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32 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016

News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016 • Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

Make the most of your night out this Valentine’s Day

Chocolates and flowers may be staples of Valentine’s Day, but many couples take it one step further and dine out on February 14. According to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association’s Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, 34.6 percent of respondents indicated that dining out would be part of their Valentine’s Day agenda. A romantic dinner is an ideal capper for a day geared around love and affection. But Valentine’s Day is a busy night for many restaurants, so it pays to heed the following advice to ensure this special night is memorable for all the right reasons. · Make reservations well in advance. Dining out is especially popular on Valentine’s Day, so call several weeks in advance to secure your spot. Also, do not underestimate the draw of all types of restaurants on Valentine’s Day. People who were not able to get a table at their first choices may trickle into chain restaurants or smaller establishments in search of an easy meal. If you think your lesser-known haunt will not be packed, think again. Always play it safe by making a reservation early. · Expect some crowding. Restaurants tend to add extra tables on Valentine’s Day, when they expect an influx of customers. Dining rooms may be more packed than usual, and you may not have a choice of where you will be seated. Even a reservation does not guarantee you won’t have to wait for a table. Be patient upon arriving at the restaurant, and consider wait time when factoring in childcare. · Be flexible with the menu. Pricefixed menus are commonplace on nights when there will be a large turnover of customers in a short amount of time. These

menus allow restaurants to stock up on the necessary ingredients and cook en masse. Diners may find that price-fixed menus offer a limited selection, and their favorite dishes may not be available. But knowing this in advance can reduce feelings of disappointment. Rest assured there should be several options that appeal to different palates. · Be patient with servers. Valentine’s Day is a busy night for staff at the restaurant, particularly servers who must be the liaison between the kitchen staff and diners. The sheer volume of customers can test the skills of even the most veteran servers. Many Valentine’s Day diners do not eat out regularly and will need extra guidance. Servers may be called on to snap photos of couples with cell phones or linger at certain tables. Use idle time at your table to engage in romantic conversation and plan the rest of the evening. · Consider your budget. Diners can expect to pay a premium for dining out on Valentine’s Day. Select a lower-priced restaurant if your budget is on the smaller side. · Be on time. Being respectful of your reservation will not only benefit you, but also it is a courtesy to fellow diners who will be sitting at your table later in the evening. While you may want to linger over dessert, try not to linger too long. · Promptly store leftovers. If you take a doggie bag home from dinner, stash it in the refrigerator as soon as possible to prevent foodborne illnesses. If you will be going out dancing or to a movie after dinner, it may be best to skip the doggie bag altogether. Valentine’s Day is a busy night for dining out. Patience, courtesy and flexibility are traits that can keep your evening moving along smoothly

Expect Valentine’s Day to be a busy night for dining out and plan ahead.

34 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016

Greeting card history & etiquette LET THE BROWVENTURES BEGIN

Billions of greeting cards are sold and exchanged each year, and Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year to give a loved one a greeting card. The Greeting Card Association says 145 million Valentine’s Day units are sold in the United States each year. The association says seven out of 10 surveyed card buyers consider greeting cards to be essential to them, and are passing on the greeting card tradition to younger generations. Though the tradition of exchanging greeting cards is still going strong, few may know the history and etiquette behind this time-tested tradition. Greeting card history The tradition of exchanging greeting cards can be traced back to ancient China, where people exchanged messages of good will to celebrate the New Year. Over time, greeting cards were exchanged for various reasons, and by the 1850s greeting cards were transformed from handmade, expensive purchases to relatively affordable means of personal communication and well-wishing. Valentine’s Day greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages, when they were sung or spoken aloud to special people. Cards were popularized in the 1400s, and the oldest known Valentine created during this era is on display in the British Museum in London. Valentines were initially made by hand, but by the end of the 1800s, the process of making cards was handled by machinery. Esther Howland, an American printer and artist, was one of the first to publish and sell valentines in the United States. Yet it took a few more years for a card company to manufacture and distribute valentines.

