes
No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
Capture the flavors of the season with these no-bake, satisfying bites that come together quickly and offer an option with no added sugars or syrups. Filling protein and fiber. Satiating fats. Warm spices. And pumpkin! These bite-size gems are packed with staying power and seasonal flavor, and a big batch comes together easily thanks…
Flourless Black Bean Brownies
Decadent, fudgy brownies score big points in flavor and texture while delivering a filling dose of fiber and protein. A total dessert win! “I love these brownies because you think they are going to be gross, but they are delicious and nutritious.” Those words, from “Chef E.” age 9, sum up these brownies perfectly. Let’s…
Crunchy Top Strawberry Baked Oatmeal
Red, ripe strawberries highlight this seasonal favorite, which offers make-ahead convenience and countless ways to customize. In a pinch, frozen berries may be used. I clearly remember the first time I served this seasonal addition of my original baked oatmeal recipe. My younger son, who was a rather picky fourth grader at the time, asked…
Grapefruit Gimlet
A delightful balance of sweet and tart, this eye-catching twist on the classic cocktail requires just three simple ingredients. The refreshing drink is also easy to customize with other liquors and flavors, and I’ve included a few of my favorites. Most winters around this time, I begin looking forward to an annual trip to…
Valentine’s Day Tic Tac Toe
A little ingenuity is all that’s needed to make Valentine’s Day feel extra special 💘 Who said you shouldn’t play with your food? This recipe is fun to make, play with, and eat－especially with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day! For year-round appeal, the colors of this festive project can be…
Pomegranate Martini (with sparkler and mocktail variations)
Fruity yet not overly sweet, this martini is delightfully crisp and refreshing—and not too potent! And ever wonder how to make crushed ice, or better yet, “soft” ice? I’ve included the easy how-to! mar·ti·ni (märˈtēnē): a cocktail made from gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.…
Cinnamon Toast
Spiced, sweet, crunchy toast is comfort food at its best－and so simple. The trick is to combine the perfectly balanced sugar mixture in advance to warm hearts and stomachs at a moment’s notice. ❤️ Sugar and spice and everything nice. Waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon toast takes me right…
Homemade Lip Balm (Happy Chappy)
For its creamy texture and ability to effectively coat chapped lips, this homemade balm has long been my favorite chapstick. It makes a fun project and a great gift, too. Several years ago, the younger daughter of a good friend decided she wanted to start a business. Libby was 16 at the time and…
Overnight Sticky Buns
A clever shortcut and prep-ahead convenience make these tried-and-true sticky buns as easy as they are delicious. The recipe has long been a family and reader favorite on holidays and special occasions. As an added bonus, the aroma wafting from your kitchen will remind you of the corner bakery! The anticipation of waking up to…
Pan Seared Lamb Chops (with optional bonus sauce)
Juicy, mouthwatering, pan-seared lamb chops are restaurant quality but couldn’t be easier to prepare at home. Minimal ingredients and a hot skillet are all that’s required. As an added perk, the recipe can easily be prepared for one or two diners, or for a larger family. Most holidays, our whole family is together and we…
Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re not careful, these magical bites will disappear from the baking sheet before they make it to the table! Who knew we had to guard our vegetables? I remember the first time my older son ate a Brussels sprout. A toddler at the time, he popped one into his mouth, and the edges…
Homemade Limoncello
Bring the Amalfi Coast to you with this easy-to-make Italian liqueur. The lightly sweet, lemony flavor is perfect as a mixer or an after-dinner drink and makes a festive holiday or hostess gift. 🍋 My mother-in-law introduced me to this light-tasting, lemony Italian liqueur several years ago after she and my father-in-law traveled to the…
