Matters Of Hearts
By Arleen M. Kaptur, Fri Dec 9th

As soon as February rolls around, everyone is thinking "hearts."Hearts are the universal symbol for love, affection, and caring.There are heart-shaped boxes, cookies, flowerarrangements, gift boxes, and charms. Children send Valentine'sDay cards to classmates and friends, and adults show theirfeelings with notes, gifts, and special events.

Mealtime can also be an opportunity to use hearts in our tabledecor. Heart-shaped ice cubes add just that touch of romance towine and champagne. Use enouch cassis for color to insure firmcubes. Using yor favorite heart-shaped cookie cutters, place"hearts" of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or pepperjackon appetizer platters, or to accent a meat dish, vegetables, orwhatever you choose. For a Valentine dipping bowl, cut a heartshape around a squash stem and remove the contents. Fill withyour favorite dip and surround with your choice of dippers.Heart-shaped cutters can be used to make sandwiches, cookies,bread slices, and cucumber slices. Heart-shaped pancakes, andheart-shaped cut outs on the crust of your favorite fruit piesadd delight when that special day rolls around.

If you don't have heart-shaped pans, fill paper or foil linedmuffin cups half full of batter. Tuck a 1/2" foil ball or marblebetween the liner and the cup to form a heart shape. Bake yourcupcakes as usual.

When mealtime rolls around set your table with red, pink, andwhile table covers and napkins. Tie red/white or red/pink yarnaround silverware held in colorful napkins. Place a kissor heart-saying on each plate or pass a bowl around andlet everyone pick a note. In paper-bag lunches, slip in amessage, or a special treat. Visit a special person and makethem feel loved and cared for.

However you celebrate Valentine's Day, don't let the feelingpass with the day. Carry a pocket-full of "hearts" and sharethem with everyone. ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 January

About the author:Arleen has written numerous books, articles, cookbooks, and hernewsletters: http://www.Arleens-rusticliving.comhttp://www.arleenssite.com

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