Valentine’s Day is upon us once again, friends! Although you might be one of those people that absolutely hates the idea of a Hallmark-inspired holiday used to raise rose & chocolate prices, how can you deny a reason to be romantic and thoughtful?? :) Yes yes, of course you shouldn’t have to buy expensive gifts and create elaborate surprises – I totally agree. However, instead of thinking how annoying it is to see people being pressured into the expensive holiday, why not change the way you look at it (you’re welcome, Daddy :)) and see it as a holiday where you just get to show your loved ones you love them? And “loved ones” umbrellas over numerous types of people. For example, my nieces and nephews are my loved ones. Mom and Dad are my loved ones. Nana & Gramps, my siblings and in-laws, cousins, friends, kindred spirits, etc. are all my loved ones. And of course, Paul and Rusty rank pretty high on that list. :) So Valentine’s Day just means I  get to (notice I don’t say have to) shower them with lots of love and it also means I have a day to look forward to in the middle of dreary, frigidly cold, February. ‘Tis a necessity in Minnesota.

There’s so many things you can do instead of just buying roses and chocolates! Last year my parents decided to have a Valentine’s Day party and it was a total success. The little boys made everyone Valentines, us adults created a beautiful red, pink, and white food spread and everything was delicious and extra sweet. We all wore reds and pinks and we celebrated just like any other holiday. Dad even taught me how to make homemade heart-shaped pizza dough – a little extra to add to the festivities. And thanks to Pinterest, the possibilities with recipes and decor are literally endless. My favorite is the chocolate-covered strawberries. So simple and amazingly deliiiiiiicious.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Ingredients:

• strawberries
• 1-2 cups of chocolate chips (I use Ghiradelli semi-sweet – they’re my favorite)
• wax paper

1. Wash strawberries then dry them.

2. In a pot on low, melt chocolate chips on the stove, stirring often (we don’t have a microwave but I’m sure you can melt them in a microwave).

3. Dip strawberries in chocolate (typically up to the leaf) and then place directly on wax paper.

4. Let them dry and then keep in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.

5. If you want, add red, pink, or white sprinkles while the chocolate is still melted on the strawberries, or you can drizzle white chocolate to make pretty designs! This year I might add some white chocolate for fun – worst case scenario, they look ugly and still taste good. Pair with a rose tea…oh la la. :)

Happy Valentine’s Day weekend to you, friends!! I hope you enjoy it and I hope you feel extra loved (as you always should :)). xoxoxo