Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for me to remind the people that I love how much they mean to me, especially my husband Daniel and my three kids Sabrina, Max and Dalia. Because I love to be creative in the kitchen … this Valentine’s Day I plan to provide them with a days worth of delicious and nutritious surprises throughout the day. Each surprise will have a Valentine’s touch!

Breakfast for my “Beloveds�

I will begin the day by making a large batch of our family’s favourite pancakes and then using a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut them into hearts (heart-shaped cookie cutters can be found at your local dollar store). You can even use a frozen pancake or waffle, to save time! I will then top the pancakes with freshly sliced strawberries (frozen can be used too) and make a heart using a can of whipped cream.  A great way to start the day!

This is my favourite pancake recipe from my good friend Norene Gilletz’s cookbook “The Food Processor Bible�.

Buttermilk pancakes

Ingredients
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour*
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 ¼ cups buttermilk**
2 tbsp canola oil or melted butter
1 egg

Method:
1. In a food processor, using the steel blade, combine all of the dry ingredients and process for 3-4 seconds
2. Add the remaining ingredients and process for 6-8 seconds, until smooth.
3. Pour onto a lightly greased griddle or skillet and cook until bubble appear on the top side. Turn over and brown on the other side. (I use a ¼ cup measuring cup for pouring each pancake)

Yield: 12-14 pancakes

*The original recipe called for 1¼ cups all-purpose flour and I have substituted a ½ cup whole wheat flour to boost the nutrition
**If you do not have buttermilk on hand you can measure 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar into a measuring cup and add enough milk to make 1¼ cup.

Loving lunch!

A sandwich filled with tuna salad, deli slices or cream cheese, will be cut in the shape of a heart using the same cookie cutter used for the pancakes at breakfast. (Try keep the filling in the middle to minimize the part that is cut away).

Snack: Using a smaller heart shaped cookie cutter I will be cutting slices of cheddar and mozzarella cheese into heart shapes and providing crackers to accompany them.

Fruit:  Red fruits like strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, grapes.

Treat : Throw in a few “hugs and kisses” chocolates, or any other valentine’s treat (Max loves the special valentine’s mini Smarties boxes, which are perfect as they are nut-free)

And don’t forget a special note telling them to have a wonderful day and that you love them very much! If you find some Valentine’s Day stickers, those are always a nice addition too!

Dinner for my darlings…

For the main course itself, anything goes. However, there are still a few Valentine’s touches to be added…

Valentine Napkin Rings:
Make one for each family member using craft foam or construction paper, stick-on hearts and a stapler. Toilet paper tubes wrapped in red tissue will also do the trick.

Red Jello hearts (from the http://www.dltk-kids.com website)

Ingredients: 1 package Red Jello (strawberry, raspberry or cherry)

Directions:
1.  Prepare the Jello according to the Jello Jigglers recipe on the box.
2.  Pour into shallow pans and place in the refrigerator to set.
3.. When Jello is firm use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts.
4.  Serve and enjoy!

Every day we witness things that remind us how precious life is.
I believe in living life to the fullest and in not taking anything for granted.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and don’t’ forget to let those people close to you know how much they mean to you!

Shelley Sefton is a chef, recipe developer & creator of “Yummy in my Tummy� - classes for kids that  offers them the opportunity to  experience exciting adventures in the kitchen – combining education, art,  food and most important of all FUN! Contact: (905) 597-0672 or sdsefton@rogers.com.

©Shelley Sefton 2010

Tags: breakfast, buttermilk pancake recipe, dinner, families, heart cookie cutter, Imagination Station, lunch, making it special, napkin rings, Shelley Sefton, Valentine's Day for kids