Keeping cards Although there are no rules governing just how long to keep and display a card, most people keep them for five to seven days. Some special occasion cards, such as milestone birthdays or religious rites of passage, may warrant holding on to the card for posterity. However, the length of time cards are kept is entirely at the discretion of the recipient. Etiquette Sending cards requires a little knowhow. Start out with a high-quality card to show that you value the recipient. If you’re taking the time to send a greeting card, make sure it looks like you put some effort into its selection. Be sure your card list is continually updated with new addresses and contact information. If you do so regularly, it’s easier to send cards when the time comes. Ensure greeting cards will arrive on time by mailing them out a week or two before the special day. Few things are worse than a card arriving late and seeming like an afterthought. Address cards by hand and sign them personally. Although desktop printers can make fast work of card mailings, writing things out by hand is a special touch that indicates you care. Personal greeting cards for close friends and family members may also deserve an extra special touch, like including a custom message or a photograph. Greeting cards are about expressing sentiments to special people in your life. They’re popular on Valentine’s Day and all year long to commemorate holidays and special occasions.

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016 • Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

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36 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016

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Many cannot resist chocolate, that beloved creamy, sweet confection derived from cocoa beans, milk and sugar. All over the world people love to indulge in chocolate, especially come Valentine’s Day. According to data from Leatherhead Food Research, Switzerland consumes more chocolate per capita than any country in the world. Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria and Belgium round out the top five. Despite its apparent popularity in Europe, chocolate was first popularized among the Olmecs of Mexico, who used the cocoa beans more than 3,500 years ago. However, it wasn’t until the last 200 years that chocolate turned into the sweet treat that is known and loved today. Aztecs believed cocoa had aphrodisiac properties, and chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine, which is released naturally in the body when a person falls in love. The aroma of chocolate can induce relaxation, and chocolate also contains dopamine, a natural painkiller. While chocolate is now used primar3:48 PM ily as a food, over the years it has had many other uses - some of which are quite unique. Here are some of the many ways people have used chocolate throughout history. · Money: The Mayans once used cocoa beans as a form of currency, as did the Aztecs. In this instance, money actually did grow on trees. · Dental health: Arman Sadeghpour, a researcher at Tulane University, says an extract of cocoa powder could be an effective alternative to using fluoride. Chocolate-enhanced toothpaste may be the next big thing. · Fuel: Chocolate has been used to feed bacteria that produce hydrogen, which

can be used as a clean power source. · Medicine: Chocolate is full of antioxidants, which serve all sorts of disease-fighting benefits in the body. Dark chocolate provides the greatest number of health benefits, as it contains flavonols, which stimulate the brain and support the circulatory system. · Fashion: Designers and chocolatiers worldwide collaborate to make sweet outfits at Le Salon du Chocolat’s fashion shows. · Special effects: Before the days of computer-simulated special effects, moviemakers had to employ other methods to produce realistic results. Legend has it that Bosco brand chocolate syrup was used as blood in the famed shower scene in the classic horror movie “Psycho.” Bosco was used because it showed up great in black and white. · Skin care: Cocoa butter, a component of chocolate, has long been used to moisturize and soothe dry skin. Many spas now incorporate organic chocolate into their healing and beauty therapies. · Perfume: Chocolate produces more than 400 distinct smells and has been used to make perfume more fragrant. · Mood enhancement: Chocolate may help to improve mood, as it is a mild stimulant and can affect serotonin levels, which govern those feel-good feelings, in the brain. · Postage: In 2013, Belgium’s post office sold limited-edition stamps that were varnished with 40 percent of a cocoa product. The stamps smelled and tasted like chocolate. Chocolate has been tempting taste buds for thousands of years. It’s also been used in some very unique ways, even if, come Valentine’s Day, the majority of people would be content just to eat it.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016 • Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

5 thoughtful gifts that don't require much thought Valentine's Day is prime season for florists, with floral sales capturing 40 percent of holiday dollar volume, according to data collected by IPSOSInsight FloralTrends Consumer Tracking Study. While flowers -- particularly mixed flower and red rose bouquets -- may comprise the leading gifts for romantic gifters, many others are looking to buck the flowers-and-chocolate trend this year and offer something more unique. On the heels of the holiday giving season, most gift-givers realize how difficult it can be finding the "perfect" gift for a recipient. That gift may be even more difficult to find when the intention is to convey love and affection. But Valentine's Day givers can look to a number of gifts that are very thoughtful but needn't take more than a little forethought. • Gift card: You may be thinking a gift card doesn't sound that thoughtful. However, when paired with a listing of gift items, it's easy to illustrate the thought that went into the gift. It may make sense to simply purchase one of those interesting items, but this way you're giving the recipient the choice of what he or she really wants to select. • Something engraved or monogrammed:A simple scarf turns into something more special when it

