Love is in the air and it’s time to celebrate on Valentine’s Day. Are you searching for some simple and tasty recipes that say, “I love you”? Here are some delicious and creative ideas that take minimal time to prepare and provide a lot of extra time to spend with your sweetheart. 

Chocolate Chip Heart Pancakes 

For a breakfast full of love, all you need is a heart-shaped cookie cutter and the pancake batter you typically use. Fold in chocolate chips and use the cookie cutter as your mold to make the heart-shaped pancakes. Serve these with fresh sliced strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. 

Chicken Cordon Bleu 

Take four skinless, boneless chicken breasts (totaling approximately 1 lb.) and pound each breast with a meat mallet. Next take one piece of deli cut ham and one slice of Gruyere (or Swiss) cheese and place on the breast. Roll and secure with toothpicks. Next gently roll in ½ cup melted butter and then in 1 cup bread crumbs. Place in sprayed baking pan and repeat with the remaining breasts. Bake uncovered on 350 degrees for forty minutes, or until juices are clear. 

Grilled Salmon 

If you’re looking for an easy recipe that provides maximum flavor and has easy clean up, this is it. Take a large piece of aluminum foil and make a boat. Place the salmon filet (size for 3-4 people) scale side down on the foil. Add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and ¼ cup of white wine. Sprinkle filet with 2 cloves crushed garlic, salt and pepper, and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Place on the grill and cook until fish is flakey. When serving, the skin and scales will stay on the foil. 

Heart-Shaped Breadsticks 

Purchase a container of the Pillsbury breadsticks located in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Dredge each stick in melted butter and then into a bowl of shredded parmesan cheese. Shape each stick into a heart and place on the baking sheet. Bake as directed and enjoy. 

Heart-Shaped Pasta 

You can find pasta in the shape of hearts at specialty grocery stores and import stores, such as Cost Plus. During the last five minutes of cooking the pasta, add ½ package of frozen julienne tri-color bell peppers. Heat up your favorite white sauce and toss all ingredients in a serving bowl for a heart-friendly meal. 

Heart-Shaped Pizza 

Whether you use homemade pizza dough or packaged dough, this is an easy and fun idea for dinner. Roll out your dough and shape in in a heart instead of the traditional circle. Add your sauce and whatever topping your prefer. Sprinkle the cheese on last and allow the toppings to peek through. Too much cheese can make the crust get soggy, so just add a light sprinkling and bake in the oven as directed. 

Chocolate Covered Strawberries 

Wash 1 lb. of strawberries and leave the stem intact. Once they are completely dry, line a baking sheet with wax paper, and melt 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave proof bowl. Heat in the microwave 1-2 minutes, and stir every 30 seconds to prevent it from burning. Working quickly, dip each strawberry in the chocolate and place on the wax paper. Once done, place them in the refrigerator for ½ hour to allow the chocolate to set. It is best to eat them the same day as they are made. 

Heart-Shaped Cake 

For this festive treat, you’ll need one box of cake mix, your favorite frosting, one square baking pan, and one round baking pan (the pans can be 8” or 9”). Prepare the cake batter per directions, divide equally between the two pans, and bake. Once out of the oven and cooled, remove from pans. Place the square shape so it is a diamond on a large baking sheet. Next cut the round cake in half and place each half against the top sides of your diamond. Frost and decorate your cake with your own personal message to your sweetheart. 

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies 

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter and bake per package directions. Take vanilla frosting and divide into separate bowls. Add food coloring to each bowl to make pink, green, yellow, and lavender. Frost the cookies and then write with icing on each cookie to create your very own conversation hearts. 

Classic Champagne Cocktails 

Champagne is a very popular drink to toast with on Valentine’s Day. For a romantic twist, give the Classic Champagne Cocktail a try. Drop one sugar cube into a fluted glass and add 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters. Fill the glass with champagne and add a lemon twist for garnish. 

Remember that it doesn’t take a holiday to celebrate “Love.” It is a precious gift from God, and can be celebrated every day of the year. 

But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love. —1 Corinthians 13:13