I Heart Hearts

There is something so charming and sweet about hearts.  I like them in any form, -- well except for the graphic realism of an actual human heart.  I am talking about the heart- shaped symbol.  With the big day around the corner, I thought I would share some ideas for being creative with your Valentines.

Let's start by putting aside the ubiquitous standard candy hearts that one can find anywhere.  Now let's consider that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a heart shaped breakfast would make it a fabulous way to start the day.

 Have fun experimenting with pancake rings.

Or how about a bowl of sugar cubes to go with tea or coffee?

Find the recipe in this great new book- Gifts from the Kitchen by Annie Rigg

Maybe you're trying to stay away from sweets and want to share something heartier.  Try making ravioli and using a small heart shaped cookie cutter.  Recipes and instructions can be found in Lidia's Family Table by Lidia Bastianich or Biba's Taste of Italy by Biba Caggiano. Or look for ready made, I found these at Costco.  Skip the heavy sauces in order to really see the shape of the ravioli.

Another special book to either give or use for ideas is Monday Hearts for Madalene by Page Hodel.  Each Monday Hodel would leave one of these beautiful and creative hearts crafted from diverse and unique materials on Madalene Rodriguez's doorstep.

Definitely check out this book since these small pictures don't show the 

amazing details from each of the hearts.

For the paper addicted crafters- get yourself a small heart-shaped punch and find an old magazine, catalog, or scrapbooking paper and glue or stitch small hearts in rows on a gift tag.

Or just rely on mother nature, your eyes and a camera.

Now go and be creative!