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includes monogrammed initials or a special saying. The same can be said for anything from a picture frame to candle holders. Taking the time to have something monogrammed or engraved imparts thoughtfulness into the gift. • Pet accessories: People view their pets as members of the family and often as small children (when small children are not yet present). Especially during the dating stage, providing an adorable gift for his or her pet may be seen as a heartfelt gesture. Be sure to pick up a little something for the pet parent as well, though. • Hobby gifts: Recognizing the interests of a loved one is a clear sign that you're in tune with what he or she enjoys to do. If you have an avid reader on your hands, a new e-reader or some e-books may be ideal. Sports fans could appreciate tickets to the next home game of their favorite team. Someone who dabbles in culinary creations may delight over a gift basket full of top-ofthe-line cooking utensils. • A spending spree: Take your Valentine to his or her favorite store and encourage him or her to pick out a few favorite items. Set a price limit or let them choose regardless of price. This way you can spend time together and see the joy on your Valentine's face when he or she is choosing treasured items.

38 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016

Romantic films to watch together this Valentine’s Day Couples celebrate Valentine’s Day in many different ways. For some the idea of dinner out followed by a stroll arm-in-arm seems the epitome of romance, while others may want to go out dancing or engage in a favorite hobby. Valentine’s Day also can be a romantic endeavor if a couple chooses to spend time at one with each other watching a romantic movie. The following are a handful of love-inspired movies that can add a special something to Valentine’s Day festivities. · The Notebook: Author Nicholas Sparks has a way of taking the everyday experiences in a person’s life and making them relatable and heartbreaking in a pluck-at-yourheartstrings sort of way. His novel “The Notebook” won the hearts of many and seemed a natural to be adapted to film. Starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, the movie illustrates how love can last through the years and even survive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. · The Proposal: In order to remain in the country, a demanding New York-based book editor (Sandra Bullock) asks her brow-beaten assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her. Their tumultuous relationship involves a trip to Alaska to meet his family. · An Affair to Remember: Romantic melodramatic master Cary Grant falls in love with Deborah Kerr aboard a cruise ship while they are traveling with other people. They agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in six months if they have ended their relationships and are ready to commit to each other. Grant makes it to the rendezvous spot, but an injured Kerr never shows as Grant

assumes she has rejected the proposal. · Say Anything: In pursuit of a woman he believes is out of his social league, Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) creates hope for the underdog in us all. The movie inspired teens to raise their boom box radios over their heads and blast romantic tunes to illustrate their love. · The Wedding Singer: This quirky movie about a wedding singer who falls for a banquet waitress highlights the importance of loving each other for what makes you unique. · Once: Attraction between the main characters comes by way of creative musical collaboration. Music proves to be an aphrodisiac, making the film and the song “Falling Slowly” from its score so popular. This romantic tale helped take the film from the big screen to the Broadway stage. · West Side Story: “West Side Story” is yet another homage to “Romeo and Juliet.” But the film made Shakespeare’s tragic love story relatable to audiences of the 1960s. · My Best Friend’s Wedding: Julianne (Julia Roberts) is called on to be the “best man” for her friend’s (Dermot Mulroney) wedding. Only when the wedding planning is underway does Julianne realize she is in love with her friend and needs to get him to fall for her instead. · Never Been Kissed: A reporter goes undercover at a high school to discover something controversial and ends up being the subject of her story when she falls in love with her English teacher.

· Harold and Maude: A man in his twenties and a much older woman begin a romantic relationship and challenge social norms along the way. · Annie Hall: Winner of four Academy Awards, “Annie Hall” follows a comedian who is trying to maintain his relationship with a woman. · Bridget Jones’ Diary: A modern adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” the movie tells the tale of a selfconscious woman who finds love in a man that seems to be her polar opposite. · Ten Things I Hate About You: Filmmakers reinvented “The Taming of the Shrew” in this teen comedy starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. · Casablanca: No romantic movie list would be complete without this wartime drama. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are in top form in this movie of chance meetings. · The Princess Bride: Girl meets boy, girl detests boy, girl truly loves boy, and then girl loses boy. This fairy tale shares the purity of true love and happily ever after.

