Tag Archives: Valentines Day

Healthy and Easy Desserts for Valentine’s Day

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Image courtesy of KraftHeinz, where their variation makes a layer of
sugar-free lemon/strawberry middle.

Some people believe: If it’s a special occasion, don’t worry about the nutritional value of a dessert. But that kind of thinking doesn’t help anyone that is diabetic, or on a weight-loss journey. Maybe your loved one is just trying to eat healthier.

Eating healthier means something different, for everyone. As always, respect the dietary restrictions of your loved ones, and they’ll be a lot happier.

Below are recipes that come straight from my own creative kitchen, or one used within my family, for generations. They are all very easy, contain 6 or less ingredients, and are almost foolproof. Plus: A bottom link was added to an amazing strawberry heart idea, I must try sometime. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, and It’s quite ingenious.

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Last Minute Valentine Gifts to Make

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It’s just a few days away – the day we honor our loved ones. For some it may be a friend, for others it may be a spouse or child. Yet, the one common thread to Valentine’s Day is the celebration of love.

With the clock ticking, your anxiety of what to give may rise.The key to giving isn’t in how much you spend, but in the effort/love involved. Hopefully, you’ll find something in these DIY projects that will get your creative juices flowing.

Let your personality shine through by painting or decorating this easy belt holder. Image and directions: http://www.the36thavenue.com/20-handmade-gift-tutorials-just-for-him/
What kid doesn’t love a fort? Directions can be found at meaningfulmama.com
Dads and grandpas seem to love toothpicks. Why not make some in their favorite flavor? http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/12/11/25-diy-gifts-for-men-updated-for-2014/
Let your knight in shining armor really shine in this crochet hat at http://crochetjewel.com/?p=6930
Print, cut, and staple these love coupons together with a nice cover. Tutorial at: http://wondermomwannabe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Love-Coupons.pdf
Beautiful and useful, these pin cushions will be loved by needle crafters. http://blog.betzwhite.com/2007/05/bloomin-pincushions.html#.VNunEy6gRYY
Kids will love these extra coupon perks. Free printables at: http://boutiquebydesign.com/love-coupons-for-kids-free-printable-from-boutique-by-design/
Homemade bath bombs soothe tired feet and soften skin. Tutorial at: http://www.kidspot.com.au/MySpot-home-Homemade-bath-bomb-recipe+3195+173+article.htm
Friends will appreciate these thoughtful gifts. Image pinned from Something Turquoise,
Who can resist fudge? Tipnut has a plethora of recipes at: http://tipnut.com/homemade-fudge/
Add a frame to your keepsake and it’s almost a guarantee your loved one’s heart will melt. Image from thesuedesofa.com
Some hearts are won by both flowers and cash. This artful tutorial is at: http://origami.lovetoknow.com/origami-gifts-decorations/money-origami-rose with the image from jewerlydeals.gr8.com.

Part 2 of Edible Valentine Gifts: Hot and Spicy Addicts

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Everyone has a weakness. For some, hot and spicy foods gives them a real rise. If your loved ones really enjoy hot and spicy treats, continue to read.

Add a few valentine stickers and a bow and your Valentine gift is ready. Photo courtesy of FlickrCC 10774420@N00/4188529390

Add a few heart stickers and a bow and your Valentine gift is ready. Photo courtesy of FlickrCC 10774420@N00/4188529390

Cranberry Salsa

1 Bag of Fresh Cranberries

2/3 C. (or more depending on taste) Sugar

1-2 Tbsp. Mint leaves

6-8 Tbsp. Lime Juice

¼ Tsp. Ground Ginger

Approx. ¼ Cup of Sliced Canned or Jar Jalapenos or 1/3 Cup Fresh with Seed Removed

1)      Chop cranberries in processor to your preferred texture (I prefer chunky, but have made it smoother).  Add the rest of the ingredients.

For Gifting:  Place in a jar, decorate it with heart stickers and/or ribbons.

Heart Shaped Tortilla Chips Continue reading →

Edible Valentine Gifts – A Three Part Series

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It’s only the first week of January and I’m already looking ahead to the next holiday – Valentine’s Day. I usually make tasty treats to give out, especially since my bank account has been drained with the past Christmas shopping spree. Yet, for all the people on my love list, I still give them individualized attention to what their tastes are.

This will be 3-part post series in these food categories: Sugar Addicts, Hot and Spicy Addicts, and Drinker’s Delights.

For The Sugar Addicts:

Cookies on a Stick

If time is a factor, I’d suggest buying the packaged sugar cookie mix. Otherwise, The Decorated Cookie has a sugar cookie recipe with many other clever cookie ideas.

Image courtesy of FlickrCC 61365821-at-n07-6872600665.jpg

Image courtesy of FlickrCC 61365821-at-n07-6872600665.jpg

After cookies are cooled and decorated, get a Valentine coffee mug (a Dollar Store buy) and fill it half way with Styrofoam. Push your cookie sticks into the foam, add some confetti or gift bag filler to cover the foam.Tuck in any loose pieces or use a mini hot glue gun to secure small pieces. Optional: add ribbon to the handle or on the sticks themselves.

Homemade Peanut Butter Balls: If your valentine really digs peanut butter cups, this is the recipe for you. Since they are so tasty, I use them for Halloween(as eyeballs) and Christmas too. You’ll find the recipe in my post An Eye For All Seasons.

Copy Kat Mounds Candy Continue reading →