On February 20th you can get a free pretzel at Auntie Anne’s. No strings, just drop by. For more free samples click on Today’s Free Samples link on the right.

Leave a comment with either your favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or your favorite Valentine’s Day recipe for a chance to win an e-book version of ‘The Bride’s Cookbook or Surviving the First Year’.

Leave the comment by Saturday, Feb. 13th at 6pm. The drawing will be random and the winner will be contacted Sunday, Feb. 14th

A nice way to meet your neighbors is to take them some sweets and introduce yourself. This creamy fudge recipe can be whipped up in 15 minutes and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spread some love!

1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line an 8×8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.

Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, which is great because most people won’t have to work. How about making your own Starbuck’s type coffee at home and have it while reading the paper in bed before church.

Peppermint Mocha Coffee

3 Tbs. mocha powder
1 ½ Tbs. peppermint syrup
1 oz. expresso or ¼ cup double strength coffee
12 oz. heated or steamed milk
Freshly whipped cream
Red sugar sprinkles

Combine equal parts mocha and warm water to make a syrup. Pour into a 12 oz. mug and add coffee. Fill remainder of the mug with milk. Garnish with whip cream and red sprinkles.

Have a light lunch (there will be lots of calories in dinner!) If the weather is bad maybe go to a matinee, if it’s nice out how about a hike or even just a walk around the neighborhood. Start preparing for dinner early and do it as a couple. That’s what makes it fun. Pour 2 big glasses of red wine and enjoy!

(I’ve got 2 Italian Dinner menus and 2 French dinner menus posted below to help you out!)