Old School Valentine's

There are two things I will always remember from my childhood Valentine’s Days. The first is getting a pretty red heart filled with chocolates from my parents. They were ALWAYS See’s Chocolates. This, I believe started my obsession with See’s candy.

I have tried others- Helen Grace is decent, but to me, is just trying to hop on Mrs. Sees’ bandwagon. Godiva Chocolates are rich and fancy looking, but a bit too pretentious for me. There is no need to try so hard. When it comes down to it, give me a box of See’s and I am a happy woman.

Patrick...are you listening?

The second thing I remember from my childhood Valentine’s Days is making heart shaped Cherry Filled Cookies with my mom. We did this every year. The recipe was from her old 1963 Betty Crocker Cooky Cookbook.

We would bring the red book down off the shelf a few times every year. The cover is partially falling off and the pages reflect years of sticky fingers thumbing through the edges. Mom has notes written in the margins, and her favorite recipes indicated with a big “Excellent,” scribbled next to it. The book has fun photos of the cookies across the bottom of the pages. I love this old-school cookbook.

I found that old Betty has reprinted it using the original format. Check it out if you are so inclined.

This is the first year I attempted to make the cookies with the boys. I hope to make it a yearly tradition.

There’s Franklin. He’s got the Bieber hair going for him in this photo- try to contain yourselves, girls.

And the final result. Time consuming, but worth it.

Happy Valentine’s Day!