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016 • Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

48 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016

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"How do Ilove thee? Let me count the ways." - Elizabeth Barrett Browning Come Valentine's Day, many people feel compelled to spout words of love to those they care about. However, it may have been some time since they engaged in a little creative writing. The option to select a massproduced, store-bought card instead can be very tempting. Poetry has long been the means to deliver words of affection. Throughout history poets have professed desire and love through the stanzas of their poems. From Emily Dickinson to W.H. Auden to Lord Byron to The Bard himself, William Shakespeare, many writers can base a portion of their fame on memorable love poems. There are many different types of poems, but it doesn't take a lot of knowledge to produce an amateur attempt at a love poem this Valentine's Day. Here are some of the betterknown types of poetry and their rudimentary components. Acrostic: This type of poem is one in which the first letter of each line of poetry spells out its own word. These types of poems are often written based on a person's name or a sentiment, such as love. Ballad: A short narrative poem that features stanzas of two or four

lines with a refrain. The last words of the second and fourth lines often rhyme. Epic:This type of poem is a long narrative usually celebrating the adventures and achievements of a hero. Epigram: If your Valentine has a sense of humor, try an epigram. This poem is short and satirical, ending with a humorous statement or a sarcastic punchline. Etheree: This poem is 10 lines, where each line has a certain number of syllables, from 1 in the first line to 10 in the last. Free Verse: This type of poem does not have any specific rules, leaving the flow of words and line breaks entirely to the poet. Haiku: This poetry is formed of unrhymed verses that follow the 5-7-5 pattern of syllables. Limerick: Having originated in Limerick, Ireland, this is a rhymed humorous or nonsense poem of five lines. Quatrain:A poem consisting of four lines of verse with a specific rhyming scheme. Sonnet: This type of poetry features 14 lines in iambic pentameter with a particular rhyming scheme. There are many different ways to express emotions through poetry. Explore the different styles and find one that fits for you.

Did you know? "Love" is a powerful word that describes one of the most potent human emotions. The word is believed to have evolved from the Proto-IndoEuropean's word "leubh," which described care and desire nearly five thousand years ago. The word was incorporated into Old English as "lufu," a noun meaning "deep affection" and a verb "lufian" meaning "to be very fond of."

News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016 â€˘ Valentineâ€™s Day Dining & Gift Guide

How to temper chocolate for a Valentine's treat What would Valentine's Day be without chocolate? Candy and chocolate are often exchanged come Valentine's Day. Though store-bought confections might be popular, such gifts can easily be made at home as well. Chocolate satisfies a sweet tooth, and some researchers believe chocolate is an aphrodisiac. In the 1980s, doctors at New York State Psychiatric Institute explored the possibility that chocolate could be an aphrodisiac. When someone is in love, his or her brain produces a chemical called phenylethylamine, or PEA, which acts a lot like an amphetamine, triggering the hormones norepinephrine and dopamine to create feelings of euphoria. Considering chocolate naturally contains PEA, there is reason to believe that chocolate could also trigger feelings of happiness and love. However, other chemicals might be behind these feelings of euphoria. Whether this is the case or not, chocolate will long remain a romantic gift, especially on Valentine's Day. Dipped pastries, lollipops and chocolate-covered berries are savory treats that can be whipped up rather easily in the average kitchen. Simply melting chocolate and pouring it over dessert is one way to go, but to create the shiny, firm finish that professionals achieve requires tempering chocolate. The act of tempering chocolate

causes the cocoa butter to break down and suspend evenly in the chocolate. This also alleviates the white "bloom" that appears on chocolate when it's exposed to temperature changes. Properly tempered chocolate will be smooth and shiny. It is possible to temper chocolate at home with a few tools. You will need a food thermometer to measure the temperature. Some people prefer to melt chocolate over a double-boiler, which is

essentially a bowl with the chocolate resting over a pot of gently boiling water. Using the microwave is another way to melt the chocolate. Melt small pieces of chocolate at 10- to 15-second intervals until it is melted, stirring after each time. Dark chocolate needs to reach a temperature of between 114 F and 120 F. Milk and white chocolate need to reach a temperature between 105 F and 113 F. Next the chocolate needs to be cooled.

