“Love is in the air, everywhere I look around … love is in the air, every sight and every sound...” if you are thinking that sounds familiar, it’s a John Paul Young song from 1978.
You’re singing it now, aren’t you?
That’s the first love song that popped into my head as I sat down to write today’s column.
“You can always gain by giving love.” – Reese Witherspoon
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. What sweet treats are you planning on making? Perhaps you have a tradition or a favourite go-to recipe? If you’re looking for something unique, you’re reading the right column.
You could stick to the standards like chocolate covered strawberries, Valentine’s Day themed cupcakes, heart shaped pancakes, heart shaped pizza, truffles, valentine trifle or a box of chocolates. Why stick to the same ol’ same ol’? How about spicing things up and by thinking outside the love box and trying something new this year?
I’m going to tell you about a really sweet recipe that I found online for love notes. Not your typical love notes. However, I do love the old-fashioned idea of writing love notes — imagine, it’s old-fashioned! In today’s digital world we’re calling cursive writing old-fashioned.
Every now and again, I put little love notes in my husband’s lunch bag for a little surprise to brighten his day. Sometimes it’s simple like, “Have a nice day!”
I can’t lie, it makes me feel all cozy inside too, knowing that I put a smile on his face. Well, I hope it does. Either that or he just says, “Oh Erin” and rolls his eyes or shakes his head. OK, OK TMI (too much information), sorry. Let’s face it, it’s always the little unexpected things that are the best. Well, in my opinion anyway.
What’s different about these love notes is that they’re edible. In short, a delicious pasty filled with your most favourite jam. I’m using raspberry, mainly because that’s what I have in the fridge but it lends well to the Valentine’s Day red theme.
“We loved with a love that was more than love.” – Edgar Allan Poe
Can you believe it? This recipe calls for two ingredients, pie crust and jam. Well, there’s some side stuff like egg wash and sugar for sprinkling – but that’s it. In today’s world, which is filled with expensive commercialism tied to Valentine’s Day, this is a welcomed idea.
If you feel adventurous, you can add to the jam contents. I have a feeling that cream cheese would be an extremely tasty addition. I’m totally going to give that a try on my next batch.
Tip: Don’t overfill the inside with jam or other ingredients as it will seep while baking. You can make your own pastry crust if you want, but, I’m totally going down easy street with Pillsbury pie crust. In the recipe reviews, someone suggested using wonton wrappers. Some food for thought for sure.
Tools: You’ll require a small heart shaped cookie cutter. If you don’t have one on hand, don’t panic and don’t feel the need to spend all sorts of time trying to hunt one down. Why? Put your heart drawing skills to the test using a knife. They don’t have to be perfect, they just have to look like a cute heart. Having difference sizes makes each one unique.
“Single? Taken? Who cares, I’m awesome!” - Unknown
If you’re interested in making homemade love notes for your sweetie, or for yourself — because honestly, is there a rule that says you’re not allowed to treat yourself on Valentine’s Day? No, I didn’t think so. Use this day for a little “me” time.
To find this recipe, search for “Strawberry Love Notes” on www.delish.com or search Pinterest. They’re absolutely adorable and definitely fit to eat. No matter how you decide to spend Valentine’s Day, I just hope it involves good food that satisfies your taste buds and tummy.
Happy Valentine’s Day foodie friends.
Erin Sulley is a self-confessed foodie who lives in Mount Pearl. Email [email protected]: @ErinSulley Instagram: @erinsulley
