A Time for Love
Write Love Letters ~ Not just romantic letters, although that might be appropriate, but letters telling special people in your life how much you love them, what you love and appreciate about them, and specific ways that they have been a blessing to you.
Instead of the hassle and expense of dining out on Valentine’s Day, have a special dinner at home. Use lots of candles and plan a unique menu~ Here are some items you might want to consider: hors d’oeuvres, sparkling grape juice, shish-ka-bobs, crepes, or fondue. (See the end of this page for two fondue recipes.)
Organize a party or family night to assemble care packages to send to college students, men/women in the military, or missionaries from your family, church, or neighborhood. You can bake goodies and/or make Valentines to include in the packages.
Instead of buying flowers, visit a conservatory. In Chicago, we’re blessed to have two, both beautiful, FREE, and as a bonus, warm in the winter. They’re also a great place to take pictures of yourselves, your children, etc.
Celebrate for a Day: Early in our marriage, Jack established “Love Days”. He planned special surprises for the whole day. There were notes & cards, as well as small gifts (often handmade). He made my favorite snacks and meals and did thoughtful things such as fixing a long-broken item or washing my bike. You can plan a Love Day for a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or friend.
Celebrate for a Week: Make a list of seven people you love and want to encourage~ Next to each name, write down something you would like to tell that person or do for them. Starting on Valentine’s Day, work though the list a day at a time with phone calls, e-mail or snail mails, notes/cards, and actions.
Valentine’s Day is for families too!
A few ideas in this article:
http://chronicle.augusta.com/life/people/2013-02-07/valentines-day-traditions-build-family-closeness
Fondue Recipes
Cheddar-Cheese Fondue from the Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cook Book
2 cups half-and-half
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 garlic clove, halved
1 1/2 lbs. mild or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 6 cups)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
salt
chunks of crusty French bread
apple slices cut with apple corer
chunks of ham
1. In fondue pot or saucepan over low heat, beat half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic, stirring, until hot but not boiling. Discard garlic.
2. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, toss cheddar cheese with flour until well mixed.
3. Gradually stir the cheese into the hot mixture with a fork or wire whisk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and bubbling. Add salt to taste. (If made in saucepan, pour into fondue pot for serving. Keep hot over low heat on fondue stand.)
4. Chunks of bread, fruit, and meat can be speared with wooden skewers and dipped into the fondue or you may spoon some of the fondue onto each person’s plate.
Ingredients for Chocolate Fondue
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, grated
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated
1/4 cup heavy cream