You can do so by adding more pieces of chocolate and stirring to incorporate them. This is called "seeding." Continue stirring and measure the working temperature. Dark chocolate needs to lower to a temperature of between 90 F and 86 F. Milk and white chocolate need to reach a temperature between 85 F and 81 F. After it has cooled, bring the temperature back up to around 86 degrees and stir again. Test some of the chocolate with a small piece of parchment paper. Let it sit on the paper for about 2 minutes. If the chocolate sets up firmly and looks glossy, it has been properly tempered. If not, add more chocolate and repeat the process again until it is tempered correctly. Make sure that no droplets of water come in contact with the chocolate; otherwise it might seize up and not temper properly. Also, start with a good-quality chocolate that is chopped into small pieces so it will melt more easily. Chocolate makers sell small pieces of chocolate known as pistoles, callets or wafers. Once the chocolate is tempered, be sure to keep it at a consistent temperature of around 100 F to 90 F until you are done working with it. Chocolate is savory, decadent and a prized gift for Valentine's Day. Properly tempered chocolate is something anyone can do at home.

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50 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016

Romantic locales ideal for Valentine’s Day Part of the excitement of Valentine's Day is taking the person you love to a romantic locale. Romantic tourism continues to be big business, according to Conde Nast. While much of the romantic retreats that take place are honeymoon-related, there are some couples who want to share their love in a romantic spot other times of the year, like Valentine's Day. If budget is no obstacle, then it is easy to jet off to Paris or Rome, two of the world's most romantic locales. Many find, however, that they will need to settle on a romantic location much closer to home for reasons of practicality. But just because you're spending the big day in your own backyard, that does not mean it will diminish the mood of the event. The following is a listing of tourist-friendly and romantic places in select areas across North America. •Los Angeles, California: The City of Angels boasts stars and memory-makers galore. For a unique perspective on the area,

The Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas is a popular tourist mecca and romantic place to spend Valentine’s Day. take to the skies in a Zeppelin Air Tour. This is the only airship in the United States licensed for commercial passenger transport. Aim for the sunset tour, which is supposed to be the most romantic. •Washington, D.C.: Take a cruise along the Potomac River on The Spirit of Washington dinner cruise ship. Enjoy the sights of the city while feasting on a delicious meal. •Columbus, Ohio: Tour the

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden amid twinkling lights and evening entertainment. In 2011, the conservatory offered chocolate and wine tastings for Valentine's Day. Check local listings to find out about plans for 2012. •Scottsdale, Arizona: Did you ever imagine you could take a gondola ride in the middle of the dessert? At the Hyatt Regency Resort at Gainey Ranch, individuals can take romantic rides

on the waterways at the resort via gondola and then go on to enjoy a magical dinner. • Galena, Illinois: Travel to this charming, historic town on the Mississippi River if you're from the greater Chicago or Cedar Rapids area. The majority of the buildings in this town are on the National Register of Historic Places and there are plenty of mansions to explore. •Toronto, Canada: Toronto is affectionately known as the entertainment capital of Canada, boasting many renowned restaurants and theaters. For those planning to spend V-Day in Toronto, you may want to include a stay at the Hotel Le Germain, which is known as much for its style as its service. •Cape May, New Jersey: People who live in the Northeast looking to escape the bustle of city life might consider an excursion to Cape May, the southernmost point in New Jersey. The town is known as the Oldest Seashore Resort, and in the off-season there's bound to be an empty

beach to stroll. Whale-watching tours, bed-and-breakfasts and nearby wineries make this place an ideal romantic escape. •San Antonio, Texas: The Riverwalk is one of Texas' most popular tourist attractions. There are breathtaking views there and plenty of excellent shopping. Find a myriad of restaurants in which to enjoy a romantic meal. •Montreal, Canada: Considering French is the primary language spoken in this city in the Quebec province, Montreal may be the best way for North Americans to experience a touch of Europe without traveling overseas. A visit to the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is magical in itself. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Montreal and pop into a cafe for delicious crepes. It's easy to experience a touch of romance close to home. For Canadians traveling into the United States and vice versa, be sure to have a current passport necessary for border crossings.

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016 • Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

Valentine’s Day for the kids

Although Valentine’s Day may be geared toward adults, children are quite drawn to the celebration as well. Perhaps it’s the promise of candy or chocolate that gets their attention, but Valentine’s Day annually appeals to the younger set. Some couples opt to leave children in the capable hands of a babysitter come Valentine’s Day and enjoy the evening solo. But for those who want to include youngsters in their fun, they can explore the many enjoyable and clever crafts and other activities available.

