Be My Valentine

Valentine Day is fast approaching. Chocolates, flowers, and dinner out with your sweetheart are usual ways to tell someone special you care. I just mailed Happy Valentines Day presents to my growing and grown children in Norman and OKC. I can't make them heart shaped pancakes for breakfast anymore and home room parties with Red Velvet cupcakes are a distant memory. That doesn't mean our traditions can't be continued, they just have to be modified. My oldest will be making those heart shaped pancakes for her babies on Thursday and I'm sure granddaughterAnnebelle and I will whip something up that includes pink sugar, red hots and lots of icing.

Have you ever used a smaller holiday like Valentines as an opportunity to make memories with your family? Why not try it this year? Instead of a pop tart on Thursday, surprise your family with a yummy breakfast to go. Decorate the paper sack with goofy hearts and valentine wishes. Include valentine napkins and little boxes of Conversation Hearts. Hand it to your kids with a hug and a smile as they run out the door.

Need some Ideas for a Breakfast Brown Bag ?

*Link Sausage wrapped in Pancakes. Strawberries and bananas in a throwaway container. A pint of milk or a juice box.
*A Bacon Sandwich on whole wheat toast with a fried egg and cheese. (The pre-cooked Bacon is great if you are in a hurry) Add Cantalope chunks and a favorite yogurt
*A Scrambled Egg Burrito with ham and peppers. Toaster hash browns and a sliced apple.
*If time is a consideration, make muffins or a favorite fruit bread ahead (or buy them!) and heat to go. Include orange wedges and a couple of slices of turkey bacon.

Should breakfast be out of the question, how about a Valentine Dinner? The dollar stores have those "old school" cupids and hearts that pull out and also sell Valentine balloons to tie on all the chairs. Unfold that old lace tablecloth and put those roses your husband sent you (sic) into Great Grammy's crystal vase. Candles? Of course. Syrupy greeting cards at each place? Definitely!

Include at each place a small present if you like. Maybe a gift card to a favorite store or restaurant. How about Boxers for the Boys with a Valentine theme. A "better brand" nail polish or lipstick you know your daughter would love is always a treat. Try small boxes of chocolates for each child with a sentimental and funny "Why We Love You" list from you and your husband. Dinner of course should be a family favorite with something decadent and delicious for dessert. Spaghetti and Caesar Salad. Beef Burgundy over noodles with green beans and almonds. Pork Tenderloin with rice pilaf and broiled tomatoes. Dessert? Something chocolate of course!!!

Note: The only prerequisite to the above is a Special Night out for you with your sweetheart. It's only fair!

Here's an old standby that seems fancy but is so easy!!
Chicken Breasts in Sour Cream Sauce
8 slices dried beef (in a jar)
8 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
4 slices bacon-cut in half
1 cup sour cream
one can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups sliced, fresh mushrooms

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Lay one piece of dried beef on each chicken breast and wrap with a slice of bacon. Place in a greased 13 x 9 casserole dish, seam side down. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken breasts. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Serve with rice.

Brownie Sundaes

Make one pan brownies (Or buy already prepared)
Good vanilla, coffee or peppermint ice cream
Smuckers Hot Fudge topping or make your own
chopped pecans
Whipped cream or whipped topping
Using any pretty dishes, compotes or dessert plates, layer brownie, ice cream and heated hot fudge sauce. Top with whipped cream and nuts.

Whatever you do will be perfect for your family. Just do something that reminds your kids you love them most of all.

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FYI : Muskogee Youth Coaltition and Office of Juvenile Affairs are presenting a workshop entitled MYSPACE AND THE INTERNET - What parents, teachers and Youth serving workers need to know to stay ahead of their children. It will be held on Tuesday, February 19th from 11:00-1:00 at the Rougher Room, DHS 727 S 32nd Street More information? call Walt Davis at 682-4204 or OJA 683-9160