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February 14

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Crave-Worthy Recipes

Red velvet pizzelle are a perfect cookie for February

Red_Velvet_Pizzelle_3

Pizzelle are the ultimate holiday cookie. In my family, we eat them for Christmas and New Year and always, always, always around Easter. We can even count on them for birthdays. Valentine’s Day was feeling left out so I put a red velvet twist on this traditional Italian cookie. The bright red color and crispy, rich chocolatey taste make them perfect for sharing with your better half. Dunk these Red Velvet Pizzelle in ice cold milk or savor with your morning coffee for a combo that will have you believing in love at first bite. Red Velvet Pizzelle Makes about 3 dozen Ingredients 3 large eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 2 tsp vanilla 2 tsp red food coloring Directions Preheat pizzelle iron and set aside. Lay a few low-lint…

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A short but sweet history of Hershey’s kisses

A short but sweet history of Hershey's kisses

The year was 1907. Theodore Roosevelt was president of the United States, Oklahoma had been admitted as 46th state in the Union, and Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses came into the nation’s collective candy-loving conscious. Hershey’s has been planting its chocolaty kisses on Americans for more than 110 years. Today, the bite-sized candy is the 5th most popular chocolate brand in the country, with sales topping $400 million. To keep up with demand, more than 60 million Hershey’s Kisses are produced each day between the company’s two factories. So how exactly did this iconic candy get its lovable name? While no one alive today was there to witness the first bottom-heavy, bite-sized, chocolaty blob hit the conveyor belt, urban lore has it that the tasty treat was named for the lip-smacking sound the machinery made when dropping the melty chocolates during the manufacturing process. Naysayers argue that the word “kiss” had been a…

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Crave-Worthy Recipes

Heart-shaped peanut butter cookies

Heart-shaped peanut butter cookiesMeghan Rodgers

Soft, sweet, and chewy, who can resist peanut butter cookies? This recipe is packed with peanut flavor, sure to satisfy that peanut butter craving. They taste as delicious dunked in ice cold milk as they do all on their own. Plus, you’ll fall in love with the little heart-shaped design. This is my go-to recipe for peanut butter cookies. While I don’t always take the extra time to make them into hearts, you simply have to this time of year. It’s so easy, and no cookie cutter or rolling out dough necessary. It makes them extra fun for kids and coworkers, plus, it gives you an excuse to get baking in the first place! You can put this creative twist on just about any peanut butter cookie recipe (some of the 3-ingredients recipes are a little too crumbly to hold up). How to make heart-shaped peanut butter cookies Step 1…

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The 100 most romantic restaurants in America, according to OpenTable users

The 100 most romantic restaurants in America, according to OpenTable users

Valentine’s Day is the most popular day all year for dining out, and to help diners decide where to impress the object of their affection, OpenTable has released its user generated annual list of 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. The online restaurant reservation company creates its comprehensive list by culling more than 12 million verified diner reviews of more than 28,000 restaurants in all 50 states plus D.C. And the results? Perhaps surprisingly, Ohio tops the list with nine recognized restaurants. Texas comes in close with eight, followed by North Carolina and Virginia with seven each. Pennsylvania places fifth with six winning restaurants. And the type of food diners desire most? American cuisine-serving restaurants dominate the list, but French, Italian, Latin, Seafood, and Southern restaurants have a strong showing, so you’ll be able to customize the cuisine to whatever your love loves most. “These 100 restaurants excel at setting…

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25 most romantic restaurants in Pittsburgh

25 most romantic restaurants in Pittsburgh

The once industrial Steel City might be well-known for its dominating sports teams and french fry smothered salads and sandwiches—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a softer side. Take the guesswork out of where to go this Valentine’s Day. From fire-lit dining, to impeccable service, historic architecture, and of course, decadent dishes, Pittsburgh’s most romantic restaurants have something for everyone. 1. Altius Award-winning Altius offers contemporary American cuisine served with a scenic city view. From its spectacular location atop Mt. Washington to its exceptional new dining concept created by B DeFrancis and Chef Jessica Bauer, Altius takes the dining experience “higher”—which just so happens to be the Latin translation of its name. Make reservations here.  1230 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15211, Phone: 412-904-4442 2. Hyeholde Hyeholde sits on four acres of gardens and winding stone paths. It’s easy to see why it has long been considered one of the most…

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The most popular Valentine’s Day candy in each state