Crafts Children can have fun cutting out cupids, making coloring pages or doing just about any other Valentine-inspired craft, like making their own cards. Another craft idea is to write secret love notes with invisible ink. Lemon juice can be used as invisible ink. Have children write a message by dipping a cotton swab or their finger in lemon juice and then writing words on a white piece of paper. Once the papers have dried, an adult can reveal the message by placing the paper in front of a heat source, such as an iron or a light bulb. The message will magically appear and reveal those secret sentiments. Children can get crafty by making gifts for the special people in their lives. Combine the concept of valentines with the ambiance of a candle. For an even safer alternative, opt for an LED-flame candle instead of traditional candles. Kids can glue foam conversation hearts, sold at many craft stores, to the outside of the candle. Wrap the middle of the candle with ribbon, and they’ve just created an easy, heartfelt gift.

Learning games Valentine’s Day can be turned into a learning opportunity for children. One idea is to create an “Attracting Love” game that illustrates the power of magnets and the laws of attraction. Fill an empty glass jar with various items made into heart shapes. These can include small pieces of pipe cleaner, paper clips, paper, and even aluminum foil hearts. Put the top on the jar and shake up the contents. Let children guess which items will be attracted to a magnet, then have them test their theory with a strong magnet rubbed on the outside of the jar. See which hearts are attracted to the magnet. Other learning games can include matchKids’ dinner ing or finding the differences between picEncourage the next generation of chefs tures, counting paper hearts or making recipes to create culinary masterpieces, which they of scented modeling dough. can then serve to family members or friends. Children can even prepare dinner as a token Dessert fun Invite youngsters into the kitchen to try of appreciation to their parents. Plan recipes with kids in advance, but their hands at different recipes, making sure that they have a chance to sample their handi- look for age-appropriate menu ideas, particularly those that will not require much use of work afterward. Faux chocolate truffles made with choco- the stovetop or other dangerous kitchen applilate sandwich cookies can be a tasty treat for ances. Kids can always do the prep work and little hands. Start by mashing up some Oreo® then ask an adult to put the food into the oven cookies, then add them to a bowl with one for cooking. One easy idea is to create heart-shaped 8-ounce package of cream cheese. Mix until everything is incorporated into a sticky batter. hamburger sliders and Valentine-colored Truffles can be made into balls or heart shapes. mashed potatoes. Use red potatoes with the For children celebrating Valentine’s Day and skin on to create the potato mash. The sliders winter fun, turn the truffles into edible snow- can be shaped by hand or using a heart-shaped men. Dip the truffles into melted chocolate or cookie cutter. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner colored candy melts to coat. Place on a wax paper-covered cookie sheet and refrigerate for and the holiday presents many opportunities for children to share in the fun and festivities. an hour, or until the truffles are firm.

Dine From Our Regular Menu. Enjoy Music and Dancing All Night Long! Every Lady Receives A Rose!

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Delectable desserts set hearts a-flutter Valentine's Day is synonymous with candlelight dinners, romantic movies and delicious desserts. Although chocolate is often standard fare for the day of love, many other treats, including petit fours, can win the heart of a special person. Although people often believe the term petit four refers to a particular recipe for a dessert, it actually denotes a variety of small desserts. Petit fours are bite-sized pastries generally eaten at the end of a meal or at tea time. The name is comprised of French terms meaning "small oven," which generally means the desserts are cooked at a low temperature in an oven. Petit fours may be "secs," meaning "dry" desserts, including biscuits and puff pastries. Most are "glaces," or "iced" desserts, such as tiny cakes. These are often the desserts people associate with the name "petit fours." Cake-type petit fours are traditionally made from an almond flavored sponge cake or an almond genoise. Other types of cake, such as pound cake, can be used, but the consistency must be firm enough to handle cutting and filling. The op-

tions in fillings and coatings is as endless as the imagination. Some prefer to coat them in fondant, a sugary dough that hardens upon standing and produces a firm, flat surface for decorating. Others like their petit fours covered in chocolate or another candy material. These desserts are available from many bakeries and retailers. For those who want to treat a Valentine to homemade petit fours, one trick is to bake the batter in mini loaf pans and then cut in half, or use small cupcake tins to achieve the desired, bitesized shape. Or bake the batter in a sheet pan and then use cookie cutters to make small shapes. Jams, fruit preserves, frosting, icing, almond paste, and any other fillings can be used in between the layers. Fondant can be purchased from party and craft stores or specially ordered from cake decorating retailers. An easy fondant can be made from a confectioners' sugar and marshmallow recipe. After a romantic meal, serve petit fours with a dessert liqueur for the perfect Valentine's Day dessert.

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54 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 29, 2016