Kids Sweet Treat Table
Surprise your children for Valentine’s Day with a sweet treat table. Keep it simple with a few favorite snacks and candies, or use fresh flowers for a more extravagant display and create a handmade centerpiece. To achieve this look, start by placing the largest greenery on the bottom layer in a circle around the table. Next layer varying types of greenery on top of the first layer in shorter widths to achieve the final look. Next add mini cupcakes, chocolate-dipped Oreos and Valentine's Day cookies on cake stands or plates for an inviting table of sweets.
For a cute activity to do with your kids, try Mason baker, Stephanie Amlung’s recipe for easy Frosted Circus Animal Cookies. Ideal for family fun or reliving memories, this nostalgic recipe and video tutorial is perfect for all skill levels. CETConnect.org/BakingJournal
Valentine’s Tree Centerpiece
To create an easy and eye-catching centerpiece, collect fallen branches and paint them white. We repurposed a white ceramic jar as a base to assemble the branches. Use floral foam or clear tape crisscrossed to stabilize the branches and place moss at the top of the jar. Create heart-shaped ornaments or heart garlands for your tree using our tips below or make your own designs to adorn your tree. You can reuse this homemade tree for any occasion by hanging different decorations from the branches.
Valentine’s Day Tree Decorations
Create heart ornaments to hang on your Valentine's tree centerpiece. These ornaments can be used as clue cards for a kid's Valentine's Day scavenger hunt. Instruct children to find their picture on the ornaments and hunt for the hidden treasure written on the back. We used recycled shipping boxes to create the heart base and painted them red. We then used a hole punch to create a lace-like edge. You can also make a festive garland by gluing felt hearts in pink and red to rustic twine and stringing it around your tree.
Romantic Dinner for Two: The Adult Table
For this look, we set the table in a nontraditional, comfortable setting—the coffee table in the living room. Layer pillows and cozy blankets on the ground for cozy seating. We used two layers of fabric for the runner and added a handmade floral arrangement as the centerpiece. To achieve this look, use a two-tier serving tray and layer flowers and stems to adorn it. Add grapes or berries to give a fuller, textured look. For a romantic ambiance, add taper candles, a bottle of wine and jazz playing in the background.
For a no hassle dinner, serve your favorite takeout meal in the comfort of your own home. Or if you love to cook together, Chef Jasper Mirabile Jr. provides his go-to pasta recipe perfect for a Valentine's Day in.
Capelli d’Angelo alla Nanni
Ingredients
8 oz. Barilla Capellini
2 tsp. salted butter
4 oz. prosciutto ham
4 mushrooms, sliced thin
12 oz. of your favorite marinara sauce
4 oz. heavy cream
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, or more for extra spice
4 oz. Romano cheese
Directions
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Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Cooking al dente keeps pasta from getting soggy or soaking up all of the sauce.
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Melt 2 tsp. butter in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto and let it crisp, then add sliced mushrooms. Saute for 2 minutes.
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Stir in marinara sauce, heavy cream, red pepper flakes and Romano cheese. Bring to a light boil. Add cooked pasta and toss. Serve immediately.
Mini Chocolate Cake for Two
Visit Stephanie Amlung over at The Baking Journal to learn how to create the perfect romantic dessert for Valentine’s Day with her Mini Chocolate Cake recipe for two. Watch her easy-to-follow tutorial video to guide you through the steps to make a moist and decadent chocolate cake. It’s sure to be a delicious and memorable part of your Valentine’s Day celebration. CETConnect.org/TheBakingJournal
Surprise your children for Valentine’s Day with a sweet treat table. Keep it simple with a few favorite snacks and candies, or use fresh flowers for a more extravagant display and create a handmade centerpiece.