Sweet

Somethings

Our volunteer Field Editors reveal the thoughtful measures they take to ensure that Valentine’s Day is extra special (and delicious!) for their loved ones.

“I try new recipes that take a little extra effort, knowing my family’s faces will light up when I serve them. It’s kind of like you’re stirring the love in as you cook!”

—Gina Dolieslager, Conway Springs, Kansas

“For special dinners, I have heart-shaped springform pans, heart cake pans, a heart casserole dish, a heart cocotte, red and white dishes, and even an apron with hearts and matching napkins.”

—Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota

“The kids and I make one of my husband’s favorite meals and my favorite dessert—chocolate cake! The kids then help me set the dining table with candles and our ‘fancy’ plates, and we have a nice dinner together.”

—Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

“Because we are a military/first-responder family, I send things to my husband’s co-workers. Last year I did strawberrystuffed cupcakes. No one is left out on Valentine’s Day!”

—Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

“Valentine’s Day is our wedding anniversary. Because the very first meal I prepared for my husband was cheese manicotti, it has become a tradition to have that dish for the holiday. It brings back sweet memories, even after 47 years.”

—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

“I pack a ‘loving on you’ lunch for my husband, then I write a love poem about our journey together as man and wife—past, present and future.”

—Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California