Creative Valentines

by Miss Shannon

When you think of Valentines, what comes to mind? For me, the first thing that I think of is paper hearts or store bought cards. While very sweet when coming from a loved one, giving them yourself can often get monotonous: every year giving the same thing; however, it does not have to be that way! There are so many creative ways to give Valentines; ones that are not only made from card paper, but fabric, clay, paper mache, or even food. Here is an idea for creative and cute Valentines to give to your family and friends this Valentine’s Day.

Be Mine,

Edible Valentines

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

5 cups flour

1 cup shortening

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup milk

Step 1: Combine salt, baking powder, baking soda and flour; set aside.

Step 2: Cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla and nutmeg. Add milk alternately with dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Using a 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll our on floured surface and cut with heart shaped cookie cutters. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven.

Step 4: When cooled, frost with Vanilla Frosting. Frost the cookies with a layer of pink or red frosting, and then pipe on a message with  white icing.  You could do messages like “I love you” or “Be Mine”; you could even do personalized ones by piping on names.

To make a quick piping bag:

~Fill a resealable plastic bag with icing

~Snip a tiny  piece off the corner of the bag with some scissors

Vanilla Frosting:

1/3 cup shortening

1 tablespoon margarine

3 cups sifted powdered sugar

3 tablespoons cream or milk

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Beat all ingredients together. Can be divided to make several different colors with food coloring.