No treat is more special than one created and served with absolute love. When I think of romantic, sexy or loving foods, the following come to mind: chocolate, whipped cream and strawberries. With St. Valentine’s Day approaching, I wanted to share two of my favorite recipes that fill me with love. Whether you’re cooking for that special someone, kids, a couple of girlfriends or yourself, I guarantee that the recipient(s) will thoroughly enjoy.

“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.”
- John Gunther

 

My favorite recipe brings me back to my childhood. I call it “Mommy’s French Toast”. There is no greater love than that of a mother! Every time I make this, I remember those Saturday mornings waking up to the smell of nutmeg. Mmmm! This is my mom’s recipe with a couple of twists. Of course, she still makes it Best!

 

What you’ll need for 2 servings:

3 eggs

2 teaspoons of nutmeg

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ cup of sugar (I like to use sugar in the raw)

¼ cup of milk

6 thin pieces of wheat bread

Butter

1 teaspoon of confectioner’s sugar (optional)

6 strawberries (optional)

2 dollops of whipped cream (optional)

1 heart full of love (required)

 

Now for Prep:

1. Combine eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, ¼ cup of sugar and milk into a medium bowl.

2. Coat a frying pan with butter and place on stove-top at low-medium heat

3. Dip a slice of bread into mixture. Make sure the entire slice is moistened. Drip excess liquid off of bread into bowl.

4. Place slice of bread in pan and allow to brown for 2-3 minutes, then flip to other side and allow to brown for 2-3 minutes.

5. Continue with each slice

 

Presentation:

1. Cut each slice in half diagonally and place them on the plates

2. Gently shake confectioner’s sugar over the diagonal slices

3. Cut Strawberries down the middle, slice into quarters and place on plates

4. Place a dollop of whipped cream on each plate

 

Tips:

1. After each individual slice is done, I place them on a pan in a preheated oven (about 200 degrees).

2. I enjoy my French toast with a few slices of grilled turkey bacon.

3. Serve with love

 

Bon Appétit!

Photo: “Mommy’s French Toast” by Christina Latrice

The second recipe is a quick treat to enjoy. It’s not Valentine’s Day without Chocolate. So, how about some Chocolate covered strawberries? Fun to make with the kids or with your love!

 

Ingredients:

1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips

¼ cup of white chocolate

20 strawberries, washed with stem (make sure they are dried as best as possible)

2 tablespoons Coconut (optional)

2 tablespoons Chopped walnuts (optional)

 

What you’ll need:

Wax paper

2 Saucepans

2 Heatproof bowls

 

What to do:

1. Place semi sweet chocolate in heatproof bowl, Place white chocolate chips in a separate bowl.

2. Fill saucepans half way with water and bring to a low boil.

3. Remove water from heat and place bowls in water. Stir chocolate until smooth.

4. Take one strawberry by the stem and dip into semi sweet chocolate. Lift out of bowl and gently spin to allow excess chocolate to drip into bowl.

5. Place strawberry on wax paper lined plate or cookie sheet.

6. Repeat with remaining strawberries

7. Dip a fork into white chocolate and drizzle over as many strawberries as you like.

8. Sprinkle coconut over a few strawberries

9. Sprinkle walnuts over a few strawberries

10. Allow to cool in refrigerator for 20- 30 minutes.

 

Enjoy!

 

 Photo Credit: “Vintage Fairytale”

“As in the rest of life; Love is the most important ingredient.”

-Christina Latrice