Valentine's Day Treats

Happy (almost) Valentine’s Day! 

One of the best parts about Valentine’s Day are the sugary treats…conversation hearts, chocolate, any sweet, I love it!  One of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday is to make these cookies.

 They’re so simple, but look impressive. To make, roll sugar cookie dough (homemade or store bought- I made this lemon sugar cookie dough) thinner than you normally would. Using two different sized heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut as many large hearts as you can. In half of the hearts, cut a smaller heart inside and remove, leaving a cutout. Reroll scraps or cook the small inside hearts separately. When the cookies are finished baking and have cooled, spread jam (strawberry or raspberry are the most seasonal), on the large hearts and place a cutout on top. Enjoy!

The other best part of Valentine’s Day is spending it with a special someone.  Well, no matter what your in-real-life relationship status is, there are plenty of swoon-worthy fictional love interests to choose from:

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.  The romantic interest of all romantic interests.

Jesse, Mediator series by Meg Cabot.  Who knew a ghost could be so sexy?

Corlath, The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley.  Mysterious and strong.

Prince Char, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.  Who doesn’t love a real prince?

Prince Jonathan and George, Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Piece.  Best love triangle ever.  How could Alanna just choose one?

Jace, Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. A fierce demon-killer. 

Sir Percival “Percy” Blakeney aka The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy.  Incognito hero who is secretly in love with his wife.

Sir Hugh of Harrowfield, aka “Red”, Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. The strong, silent type with an irrefutable moral compass.

(Thanks to my best friend, Heather, for her hot-fictional-guy knowledge!)

Enjoy the treats today!