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PUTNAM NEWS
Edible Arrangements offers Valentine's Day goodies
This month, Valentine's Day marks that special time of year dedicated solely to showing that special someone just how much you care about them.
Following Christmas, Valentine's is the second biggest card-exchanging day of the entire year. But whether it's a child, family member, or significant other, there are lots of different ways to let that special person know just how much they mean to you.
When it comes to children, creativity and surprise always get their attention. Simple gestures like putting candy kisses in their lunch bag or next to their plate at dinnertime are unexpected treats.
Perhaps during their morning routine, they'll find paper hearts taped to the bathroom mirror with kind words of all the good things you like about them.
And everyone knows that kids and crafts go together like peas and carrots. Visit your local craft department for kits that will not only turn into nice projects, but also allow you to spend valuable one-on-one time together.
This is also a great opportunity for making candies and desserts, or even fixing a special Valentine's meal together for the family. Most important, not only at this time of year, but year round, is actually telling that young person how you feel about them. A hug followed up with, "I just wanted you to know you're the most special person in my life," will create a memory they won't soon forget.
For the adults in your life, the sky is the limit. Everyone likes a present, but it is often the personal touches that leave the greatest impression. Present your loved one with "duty coupons" that make you responsible for things like taking out the trash, cooking dinner, or even giving a foot rub. Trade vehicles for the day and give theirs an overhaul with a cleaning both inside and out. A flower left on the seat is a nice added touch. And if you're looking for a little romance, candles and music are all-important must haves.
But if the old standards aren't exactly what you had in mind, there is a new idea to choose from in the Tri-State.
It is called Edible Arrangements, a fruit-based business that specializes in fruit bouquets and boxed arrangements. With two local locations -- one in Huntington and the newest in Teays Valley, the stores' most poplar selections include chocolate-covered bananas, oranges, apples, pineapples, and, of course, the all-time favorite, strawberries.
Teays Valley employee Dianne Criner says she expects her store to be very busy during the Valentine's season because they already started getting orders back in January. "We have a good selection of gift items, new Valentine's containers, cards and balloons, too."
When asked what makes their products so appealing, Criner suggested, "It's something different. Something unique. Something beautiful and healthy you can share." Delivery is available, but you are encouraged to place your order a few days in advance due to the season and demand.
As most will confess, it's not always what you do exactly, but that you try to do something special from the heart.
If you're looking for more ways to make your sweetie feel loved this Valentine's Day, here are some other ideas:
l Make heart-shaped pancakes, sandwiches or toast.
l Place a note in a backpack or planner that tells them they're special to you.
l Send a text message or e-mail with a thoughtful message or poem.
l Treat the person like royalty for the day, serving breakfast in bed and letting them have the "day off."
l Run a warm bath and add some aromatic oils inviting that person to have some "alone time" just for themselves.
l Arrange to go to a romantic restaurant or concert.
"LOVELY" CHOCOLATE SUCKERS
Sucker mold of your choice, preferably heart or angel-shaped
Melting chocolates from your local grocer or craft store
Sucker sticks
Small baggies and twist ties for storage
Following the directions on the package, melt a quantity of chocolate comparable to fit the size of mold you have purchased.
Carefully pour melted chocolate into molds.
You may use various colors if you desire, laying them on top of one another.
Insert sticks while the chocolate is still melted.
Allow chocolate to set and harden.
For quicker results, keeping the mold flat, slide it into the freezer for approximately 5 minutes.
Once completely hardened, turn out suckers onto a paper towel and package them individually.
HEARTS-FILLED-WITH-LOVE COOKIES
Raspberry or strawberry jelly for filling
Confectioner's sugar
Sift together:
21/2 c flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream together:
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
Stir in:
1 well beaten egg
2 tablespoons Pet Milk
11/2 teaspoon vanilla
Chill overnight before using. Roll out dough and cut with a heart cookie cutter. Each cookie needs a top and bottom. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
When cool, assemble cookies. Place a teaspoon of jelly on the bottom of a cookie, then cover with another cookie (the tops of the cookies should be facing outward on both top and bottom). Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.
More Valentine's Day recipes can be found at www.techdirect.com/ valentine/vrecipes.html#love.
Edible Arrangements is located at Scott Junction on Route 34 in Teays Valley.
Orders can be taken over the phone by calling (304) 760-6107.
The Huntington store is located at 16 Pullman Square and can be reached at (304) 522-3002.
To view their products online, go to www.ediblearrangements.com.