The most popular Valentine's Day candy in each state

Valentine’s Day is all about love—and what candy you’re going to buy to demonstrate that love. February 14 is a holiday centered around indulgent gifts and treats. The National Retail Federation is forecasting that spending on sweets this season will be strong. Candy is projected to take in a whopping $2.4 billion this month.—smashing last years record by $600 million. Also read: The Sweet History of the Heart-Shaped Box of Chocolates Of course, what candy you should buy depends on the sugar-coated wishes of your one true love—But it might also depend on where you live. Candystore.com has compiled online sales data from the past 12 years to determine what candies are most popular in each state. The map below illustrates the results: Source: CandyStore.com. Key takeaways Missing the conversation Conversation hearts were once the darling of Valentine’s Day, but after a change of manufacturer’s hands last year, and the…

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Crave-Worthy Recipes

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Brownies with cream cheese frosting_2

We swear we’re done eating junk after the holidays, and then BAM! Valentine’s Day goodies are everywhere. But I have to tell you, these red velvet brownies are totally worth it! If you’re a fan of red velvet, you’ll love these moist, chewy brownies. They’re 100 percent homemade, and ready in no time. Even the cream cheese frosting is homemade. Yes, you can leave your brownies bare, but red velvet and cream cheese are just meant to be together. If I can give you one tip, it’s when you go to cut your finished baked goods, clean your knife after each cut. Bonus points for warming it up a bit under the faucet first. A warm, clean knife will ensure your keeping the luscious crumbs and the cream, white icing in their separate layers. You can also make these in muffin tins for easy removal and less hassle. Red Velvet…

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20 Valentine’s Day restaurant specials you’ll fall in love with in 2020

20 Valentine's Day restaurant specials you'll fall in love with

Valentine’s Day is a holiday dedicated to love—love of food that is. From heart-shaped snacks, to sweet treats, sizzling steaks, and even romantic breakfasts in bed, the holiday is centered around indulging in some decadent foods. If letting someone else do the cooking this February 14 sounds like a dreamy love story to you, you’re in luck. There are tons of great Valentine’s Day restaurants offering fantastic specials this year. Whether you’re celebrating love with your better half, affection you have toward your BFFs, or just treating yourself to a night with rom-coms and your favorite foods, here’s where to go for some sweet Valentine’s Day themed menus. Buca di Beppo Enjoy a “Classic Love Package” including a heart-shaped lasagna, two small Buca sides, garlic bread, salad, and mini chocolate chip cannoli for $54.99 this February 14. Make your reservations today. California Pizza Kitchen CPK guests can order their favorite…

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How to store Valentine’s Day candy to make it last

How to store Valentine's Day candy to make it last

We’re barely through Halloween when Christmas candy starts piling up. Then comes Valentine’s Day, and you know Easter is right around the corner. Unless you’re making a serious effort to gobble up your holiday candy, chances are that by now you have too much of it laying around. But no need to fret! Your Valentine’s Day candy—or any holiday candy—can be stored for the long haul and enjoyed later this year. Here’s how: General tips Candies have different storage requirements, but the pantry or a dry basement are usually safe bets to stash sweets for months. Freezing is a popular method for preserving food over a long period of time, but not all sweets are suited for the harsh cold of the freezer. Toffee and truffles can be frozen for up to 2 months, but avoid freezing anything with fruit or nuts. Avoid mixing types of candies in one container.…

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Sweethearts are back for Valentine’s Day 2020 but with a few changes

Sweethearts are back for Valentine's Day 2020 but with a few changes

Sweethearts are back on store shelves in time for Valentine’s Day. Last year, you may remember, if you wanted to tell the object of your affection to “BE MINE” or “KISS ME” you had to find another way. The iconic conversation hearts were missing from store shelves because of a change in ownership. Thankfully they’re back for Valentine’s Day 2020, but consumers might notice a few changes. Because of printing machine issues, not all hearts will receive printed messages. Some Sweethearts are being released blank. Yes—silent hearts. Additionally, Spangler the company behind Dum Dum lollipops and now Sweethearts, has decided to return to the original 118-year-old candy recipe. That means flavors like banana and wintergreen will find their way back in the box. Consumers can find Sweethearts for the 2020 season at big retailers like Walgreen’s and CVS, but should act soon. Spangler spokeswoman Diana Moore Eschhofen told CNBC that…

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