With prices consistently unstable, companies going through rounds of layoffs, it seems like going all out to show love on Valentine’s Day is kinda tough to do realistically. That said, we’ve got some ideas for a comfy but genuine night in for budget conscious lovers: a love recipe, a smooth playlist and some light activity ideas to go with it. (Bonus points for supporting your local farmer’s market ❤️ )
In this economy, it’s not about how all-out you go, but how much effort you put in - for the right person. We recommend some light activity, something you're both kinda bad at: non-dominant handed paint and sips; on the spot Shakespearean-style poetry exchangsing; or learning the Charleston from a dated youtube video. For extra closeness, shareable dinners are it - dishes meant for one plate, but more than one person. Maybe caprese plate, a handmade an artichoke heart pizza, and cherry coke margaritas. But the piece de resistance, the ultimate dessert recipe for love is:
*Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries
18–24large strawberries
1 cupheavy whipping cream
An 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
1/3 cupsour cream
2/3 cupwhite granulated sugar
1 tspvanilla extract
1 tbspfresh lemon juice
1/2 cupgraham cracker crumbs
Instructions:
Gently wash and dry the strawberries, then slice them in half lengthwise and sit them upright on a tray
Cut or spoon to hollow out a small cavity in each strawberry half
In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form - usually about 5 minutes or so
Next, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in separate bowl, and mix these until smooth
Now, fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently
Finally, fill a piping bag (or ziplock bag with a corner cut out) with the cream cheese mixture and fill each strawberry half, and top with a sprinkle with smashed up graham cracker crumbsChill for 30 minutes before serving - and enjoy!
