Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! This is a photo of one of my all time favorite V-Day gifts from my husband of 13.5 years: The Southern Heritage Cookie Jar Cookbook. Kyle went online and found one, as these are scarce. There are no prunes in this one, folks. Just lots of lovely recipes, pictures and history of food. This and the Cakes book are my favorites in my favorite series!

But this year he surpassed even this one. I now have a laptop and router so I can write or work all over the house. When we adopted the baby last year, I lost my office, but then signed a bunch of contracts for new freelance books and projects. I've been eeking out work (and blogging) in short intervals as I can. I came home from Love is Murder last weekend wondering aloud how I would get my work for three new projects done when our computer is in our bedroom! This was his answer. I'm so excited. In my mind it doesn't get more romantic than this.

I got him a tin of Moose Munch, if anyone is wondering. Trust me - he loves it!

Here's a recipe from The Cookie Jar:

To-My-Valentine Cookies

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup quick-cooking oats, uncooked

Powdered Sugar frosting (2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whipping cream, red food coloring)

Cream butter in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, and beat well. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and oats, stirring well. Add to creamed mixture; stir well. Divide dough in half, and chill thoroughly.

Roll half of dough to 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface; keep remaining dough chilled until ready to use. Cut with a heart-shaped cutter. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 8 - 10 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets, and cool on wire racks. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Frost with Powdered Sugar Frosting. Yields about 3 dozen cookies.

Today is also the perfect day to read a romance novel. Regency ones especially bring gallantry and romance to life. Grab an Amanda Quick if you can't think of another and enjoy.

Happy Valentine's Day!