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| 1. Vanilla Cake for Two |
It is one-something in the wee hours of the morning,
and my little tummy is growling as I consider
these mouthwatering recipes to make for
Valentine's Day, Love Day, which is
to say, everyday you find your
heart beating on the big
blueberry earth.
I know I sound like a broken record
lately...but here I go again.
My heart is very tender at the moment.
I'm in Arizona visiting my parents,
both of whom are fighting serious
battles with their health and facing
surgeries and unlovely treatment.
But you would never know it, guys.
They live with true joy,
and they love with such great love
that all who are lucky to cross paths
with them, leave unchanged.
My mom's ongoing fight with cancer
keeps taking twists and turns that offer
new opportunities for transformation.
Not just for her, but for us.
I'm amazed at how she is
surviving the fires which refine her,
and as I keep telling her,
oh, mama, sometimes when you
lose, you win!
I wish the love burning in my heart
could somehow be directed like a
laser beam...to Washington D.C.,
to Syria, to hurting hearts everywhere.
Because love is stronger than death.
Than hate.
Than a political agenda.
Than racism.
Than sexism.
Than cynicism.
*I'm beaming it to you, right where you are.*
So many yummy dishes to make here,
lately...but here I go again.
My heart is very tender at the moment.
I'm in Arizona visiting my parents,
both of whom are fighting serious
battles with their health and facing
surgeries and unlovely treatment.
But you would never know it, guys.
They live with true joy,
and they love with such great love
that all who are lucky to cross paths
with them, leave unchanged.
My mom's ongoing fight with cancer
keeps taking twists and turns that offer
new opportunities for transformation.
Not just for her, but for us.
I'm amazed at how she is
surviving the fires which refine her,
and as I keep telling her,
oh, mama, sometimes when you
lose, you win!
I wish the love burning in my heart
could somehow be directed like a
laser beam...to Washington D.C.,
to Syria, to hurting hearts everywhere.
Because love is stronger than death.
Than hate.
Than a political agenda.
Than racism.
Than sexism.
Than cynicism.
*I'm beaming it to you, right where you are.*
So many yummy dishes to make here,
and I would love to hear which one
sounds like a winner to your palate.
I have my eye on the red snapper that follows,
but I'm also thinking about trying to make
a pizza pot pie after seeing an image of one from
the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.
The restaurant is one I have walked past many times,
just across the way from the site of the Saint
Valentine's Day Massacre, on North Clark Street.
Although Chicago is known for its delicious deep dish,
this place serves a pizza pot pie which is sort of an upside
down pizza, made in ovenproof bowls.
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| 2. Pizza Pot pie |
The pizza pot pies are flipped over by the waiter
at your table, and this is just the sort of drama
that could be fun around loveday, doncha think?
will brave the cold in just their underwear
to raise awareness and fund the research
of neurofibromatosis (NF).
The world's largest organized undie run,
Cupid's Undie Run, is a valentines themed,
1 mile fun run + a massive party, and
I can't think of a better reason to
skip the pants on a chilly February day.
Full details on the Chicago event are here.
Speaking of Cupid, love, and Chicago,
on Feb. 11th, hundreds of Chicagoiteswill brave the cold in just their underwear
to raise awareness and fund the research
of neurofibromatosis (NF).
The world's largest organized undie run,Cupid's Undie Run, is a valentines themed,
1 mile fun run + a massive party, and
I can't think of a better reason to
skip the pants on a chilly February day.
Full details on the Chicago event are here.
On with the romantic recipes for Valentine's Day!
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| 3. Red Snapper Veracruz |
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| 4. Arctic Char |
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| 5. Magic Cookie Bars |
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| 6. Winter Sangria |
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| 7. Chicken Alfredo Dip |
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| 8. Ina Garten's Pot Pie |
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| 9. Cherry Tomato Frittata |
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| 10. Funfetti Cake |
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| 11. Lentils with Mushrooms and Kale |
on the side:
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| CannelleVanille |
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| 12. Cioppino |
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| 13. Spicy Carbonara Spaghetti |
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| 14. Filet Mignon |
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| 15. Cake Truffles |
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| 16. My Blueberry Muffins - Hello Lovely Studio |
Can blueberry muffins be romantic for
Valentine's Day?
Of course, they can...simply
follow my recipe and feel free to
ADD EXTRA LOVE.
I made these just for you this morning.
A red bowl and spatula will also
add romance...true!
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| Boo. I had no paper muffin cups for them...and yet we survived. |
Hello Lovely Blueberry Muffins
INGREDIENTS
LOVE
3 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
¾ cup sugar
Pinch salt
5 eggs, slightly beaten
½ cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
5 ounces butter, melted and cooled
4 or 5 cups blueberries, fresh
Sugar for topping
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix all dry ingredients together. Stir in eggs,
milk and butter; do not overmix.
Carefully stir in berries and the LOVE.
3. Grease the top of large muffin tins.
Insert paper cups and spoon batter to the top
of the paper cups.
4. Sprinkle with sugar generously (I'm not gonna lie...I bury these babies with sugar, mama, and you should probably not be so generous, but if you decide to be, I do salute you, kittycats.)
Place muffin tins on middle shelf of oven.
Bake about 25 minutes, until muffins are golden brown.
Remove from muffin tins and cool.
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| Everything tastes better in a yellow polka-dot bowl |
And now for the gift idea!
This one's perfect for getting and giving
to everyone, from girls to grandpas.
turns your camera roll into a collection-worthy
magazine...yes, m'am, a real hard copy, lovely
paper magazine printed on archival Mohawk paper.
Who doesn't love the idea of their own
beautiful magazine with photography
of loved ones, assorted passions,
and joyful memorable occasions? It's genius.
With a single tap, this app curates and designs
your magazine, but leaves lots of room for
your preferences.
I'm so grateful Recently gifted me with a
subscription, and I can hardly wait to
get publishing.
Your turn.
Which recipe has your mouth watering?
Would you strip down on a winter Chicago day for charity?
Would you love to receive Recently as a gift?
Sending all of my love to you
during these weeks leading up
to the big V.
Peace to you right where you are.
