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!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 January