Hallmark Can't Take Away My Holiday

I know a lot of people who choose not to celebrate Valentine's Day because they feel like it's become too commercialized. After all, it was invented by Hallmark as another occasion when the majority of adults feel the need to purchase greeting cards, right? And florists and chocolate companies and restaurants all boost their prices for no reason other than that they can. Americans feel pressured to buy their significant others expensive gifts, take them out for pricy dinners, and buy them overpriced bouquets and chocolates just to prove to each other - and society - that they care. How dopey is that?

Well, I admit, that's a legitimate argument. And I have a great deal of respect for anyone who chooses to ignore the societal pressure to "prove their love" one day a year. But, much like Christmas, I refuse to allow the commercialization of the holiday to take away a day which I enjoy using as a reminder of something that is deeply important to me.

In the same way that I can celebrate Christmas in my own way, without giving in to the commercials ordering me to buy my kids ridiculously expensive toys and piles and piles of unneeded presents, I can celebrate Valentine's Day in my own way, without needing to buy my husband $60 worth of faded roses and gift certificates for a massage and a bunch of car washes, and pay a babysitter so we can go out to a fancy restaurant the same day that half the known universe goes out to a fancy restaurant. I like having one day a year when the calendar tells me, "Hey, you need to focus more on your relationship with your husband. You need to forget about being a mother for a second and focus on being a wife. You need to take a moment to let him know that you love him, And why."

I love my husband all the time, and I do try to let him know often. Every day, I try to take time to focus on my relationship with him, and to make sure it doesn't get overshadowed by my relationship with my kids. We frequently go out without the kids and take time to nurture our relationship as husband and wife. I don't need a commercial holiday to tell me to do it. I don't need one day a year to focus on my romantic relationship. But I want one. I like having one. And I refuse to allow Hallmark to take that away from me.

There's a lot more to Valentine's Day than that.

Romantic Cocktails

Every cocktail has a personality: some are bubbly and exuberant, some are calm and relaxing, some are romantic. With Valentine’s Day coming tomorrow, here is a collection of cocktails that I consider to be very romantic.

Let’s start with a few champagne-based cocktails – because after all, what could be more romantic than champagne? (Please note: For all champagne-based cocktails, Prosecco, cava, or other sparkling wine may be used.)

Champagne Cocktail

A simple classic that adds just a hint of extra sweetness and bitterness.

Start with a chilled champagne flute, drop in a sugar cube, add a few dashes of bitters, and fill with champagne. Garnish with a twist of lemon. 

Orange Sparkler

Another simple recipe that adds a touch of sweetness and just a hint of citrus.

Pour a generous splash of Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or triple sec into a champagne flute and fill with champagne. Garnish with an orange twist.

French 75

The smokiness of cognac adds a depth of flavor to this class champagne cocktail.

In a cocktail shaker of ice, add 1 oz. brandy or cognac, ½ oz. lemon juice, and ½ oz. simple syrup. Shake well; pour into a champagne flute. Top with 2 oz. champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Next, at the risk of being obvious, how about cocktails that are red or pink?

Cranberry Ginger Martini

Ginger is often considered an aphrodisiac, and its heat combines well with the sweet-tart of cranberry juice to give a romantic variation on a Cosmopolitan.

Grate a few teaspoons of fresh ginger, muddle in a cocktail shaker along with a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries. Add ice, 4 oz. vodka, a generous splash of cranberry juice, a splash of lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with Sprite or 7-Up and garnish with a lemon twist.

Chambord Margarita

A margarita brings to mind the sultry spiciness of Hispanic culture, and this salty-sweet version delivers on that promise. 

Prepare a margarita glass by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it in decorator’s sugar or margarita salt. Place in freezer until ready to serve. In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 3 oz. tequila, 1-1/2 oz. lime juice, 1 oz. simple syrup, and ½ oz. Chambord. Shake well and strain into prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Egyptian Martini

This exotic martini has an unusual deep red color not unlike a Manhattan - but oh, so much more romantic. 

In a cocktail shaker over ice, mix 2 oz. Chambord, 1 oz. vanilla vodka (or vodka plus a splash of Tuaca), ½ oz. triple sec. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry and or fresh raspberries. If you want to get really fancy, float a bit of sparkling water on the top.

Of course, nothing says romance like chocolate, so this list would not be complete without a few chocolate-based treats.

Godiva Martini

In the land of chocolate, Godiva is king, and so is this rich, creamy, double chocolate martini.

Drizzle chocolate syrup in a chilled martini glass – just inside the rim, or make a pattern in the bottom of the glass. Chill in freezer until ready to serve. In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 1-1/2 oz. Godiva chocolate liqueur, 1-1/2 oz. crème de cacao, ½ oz. vanilla vodka (or vodka and Tuaca), and 2-1/2 oz. half and half. Strain into prepared glass. If desired, garnish with shaved chocolate.

Bailey’s Chocolate Martini

Creme de cacao delivers a more subtle chocolate flavor to this creamy treat, accented by the addition of Bailey's Irish Cream. 

Drizzle chocolate syrup in a chilled martini glass and chill in freezer until ready to serve. In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 1 oz. vanilla vodka (or vodka and Tuaca), ½ oz. crème de cacao, and 2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream. Shake and strain into prepared glass.

Chocolate Raspberry Truffletini

Chocolate and raspberry is a wonderful combination, but the hint of nuttiness from the amaretto brings it to another level. 

In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 2 oz. vanilla vodka (or vodka and Tuaca), 1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream, ¾ oz. Chambord, ¾ oz. Kahlua, and ½ oz. amaretto. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh raspberries.

