A Rose by Any Other Name

(Published on surfKY News on February 9, 2012)

We are coming upon the sweetest day of the year. There are many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with your special someone and if you try to be creative about it, you can find many things to do that will not break your bank account.

Consider getting all the ingredients to make a special dinner. Put on some music and enjoy preparing the meal together. If you do not enjoy cooking, order your favorite carry out, throw some pillows on the living room floor and enjoy your takeout while watching a romantic movie. If you are an artsy kind of person, you can make your own card or a book of vouchers to entitling your sweetheart to such things as a massage or a relaxing bubble bath.


If you are able to able to purchase gifts, there is nothing more special for a lady to receive than a gift of jewelry, chocolates or roses. These items do not have to be the most expensive on the shelf, they just have to be something special that says, “I love you.”

Recently, my friend's three year old daughter walked into my office carrying a bouquet of roses. She was so tiny and the bouquet was so big, she could barely carry them. The sweetest thing was when she said, “Aunt Leigh, I brought you fwowers.” Your sweetheart does not have to be a person of the opposite sex, it just has to be someone you care about.

Whether you enjoy giving or getting chocolates, flowers or a nice card, try to remember to tell those you love how much they mean to you, not just on Valentine's Day but every day. Life is short.
 

CHICKEN IN A ROSE PETAL SUACE

•1 lb chicken breast, boneless & skinless
•Petals from 2 roses-Make sure they have not been sprayed with chemicals
•1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
•1 clv garlic, crushed
•1/2 ounce almonds, slivered
•1 T honey

Crush the rose petals just sufficient to release their aroma and natural oils.
Saute/fry the breasts in half the butter on medium heat till golden brown, about 4-5 min on each side. Set aside. Saute/fry garlic in remaining butter for 1 minute. Add in the almonds and cook 2 additional min. Remove from heat. Gently stir in the rose petals and the honey. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve.
 

ROSEWATER CUPCAKES

•1 box of your favorite white cake mix (plus all required ingredients, as listed on box)
•1 tbsp. plus 1 teaspoon of rosewater
•½ cup solid vegetable shortening
•½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
•4 cups confectioners’ sugar
•2 tablespoons milk
•Optional: several drops of red food coloring

Mix cupcake batter according to box instructions, but add 1 tablespoon of rosewater to the liquid ingredients before combining with dry ingredients. Bake as directed, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely. In a large bowl, cream the shortening and butter with an electric mixer. Add the rosewater, and then gradually add the sugar. Use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, making sure all of the sugar is incorporated. Slowly add the milk and beat at medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, and slightly stiff. Once your cupcakes are completely cool, use a butter knife to spread frosting over the top.
 

ROSE-RED VELVET CAKE

•1 1/2 c. sugar
•1/2 c. shortening
•2 eggs
•2 c. sifted flour
•1/4 tsp. salt
•1 c. buttermilk
•1 tsp. cinnamon
•1 tsp. lemon extract
•1 tsp. vinegar
•1 tsp. soda
•1 (1 oz.) bottle red food coloring

Cream sugar, shortening and eggs. Sift flour, salt, mix with cream mixture. Alternate with buttermilk. Add cinnamon, lemon and orange extract. Also add vinegar and soda. Last add red food coloring. Grease and flour (2) 9 inch cake pans or (1) 13x9 inch cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden toothpick comes out clean.

NEXT WEEK— Random Acts Of Kindness
 
Remember......Life is short. Eat Dessert first!!