So, V day is right around the corner. Maybe you have a big, romantic date planned, or maybe you’re feeling bitter about it. Either way, enjoy it with something delicious. Here are my favourite ideas for Cupid day. 

1) Red velvet cupcakes scream Valentine’s in my opinion. Check out the Joy of Baking website for a recipe. Top the delicious cream cheese frosting with a butter cream rose. I like this tutorial best. If you’re single and bitter, like me, make your roses black. Here are mine. 

2) Want to take those cant, message hearts to the next level? Make sugar cookies and write messages on them in frosting. Or write one cookie saying “I love you like” or “We go together like” and write the next with phrases like “peanut butter and jelly”. If you’re of the mind set that Valentines is just a commercial holiday, make broken hearts by cutting the hearts in half with a pairing knife before you bake them. 

3) Chocolate dipped strawberries. ‘Nuff said. If you’re feeling creative, dip them in white chocolate first, then dark chocolate to look like a tuxedo. You can even pipe on a little bow tie and buttons. 

4) Champagne’s romantic right? Get a bottle of your favourite, (mines Moscato) and some wild hibiscus flowers in syrup. Place a flower in the bottom of a Champagne flute with a little syrup. Add the champagne. The flowers look beautiful and add a sweet flavour. And if you’re spending the evening alone or with friends? Didn’t someone say that champagne is how classy people get drunk? 

5) Set up an electric fondue pot with broth or oil, cut up some meat and veggies and make or buy some dips. If you are using an oil based fondue, you can also make a batter. Battered shrimp and cauliflower are delish. Set the lights on dim, or use candles. Fondue is great as you spend a long time at the table, allowing for conversation. Plus, making your own food at the table is fun. 

6) Whether or not you start with fondue, ending the evening with chocolate fondue is never a bad idea. Grab a Toblerone bar and slowly melt it with some cream and liqueur and put it in a chocolate fondue pot. Cut up some berries, bananas and what ever other fruit you have on hand, because let’s face it, chocolate anything is always a good idea. 

7) For something fast an easy, slice open some strawberries and fill them with whipped cream. Then, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over top. 

8) Get a nice loaf of French bread for a good bakery, some high quality cheese and olive oil. Infuse the olive oil with some garlic and herbs over very low heat. Mix well with balsamic vinegar, cut up the cheese and some fruit and have a picnic. Get a blanket and some candles and eat with your fingers. Romantic right? Or of you’re feeling depressed, carbs are a good go to. 

9) Nothing tells someone you care like putting the time in to make their favourite indulgence, (and uh, remembering what that favourite dish is). Plan in advance, get the groceries and do any prep you can the day before. The day of, light the candles, get some flowers, and set the table, even if it’s just mac n’ cheese. 

10) If all else fails, or if you’re just not on speaking terms with the kitchen, find a local, high end chocolate shop. A box of ganache filled chocolates or salted caramels should do the trick. 

Happy (anti) Valentines day! Please share some of your favourite V day recipes and traditions (or anti- Valentine’s recipes and traditions).