Happy Valentine's Day to You and Yours!!

(Published on iSurf News on February 10, 2011)

Whether you are giving flowers, candy or perfume to your loved one, or maybe a more practical gift, such as a book they have been wanting or some kind of collectible for their collection, make sure that you are getting them something they really want. And never, I mean never, believe it when she says, “Oh, Honey, you don't have to get me anything for Valentine's Day.” Guys, if you hear that, you better try even harder to find the perfect gift.

Since many people tend to procrastinate when it comes to Valentine's Day, I have a few quick and easy recipes that can be prepared at the last minute.

Stuffed Strawberries 

12 large strawberries

3/4 c milk chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet)

3 oz cream cheese

2 Tbsp honey

1/4 tsp almond extract

*chopped almonds or nuts-optional 

 

Halve strawberries lengthwise: core out the center but leave the stem on. Dry on paper towels. Melt chocolate in microwave bowl until melted, stirring regularly. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Hold strawberry by the stem and dip in the chocolate, covering half of the strawberry. Place on the wax paper lined sheet. Beat together cream cheese, honey, and almond extract. Spoon into a pastry bag. Pipe into strawberries. Sprinkle the nuts on top (optional)

Raspberry & Creme Cheese Stuffed French Toast

1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese softened

12 (3/4 inch thick) slices day old brioche challah or hawaiian bread

1 c fresh raspberries *

3 eggs (beaten)

3/4 c half-and-half, light cream, or milk

3 Tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 dash(es) of salt

pure maple syrup 

 

Spread cream cheese evenly over one side of each slice of bread. Top half of slices of the slices with raspberries. Top with remaining bread slices - cream cheese sides down - to make "sandwiches". Combine beaten eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, and salt in shallow bowl. Dip each sandwich in egg mixture, turning carefully to coat both sides,. Place sandwiches in greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake in 425 degree oven 15 minutes or until golden brown, turning once after 10 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup if desired.

*NOTE: If desired, you can substitute frozen raspberries. Thaw and drain; reserve juice for another use.

Peach Ambrosia

2 cups fresh, ripe, but firm peach slices

1 medium banana, sliced

½ c red seedless grapes, optional

1 T lemon juice

2 T sugar

½ cup flaked coconut

Combine peaches, banana, grapes, lemon juice and sugar. Chill for about 1 hour.

Add coconut just before serving. Spoon into dessert glasses/dishes.

I leave you with a Valentine's Day Culinary Joke--

What did the French chef give his wife for Valentine's Day?

A hug and a quiche!

NEXT WEEK—Chilly Weather Chili Recipes

Remember......Life is short. Eat Dessert first!!