Valentine's day activities and treats

    

     February 14th is either a day you look forward to in excitement or just another day to you. If you are one of the people who look forward to it in excitement and are looking for some fun, festive ideas, I've found some for you! If you are of the latter group of people, well, this won't be your favorite post. You might find some yummy treats to make anyways!
     You might have a child in school or maybe you just want to take some treats in to your coworkers. Chocolate covered strawberries are always a big hit, but can get expensive and overplayed. Another fun idea is ice cream cone cupcakes with some festive icing. It's easy and fairly mess free when eating. They even have new trays you can put them in now for easier transport! (Which would have been nice when I was a kid getting them to school for birthday celebrations!). Allrecipes.com also has a fun section for Vday treats.
     For children at home, I've seen a lot of buzz about holidays sensory baths or sinks. Children love to play in water, so adding fun red and pink objects, hearts, glitter, cups, etc. to their bath or in the sink to play with is like a taste of heaven. Abcteach.com has printable worksheets, games, and puzzles that could be fun inside children's Vday cards or even fun to pass out in the office.  Just go to the site and click on directory and then holidays/seasonal. www.notimeforflashcards.com has a couple fun, natural activities which will feed your belly and the birds. It's also suitable for preschool aged children.
      If you would like to treat the family to a yummy breakfast, here is a recipe I found at tasteofhome.com (which I fully intend on trying) for red velvet pancakes. I suggest visiting the site for more yummy ideas. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the day and spread the love! Leave comments if you have a fun project or a delicious recipe you would like to share!

Ingredients

• 10 cups all-purpose flour

• 
  
  

  1-1/4 cups sugar

  
  

• 2/3 cup baking cocoa

• 6 teaspoons baking soda

• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 5 teaspoons salt

• ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each batch):

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons red food coloring

• Butter and maple syrup

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Place 2 cups in each of five resealable plastic bags or containers. Store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 5 batches (10 cups mix)
2. To prepare pancakes: Pour mix into a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs and food coloring. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened
3. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a greased hot griddle; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second side is golden brown. Serve with butter and syrup. Yield: 16 pancakes per batch.

Originally published as Red Velvet Pancakes in Taste of Home Christmas Annual Annual 2012, p174

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