Valentine’s Day evokes many different feelings among different people.

Those of us in a romantic relationship enjoy the giving and receiving of special gifts to celebrate our love.

Those not in a romantic relationship may dislike Feb. 14th and feel lonely and left out.  I know I did as a young girl when I didn’t have a boyfriend….My dad always brought home a small red heart shaped box of chocolates for each of my sisters and me.

“The day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers  expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards.” according to Wikipedia.

I am a flower lover and enjoy gardening, painting florals and tablescapes on canvas, and love to have fresh flowers throughout the house.

Flowers and romance seem to go together.

Many flower quotes by William Shakespeare appear throughout his works.

“What’s in a name? that which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.”

spoken by Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet” (2.2.45-7)

Cards are another way to show love or friendship at Valentine’s Day.  Every child remembers taking Valentine cards to school to place in brightly decorated Valentine bags.  (My favorite ones always had a candy heart affixed to the Valentine.)

My favorite Valentine treat????? Chocolate covered strawberries.  These are from Shari’s Berries ordered online.

“We pack each berry by hand in protective packaging, complete with ice packs, to keep the fruit sweet and cool. Then we ship your gift express, so it spends less time on a truck, and more time on their table. Once the berries arrive, they stay fresh for 48 hours in the refrigerator.”

Locally you can pick up a dozen for your sweetheart from Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

If you really want to have a fun evening with friends, host a Valentine’s Day fondue party and make your own chocolate covered strawberries.

Chocolate Fondue

Serving Size: 6

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Strawberries, pound cake and any other fruit

Instructions

1. Place water in fondue pot, 1/3 full.
2. Place the porcelain bowl into the fondue pot and heat on the stove.
3. Place the heavy cream in the bowl and heat gently.
4. When the cream starts to bubble around the edges, turn off the heat and whisk in the chocolate.
5. When the chocolate has melted add the vanilla and stir to mix.
6. Place the fondue pot on the table and keep warm over the burner.
7. Serve with strawberries, cake and other fruit.

By KathyMillerTime
Adapted from The Fondue Cookbook

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

 As long as you are having a fondue party, try this traditional cheese fondue.

Traditional Cheese Fondue

Serving Size: 6

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 garlic clove, halved
• 1 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 12 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces Emmentaler cheese, shredded
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• Crusty bread cubes for dipping

Instructions

1. Toss the shredded cheeses in a large bowl with the cornstarch and dry mustard.
2. Rub the bottom and sides of fondue pot with cut side of garlic halves.
3. Add the wine and heat to a strong simmer. Lower heat to medium.
4. Add cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
5. Stir until each handful melts before adding another handful. The mixture will slowly thicken.
6. When all the cheese has melted, place the fondue pot onto stand and light the fuel can.

By KathyMillerTime

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

 February is a good month for Valentines and Fondue Parties.

Come celebrate with me.  I’ll save you a seat at the table.