Gather To Enjoy

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4: 8

One of my favorite ways to show love and caring is through food! Most holidays you will find me in my kitchen making treats. I had many ideas for treats for the special people in my life!  I always try to think of who I am giving too and what they enjoy. I am sharing 3 of my ideas with you today. Make sure you look at all my pictures, there are many today! Perhaps they will spark a different idea for you! As you will see I am sharing a VERY simple idea for berry salad, anyone can think up a berry salad! Your treats can be that simple! You do not have to be fancy OR spend a lot of time to show those around you how much you care! Just think of what they enjoy and go from there! ENJOY!

Turtle Pretzels

These are very tasty and super simple to make. Lay any kind of pretzel on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Lay a caramel on top. I use Werther’s Chewy Caramels and I cut them in half. They are softer than the ones I grew up with and they have a creamier taste. Place these in a 325 degree oven for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and quickly place a pecan half on top and set aside. Melt chocolate. I use Ghiradelli dark melting chocolate wafers. Place small round mounds on a parchment sheet. See the picture below. Then place your pretzel on top! SUPER SIMPLE and oh so tasty!

Valentine White Chocolate Snack Mix

I have been making this mix for years! it is well enjoyed by many people. The very nice thing about this mix is, it makes a lot so you can share with several friends!

2 bags white chocolate chips

1 TBSP vegetable oil

10 cups Rice Chex cereal

1 bag pretzels, I normally use sticks but used what I had which was a combination of sticks and mini twists

1 bag Valentine M-n-M’s

Put cereal, pretzels and MnM’s in a large bowl and mix to combine. Melt the chips and oil together, I do this in a double boiler until smooth. Pour over the cereal mixture and mix well. Then spread onto wax or parchment paper and allow to set for about 10 minutes. Break apart and store in a covered container or Ziploc bag! Makes a lot!

Valentine Berry Salad

I am sharing this idea because it is simple and it shows you that you don’t always have to make sweets in your kitchen! I eat berries almost everyday! I know many people who enjoy fresh fruit but don’t always prepare it for themselves. What a nice treat for a co-worker or neighbor! I made these extra special by doing half with lime juice which really brings out a fresh flavor and half with ginger lemonade! The ginger lemonade does add a little sugar to your berries but what is a little sugar when celebrating! I simple mix strawberries, blueberries and raspberries and place in small dishes. You could even give the little dish as a gift too! I simple squeeze fresh lime juice over the fruit OR a tsp of ginger lemonade on top and mix to combine! Nice fresh healthy Valentine treat! ENJOY!