And finally, what could be more romantic than a sweet, whipped-cream-topped dessert drink to finish off a romantic evening? Try ending your date with one of these sweet treats and you might just find it won’t end after all!

Caramel Macchiato Martini

Butterscotch can sometimes be overly sweet, but the bitterness of Kahlua and the smoothness of vanilla mellow the sweetness to perfection. 

Over ice in a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz. Bailey’s Caramel Liqueur (or 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream and 1 oz. butterscotch schnapps), 1-1/2 oz. Kahlua, 1 oz. vanilla vodka (or vodka and Tuaca), and 1-1/2 oz. half and half. Top generously with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Lemon Meringue Pie Martini

Tart, sweet, creamy, rich - this cocktail combines the best of every dessert into one fantastic finish.

Wet the edge of a chilled martini glass with lemon juice and dip in graham cracker crumbs. Chill in freezer until ready to serve. In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine ½ oz. vanilla vodka (or vodka and Tuaca), 2 oz. triple sec, 3 oz. half and half, and ½ oz. sweet and sour mix (or lemonade concentrate). Shake and strain into prepared glass. Top with whipped cream and a lemon twist.

Spanish Hot Chocolate

Some of my favorite dessert drinks are served hot, so the whipped cream melts into the chocolate and the warmth of the liqueur combines with the warmth of the hot chocolate, heating you right down to your toes. Isn't that romantic!

Pour 2-1/2 oz. cognac or brandy and 1-1/2 oz. Godiva chocolate liqueur into a glass or ceramic mug. Add 4 oz. hot chocolate and stir. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a piece of dark chocolate or chocolate shavings.

Happy Valentine's Day to you and whomever you're sharing it with (even if it's just your old pals Ben and Jerry - and especially then)!

What My Husband Is Getting Me for Valentine’s Day (and Doesn’t Even Know It)

My husband is a terrific gift-giver. For various occasions over the years, the list of gifts he has given me has included a GPS, a re-creation of my wedding bouquet, a set of real pearl jewelry, a Kindle Fire, a stylish leather coat, a designer dress, and innumerable fancy dinners. And these gifts are all very special to me. But what is even more special to me is the list of things he gives me on non-occasions.

He takes me out to dinner when he comes home and sees that I look tired or overwhelmed.

He takes out the trash.

He does the laundry, unloads the dishwasher, makes the bed, and puts away the kids’ toys when I don’t get to it, without ever complaining or even mentioning it.

He works long hours so I can afford to stay home with the kids.

He encourages me to splurge on myself sometimes.

He pushes me to do things he knows I’d enjoy but am too afraid to try.

He lets me cry on his shoulder without making me feel weak.

He pre-heats my side of the bed.

He never complains about my cold feet or my snoring.

He tells me every day that he loves me.

He tells me how much he appreciates everything I do, and that I’m a great wife and mom.

He takes my car in for oil changes and inspection stickers and new tires and detailing and probably other stuff that I don’t even realize needs doing.

He always offers to drive when we go to scary places, like Boston.

He laughs with me.

He encourages me to take time for myself, and does everything he can to make that possible.

He loves me for who I am, not who he wishes I were or even who I could be.

He compliments me.

He complements me.

Most of the things on this list, he probably does without even thinking about it. A few of the things, he does because he knows they make me happy. But mostly, he just does them because that’s the wonderful, kind, thoughtful, generous, sweet, loving person that he is.

And that’s why he’s my Valentine. Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart!

 

Happy Valentine's Day, or, Why I Love My Husband

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day when people tell their spouses, “I love you.” Husbands, particularly, are encouraged to give their wives flowers, chocolates, or jewelry. Hallmark insists that a card is crucial. Restaurants swear that a romantic candlelit dinner is required. All these things are very nice, and they can be lovely ways to show someone that you love them. But there are other ways, too.

My husband is a wonderful and generous gift-giver. He has given me flowers, chocolates, jewelry, cards, and elegant dinners on many occasions – and often for no occasion at all. But he gives me so much more, every day, to show me how much he loves me.

The smell of a bouquet of a dozen roses is nice, but the clean sweet smell of a baby that my husband just bathed so I could have a few minutes to myself is nicer.

Chocolate is delicious, but it’s even more delicious when it’s a bag of M&Ms that my husband bought so we could use them as rewards for potty-training my son together.

Jewelry is a generous gift, but the true gift is shown when I put it on and my husband looks at my face instead of my necklace and tells me how beautiful I look.

Cards are lovely keepsakes, but a piece of construction paper covered in crayon scribbles that my husband helped my son to make for me is even better.

Elegant dinners are a special way to spend time together, but it really touches my heart and makes me feel special when my husband cooks dinner and then sets up candles AND both kids’ highchairs at the dining room table for a romantic family dinner.

Over the years we’ve been together, my husband has given me many thoughtful gifts, from the practical to the frivolous. He’s given me a GPS and a Kindle. He’s treated me to massages and facials. He’s bought me clothes and shoes and a gorgeous leather jacket and a fabulous set of pearls. He’s taken me to restaurants and shows and museums and galleries. But the best gifts are the ones that aren’t quite so tangible. The gifts that mean the most to me are usually not given for a particular occasion. They’re things like getting my car inspected, and getting up with the kids so I can sleep in, and making breakfast on Sunday morning, and doing three loads of laundry, and rubbing my feet when my arthritis flares up. They’re squishing centipedes in the bathroom for me. They’re bragging to everyone he’s ever met that I’m performing in a show. They’re telling me that I’m a great mom, and I’m smart, and I’m a good writer, and I’m a talented actress, and I’m funny, and I’m beautiful. Those are the gifts that make me feel the most loved.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my wonderful sweetheart, my best friend, and my dearest love. Thank you for making every day Valentine’s Day.