There’s not a more delicious way to say “Be My Valentine” than with treats from the kitchen. Sweets for the sweet, a candlelight dinner for two, breakfast in bed – it doesn’t matter how you express your love this Valentine’s Day, just as long as you do it. As the most romantic of all celebrations arrives, take time to lavish your loved one with the things that mean a lot. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference.

Spend time reflecting on the good times. Try re-enacting your first date, renewing your wedding vows, etc. Play a little “romantic trivia” by creating a game based on questions about your relationship: Where was our first kiss? Where did we go on our first date? What kind of car did I own when we first met?  Give rewards for the right answers and lovingly accept the wrong ones.

If all else fails, or even before it has a chance to, you may want to head to the kitchen and stir up a little something sweet for your loved one.

These recipes are sure to get to the heart of the matter!

Simple Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Fresh strawberries
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Crisco shortening

Ahead of time, rinse (and let air dry) fresh strawberries with stems intact. For each batch, melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon Crisco over double boiler, stirring constantly. Dip strawberry halfway in chocolate and place on waxed paper until set. Best if served the same day.
(White chocolate works great, too.)

Sweetheart Shakes
3 cups milk, divided
1 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
1 (3½ oz.) package vanilla instant pudding mix, divided
1 cup strawberry ice cream, softened
3 drops red food coloring

Pour 1½ cups milk into a blender; add in vanilla ice cream and 1/3 of the pudding mix.
Cover and blend on high until smooth (about 15 seconds). Pour mixture into four 8-oz. freezer-safe glasses; freeze for 30 minutes. Pour remaining ingredients into blender; cover and blend until smooth (about 15 seconds).
Pour into glasses on top of vanilla portion and serve.

Strawberry Yogurt Cake
1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix with pudding
1 8-oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 cartons (6 oz. each) strawberry yogurt

Bake cake in pan as directed on package. (9 x 13-inch cake pan suggested over layers.) Cool completely. Mix whipped topping and yogurt; spread over cake. Refrigerate until serving time. Garnish with strawberries if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Valentine Pancakes
Heart-shaped pancakes are the perfect treat for your Valentines. Simply mix pancake batter as usual and make a few large, skillet-sized pancakes. Then cut out heart shapes with a cookie cutter, stack, and serve! (Try strawberry syrup or red jam/jelly, warmed to thinned stage.)

Strawberry Dumplings
4 eggs
4 Tbsp. melted butter
4 tsp. baking powder
4 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
12 Tbsp. flour
Combine above to make stiff batter to hold shape.
4 cups strawberries
2 cups sugar

Mash berries with sugar. Bring to boil in a large pot with a tight lid. Drop dumplings into hot liquid; reduce heat and simmer covered, for 15 minutes. Don’t peek! Remove dumplings carefully to dessert dishes and spoon berries over top. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream