Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine's Day Desserts. Love It Or Hate It.

Valentine’s Day is an interesting day. To many of the male race, it is an imaginary holiday made up solely for the women in their lives. It is a waste of time, money and energy. It is a threat to their masculinity. It is an opportunity to make a major error. It is a risk of getting shut down.


To females, it is dreaded or anxiously anticipated. Whether you’re that girl who is showered with gifts and attention year after year or the one who shacks up with the Notebook and a tub of ice cream, this holiday goes hand in hand with emotionally charged feelings.


I’ve had my share of uneventful Valentine’s. Apart from elementary school when I specifically remember getting a white teddy bear, a heart holding gorilla and a ring from three different stud muffins (you know who you are, fellas), the best one I can remember is getting take-out Chinese food with my high school boyfriend only because the wait at Outback Steakhouse was too long.


The worst one I can remember was a lonely Wednesday at Penn State where my professor scheduled a mandatory night class video showing and because I was single and maybe depressed, the only thing that got me through the evening was that I knew after the movie I was going straight to Fraser Street Deli to drown my pathetic ill will with the most fantastic Panini known to man. I walked into Fraser Street at 8:31. They closed at 8:30 and wouldn’t let me come in. To any male restaurant owners out there, never turn away a lonely girl on Valentine’s Day. She needs that Panini more than you know.


Last year my Valentine’s Day was spent at Chevy’s with Amie where I’m pretty sure the waitress thought we were lesbians.


The year before I waited until 10:00 to have dinner with Alex who was returning from an away game for lacrosse. “Happy Saturday,” he says.


So to me, this day is just another Monday, but Mondays -- and Valentine’s Day, for that matter -- can always get a little bit better. And whether you’re sharing these with your special someone, your friends, or maybe just closing up shack in your bedroom alone, here are my ten favorite desserts (in no particular order) that I’ve made here at The Messie Kitchen.
Rolo Surprise Cookies. I mean, it's not April Fools but a little trickery is cool any time of year.
Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars. You will not be able to stop at one. These were absolutely fabulous, and even though I made them at Christmas, they are totally appropriate for today.
Creme de Menthe Brownies. If you're one of those people who doesn't know the meaning of "too rich" or "too chocolatey," these are for you. Mind-blowing.
Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies. Because a humble little cookie is the difference between a boring night and a sweet one. And c'mon, we all know peanut butter and chocolate are the ultimate couple.
Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches. Not only were these easy to make, but they are red! That's basically screaming Valentine's Day, obviously.
Red Velvet Cake Truffles, or in laymen's terms, Cake Balls. If you're lamenting the holiday, find solace in digging your hands into a giant bowl of cake and frosting with this recipe. A little more time consuming, but well worth the effort.
Devil's Food Peanut Butter Cookies. I've never had a chewier cookie. These are perfect. I had to give them away before I ate all of them. Unfortunately, I gave them to my friend who is allergic to peanut butter. Damn. Hey, if you have any ex-boyfriend allergic to peanut butter, go ahead and send them a tin of these bad boys! Valentine's Day revenge is neat!
Butterscotch Apple Cake. If a non-chocolate cake can make it onto The Messie Kitchen, you have to believe it is out of this world. If you want a significant other, go ahead and make this for that person. They will melt in your sugar glazed hands.
Tres Leches Cake. Throwing a fiesta? Make this. Just like every happy relationship, this cake gets better and better with each passing day.
Reverse Peanut Butter Cup Cake. You can simultaneously make this cake and eat peanut butter out of the jar. If that doesn't spell out lonely on Valentine's Day, I don't know what does.


All of my clever banter aside, I hope you have a marvelous Valentine's Day. If you're spending this one solo, buck up, because it's just some stupid holiday made up for the popular girls to get chocolate and roses. If you're spending it with someone you love, don't be too obnoxious, but do at least tell each other that you care.


That's all I've got tonight, folks. Hugs and Kisses.

5 comments:

Taylor said...

Mmm I'll take one of each please :) If I didn't already have a Valentine's Day dessert to make I'd definitely be making that chocolate peanut butter cake!

Monet said...

I've had my share of good and bad Valentine's Days, but thankfully each year, I have my family to throw all sorts of love my way. And now, I have Ryan, which has been the biggest blessing of all. Thank you for sharing all of these sweet treats with me tonight. Hugs and well wishes from Austin! Happy Valentine's Day!

Anonymous said...

I've had good and bad Valentine's Days as well, but with all of these awesome recipes, am starting to think there is nothing but a good Valentine's Day :) Yum!

Mackenzie@The Caramel Cookie said...

The chocolate peanut butter cake looks wonderful :)

Megan said...

Everything looks delicious!!