Cooking Up Some Love

As we approach this season of love and giving, there is always a focus on the quantity and tangibility of the gifts we give. Rather than focusing on the money you spend on flowers, chocolates, or other basic Valentine’s gifts, find something of sentimental value; your partner, friend, or family member will cherish this far more than a fancy box of chocolates you spent way too much money on. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a significant other, family members, or any other type of loved one in your life, find ways to cater specifically to them.

Hopefully, you know the person you’re spending this holiday with well enough to know their top love languages. And if you do, there’s so many ways you can correlate them to something as simple and easy as a homecooked meal or a night at a fancy restaurant you haven’t been able to try yet. Regardless of how you choose to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one, keep their love languages in mind as you prepare a day full of fun, joy, and love.

Acts of Service

One of the easiest ways to infuse acts of service into your Valentine’s season is to cook a nice meal. You can dust off an old family recipe, find an easy dinner plan on the Internet, or even freestyle a recipe of your own. And make sure that while you’re cooking, they’re being taken care of; don’t let them help in the kitchen, but instead pour them a glass of wine or a fun little mocktail while you serenade them from the kitchen. 

Quality Time

While it’s always great to prepare a meal for your loved one, if they’re seeking quality time this Valentine’s Day, it may be more beneficial to take the night out and focus on each other. Take your significant other out on the town for a romantic dinner where you can both cherish and celebrate one another while still being able to enjoy a wonderful meal.

Receiving Gifts

A way to incorporate the idea of gifts this season without breaking the bank is to focus on gifting experiences. Talk to their parents or relatives and find an old family dessert or dish that hasn’t been cooked in years and watch their face light up when they come home to see it in the kitchen. Or gift them with a simple night out, hitting all their favorite local dessert spots along the way, ending the night with the gift of each other’s presence. 

Physical Touch

There are many ways to incorporate physical touch into this special day with your significant other, but one of the best and most simple ways to do this is to work together on an evening meal. Prepare your dinner and dessert together, taking breaks throughout the cooking process to dance to your favorite tunes or simply bask in each other’s presence.

Words of Affirmation

Whether you’re going out or staying in, be sure to express your love and affection for your loved one this holiday through words of affirmation. If they choose to cook a meal for you, let them know how great their cooking is—even if it’s not the best. Compliment them during a night out for dinner, or just express how much you love and value them throughout the day. Words of affirmation can make your significant other feel extra special on Valentine’s Day regardless of what plans you have in mind.

The biggest takeaway for this season is to spend time with those you love and take the time to cater to them specifically. Keep their top love languages in mind as you plan your special day, but most importantly, be sure to focus on one another and cherish every moment together.

Ingredients:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup peanut butter

9 cups crispy rice cereal squares

1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar

Frosted Animal Cookies

Seasonal candies (M&M’s work well)

Pretzel Twists

Directions:

1. Melt chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Stir in peanut butter and mix until smooth.

2. Remove from heat and add cereal. Stir until coated.

3. Pour powdered sugar into large sealable plastic bag. Add cereal and shake until well coated.  Now, add in your cookies and pretzel mix.  

4. Place in on a tray to solidly and add your red, pink and white M&M’s

5 Store in an airtight container. It’s ready to enjoy!