How to Plan a Valentine Celebration 

Learn how to plan a Valentine celebration which will be enjoyed by many of us in a few weeks. Each will celebrate in a different way but most with the typical heart shapes in some form. If you ask your friends for their favorite Valentine treats, many will answer with a chocolate dessert recipe.


When my children were young, I learned how to plan our Valentine celebration using some of my simple recipes like chicken casserole, chicken and dumplings or a tuna noodle casserole. Then I would make special Valentines Day recipes for dessert. Sometimes I would make a delicious chocolate fudge cake, which was a favorite. I would ice it and decorate it with Valentine hearts. Other times I might use one of my easy holiday recipes like moist brownies cut in heart shapes or a simple sugar cookie recipe with pink or red icing. A favorite Valentine treat was from my frozen dessert recipes and very simple to make.

FROZEN STRAWBERRY DESSERT RECIPE

How to Plan a Valentine CelebrationFrozen Strawberry Dessert Recipe
  • 1 Small tub Cool Whip
  • 1 Small box strawberry gelatin
  • 1 Cup strawberries, chopped small
  • ½ Cup chopped pecans

Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly together; spoon into paper lined muffin tins.

Freeze until solid.  

May garnish with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.

NOTE: If using tins without paper liners you may need to apply hot wet towel to bottom of tin to loosen.

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE RECIPE

Tuna Noodle Casserole RecipeTuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
  • ½ Cup butter
  • ½ Cup chopped celery
  • ½ Cup chopped green pepper
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 2 Cans tuna fish
  • 1 Can cream mushroom soup (no water)
  • 1 Can cream chicken soup (no water)
  • ½ Cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Jar pimento
  • 1 Pound cooked noodles
  • ½ Cup chopped almonds
  • 1 Cup grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.

Melt butter in a skillet; sautee’ celery, green pepper and onion until tender.

Combine tuna, cooked noodles, soups, mayonnaise, pimento and almonds.

Combine noodle mixture with the sautéed vegetables.

Spoon into a greased casserole baking dish; bake 40 minutes.

Top with grated cheese; bake additional 15 minutes.

Tuna Noodle Casserole RecipeA Serving of Tuna Noodle Casserole

BEST SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE decorate festive for a Valentine celebration

Best Sugar Cookie RecipeBest Sugar Cookie Recipe
  • 1 Cup softened butter
  • 1 ½ Cups powdered sugar
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 ½ Cups all purpose flour
  • 1 Teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 Teaspoon cream of tartar

Mix all ingredients thoroughly together; cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 375F degrees.

Divide dough into half; roll each half to ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured area.

Cut with cookie cutters; and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Frost and decorate.

Best Sugar Cookie RecipeThe Best Sugar Cookies Ready for the Oven

VALENTINE CHEESE SCONES

  • 2 Cups flour
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ Cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 Egg
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ Cup vegetable oil
  • 3 Tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 425F degrees.

Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and baking soda in a large bowl; stir in the cheese.

In another bowl combine egg, sour cream, oil and milk; stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened.

Turn out onto floured surface and knead about 10 times; gently pat out to 1/3 inch thickness.

Cut with 3 inch heart shape cutter; place on ungreased baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE 

  • 3 ½ Cups biscuit baking mix
  • 2/3 Cup PLUS 2 teaspoons sugar divided
  • ½ Cup cocoa powder
  • 1 Cup milk
  • 1/3 Cup melted butter
  • 1 Egg white
  • 2 ½ Pints fresh strawberries
  • 2 Cups whipping cream
  • 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 Cup chocolate syrup

Preheat oven to 400F degrees.

Combine biscuit mix, 2/3 cup sugar and cocoa powder in a large bowl. 

Stir in milk and butter; mix well.

Drop by 1/3 cup about 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet; sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes; cool on wire rack.

Set aside 10 whole strawberries; slice remaining berries.

In mixing bowl beat cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Split shortcakes in half; spoon whipped cream and sliced berries between layers.

Spoon whipped cream on top and drizzle with chocolate syrup; top with whole berry.

For my Valentine celebration this year I will be in Ecuador. I was there last year. I thought that Valentines Day was simply an American thing. A couple days before the holiday I went in to make reservations at La Mirage for several friends for dinner. I began to explain what this American holiday was about. I got this smile and nod. I said, “Do you know about Valentines Day.” Again I got this smile and nod. OK I thought.


The Valentine's Day arrived. Seven AM came. I heard a knock on the door. When I opened the door, a friend stood there with flowers and a box of candy. That was only the beginning! All day Kelly and I received beautiful Ecuador flowers, candy and delicious chocolate strawberries. I very quickly realized that this is also one of the Ecuador holidays and even more a part of the Ecuador culture than here in the US. Needless to say, this is one reason I want to be there this year.


I hope helps you learn how to plan your Valentine celebration!