I don’t know about you but when I think of Valentine's Day I automatically think of my favorite sweets. Is there a more perfect excuse for a dessert party? What a fun way to express our love for those so important in our lives–our spouses, our children, our very special friends and neighbors.

My favorites? First on the list, along with possibly 99% of the world population, is chocolate. My special addiction is for See’s Candy. If there’s a See’s store within a ten mile radius of where ever I happen to be I’ll find it and drop in for a piece or two. I try not to buy a whole box. I’ve been known to snuggle down in a favorite chair with a favorite book, a box of See’s and eat the whole darned thing.

A few years ago I found a recipe for See’s Fudge in the Wednesday food section of a daily newspaper. While I would never attempt to duplicate See’s Chocolates I did decide to try the fudge recipe. It’s perfect! I’ve included the recipe (see below). Add fudge squares to your dessert party table.

It comforts me to know that ever since See’s went “mail-order” a few years ago my legal addiction can be soothed via Federal Express. If you would like to become legally addicted to one of the world’s great food gifts you can call See’s Candies at 1-800-877-7337. Naturally they have beautiful, bright red heart shaped boxes for your favorite Valentine.

In second place on my favorite flavors list is cherries----specifically Cherries Jubilee. It’s a dessert that is spectacular and dramatic when flamed and absolutely delicious, flamed or not. You can even make it with Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream. That way you’ll incorporate the flavors of cherries and chocolate all in one scrumptious presentation.

Cherries Jubilee

I have used several Cherries Jubilee recipes at home over the years and have tried several in restaurants trying to find what to my taste was the perfect recipe. They all seemed to fall a little short of what I expected. Then I found this one and I don’t even remember where. The only thing wrong with the recipe was that it didn’t call for enough cherries so I’ve upped the amount in the recipe and now I’m happy. It’s delicious.

Traditionally Cherries Jubilee is made in a chafing dish and flamed at table side but you can make it in a sauce pan. Transfer it to a pretty oven proof ceramic serving bowl and ladle it warm over individual bowls of vanilla ice cream at the table. Flamed or not this is a sensational dessert but flamed is more fun.

• 1 - 15 oz. can dark Northwest sweet cherries in syrup, preferably pitted, drained, reserving 1 cup of juice (add a little water if there’s not quite enough)
• 1 Tbs. cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 tsp. almond extract
• 2 Tbs. Kirsch (at the liquor store)
• 2 Tbs. good brandy
• 1 Tbs. butter

Bring juice to a boil. Mix together cornstarch, sugar and a little juice and add to boiling mixture. Boil about one minute until slightly thickened. Add the cherries and almond extract. Remove from heat if you’re doing this on the stove top. Add butter, Kirsch and brandy and mix. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream. If you can’t find pitted cherries and don’t take the time to pit them yourself be sure to warn your guests so you won’t have to call 911 for cherry pit removal!

To flame, put cherries in a ceramic serving bowl if it’s not already in a chafing dish and pour 1/4 cup of good brandy or Purple Label rum over and light with a match. For a dramatic presentation turn the lights down low so you can see the beautiful undulating blue flame. Ladle carefully over vanilla ice-cream.

Can be garnished with a few slivered almonds and served with simple to make, crunchy and delicious little Heart Shaped Puff Pastry Cookies. (If you find yourself getting ambitious with puff pastry, other recipes can be found on the Puff Pastry web site.)

Heart Shaped Puff Pastry Cookies

Buy 1 package of Pepperidge Farm puff pastry. Thaw one sheet (half of a 17 oz. package) and roll to an 11x14 rectangle. Cut dough with a 3 inch heart shaped cookie cutter. Put on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with a mixture of 2 Tbs. sugar and 1/2 tsp. nutmeg. Bake at 350 degrees until cookies are puffed and golden, about 15 minutes.

See’s Fudge

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 (6 oz) package semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 (5 3/4 oz.) can evaporated milk
• 10 large marshmallows
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Combine butter, chocolate pieces and vanilla in medium bowl. Set aside.

Place sugar, evaporated milk and marshmallows in medium saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and cook 6 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour hot mixture over ingredients in bowl. Beat with electric mixer until fudge is thick and dull (this doesn’t take long). Stir in nuts.

Pour into lightly buttered 8 inch square baking pan. Refrigerate several hours to firm. Makes about 36 squares.

Add to your dessert buffet another of your favorite desserts or some fresh fruits with dipping sauce. I love lemon so my choice would be a lemon loaf or bundt cake with lemon glaze.

Have a Happy Valentines Day
Hugs and Kisses, Martha

SEIZE THE MOMENT--REMEMBER ALL THOSE LADIES ON THE TITANIC WHO WAVED OFF THE DESSERT CART.

- ERMA BOMBECK

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THE CASUAL COOK
by Martha Strom