Holiday-Valentines Day

Valentines Day:

Breakfast in bed, Panda Express and a movie night

A playlist of classic old songs, served chocolate and strawberries and had some fun conversation starters.

Decorating heart cookies!

Sugar Cookie Recipe

3 C all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 C butter, softened

1 C granulated sugar

1 egg

2 tsp vanilla

• 
  
• Directions:

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.  Beat in egg and vanilla.  Stir in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Roll dough out and cut into heart shapes for Valentine's Day,  or for Christmas cookies, roll into a pencil shape and cross at the top to make a wreath.  cut pieces of red and green gumdrop to make holly berries and leaf design.  Place cookies 1 inch apart on cookie sheet.

Bake 8 minutes in a preheated oven. Let the cookies sit for a few minutes before removing to cool.

THE BEST SUGAR COOKIE FROSTING

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 sticks (8 ounces) salted butter, at room temperature 
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature
• 5-6 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon pure almond extract
• Food coloring, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Using a stand or electric hand mixer, beat butter and cream cheese, if using, until creamy.

2. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix well. Add a little of the half-and-half or cream alternating with the remaining powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached. You may not need all of the liquid. Add the extracts and continue beating for 2-3 minutes on medium high speed. The frosting should be lighter, a bit fluffier, and really creamy. Don’t over-beat or the frosting may separate.

3. If not using frosting immediately, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lightly damp dishtowel to prevent the frosting from drying out on the surface. Refrigerate or place in a cool spot until ready to use. Give the frosting a quick stir before using.

4. To decorate, divide the frosting into smaller bowls, if desired, and tint with gel food colors. Pipe or spread onto the cooled cookies and decorate as desired.

Greek Yogurt Blueberry Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/4 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, if using frozen, do not thaw first

Fresh Blueberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, if using frozen, do not thaw first
• 1/3 cup orange juice, divided
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Greek Yogurt Blueberry Waffles:
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder salt. and sugar; set aside. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt, eggs, and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in blueberries.
3. Using a 3/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter, and pour onto a preheated waffle iron. Cook until waffle is browned and crispy on the outside, about 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.
4. Meanwhile, make your fresh blueberry sauce.
5. Fresh Blueberry Sauce:
6. In a small saucepan, placed over medium-heat, add the blueberries, 3 tablespoons of the orange juice and all of the maple syrup. Bring to a boil. In a small bowl combine cornstarch and remaining orange juice and whisk until smooth; gradually stir into berry mixture. Bring back to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, or until thickened. Serve warm with waffles.

Valentines Day is a chance to express love to spouse, family and friends!