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Fall in love with these 5 Easy Valentine’s Day snack ideas

Fall in love with these 5 Easy Valentine's Day snack ideas - Caprese salad

Can you believe Valentine’s Day is right around the corner? Whether you’re looking for a healthy treat that’s classroom ready or something sweet to snack on with your S.O., here are 5 easy Valentine’s Day snacks to share with your loves this Feb. 14. Crush-worthy clementines Just cut your clementine sections at an angle and skewer two together to make cupids bow. Tomato togetherness Cut your cherry tomatoes at an angle about 1/3 of the way down. Then cut the larger piece in half, longways. Skewer the two sides together to make a terrific tasting tomato heart. Sentimental Cinnamon rolls Open a can of cinnamon rolls. Carefully uncoil one cinnamon roll at a time and reform into a heart. Bake at temperature packaging suggests, but notice the time will have to be cut. Hearts are typically ready in about 5 minutes less that packaging suggests. Partial to Pizza Roll out pizza…

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10 delicious facts you never knew about Girl Scout cookies

Close up of Girl Scout cookies

Just in time to spoil your New Year’s Resolution, badge-covered vest wearing Girl Scouts arrive at your door with their brilliant fundraising idea — cookies.  Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs: You know you can’t resist. If you haven’t placed your order yet this year, better hurry. More than 2.6 million Girl Scouts in the United States will be turning in their cookie orders soon. And while you’re looking forward to receiving your cookies sometime in weeks that follow, its also worth reflecting on the storied past of these iconic cookies. The entrepreneurial cookie initiative dates back a whole lot further than you might expect. So listen up and earn your merit badge for the day with these 10 facts about Girl Scout cookies. 1. Home baked business In 1917, just five years after Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts in Savannah, Georgia, the Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma decided to sell cookies…

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Seasonal

Here is the most popular Valentine’s Day candy in every state

Here is the most popular Valentine's Day candy in every state

Valentine’s Day is a holiday dedicated to love, romance, and of course, candy. The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend about $1.8 billion on candy this year as part of their Feb. 14 celebrations. As far as holiday indulgences go, candy is relatively inexpensive, so for couples looking to not break the bank, exchanging favorite sweets is a popular activity. Candy isn’t just for couples, however — 42% of people said they would buy themselves a box of chocolates this year. It’s clear that everyone loves candy, but where you live is likely to influence what you buy and give. Using sales data from the past 11 years, bulk candy company CandyStore.com determined each state’s favorite candy. Here’s what people are ordering where you’re from: Source: CandyStore.com. Alabama: Candy necklaces Alaska: Heart-shaped box of chocolates Arizona: Conversation hearts Arkansas: Hershey Kisses California: Conversation hearts Colorado: Conversation hearts Connecticut:…

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Crave-Worthy Recipes

Chocolate raspberry thumbprints to love

Chocolate raspberry thumbprints to love2

Raspberry and chocolate. Need I say more? This classic combo is easy to love on Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to treat yourself — or someone else! — to something special. I wanted a quick cookie that could ship easily to those I love overseas and across country. With protection of a cookie tin and a few layers of wax paper to separate, these did the job beautifully — thanks for the idea Saving Room for Dessert.  Chocolate raspberry thumbprints Ingredients 2 cups flour, leveled 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp salt 1 cup sugar 2 sticks butter (1 cup), room temperature 1 egg yolk 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup raspberry jam, stirred (seeded or unseeded) Optional: 2 tbsp milk Optional: crushed pistachios, Directions In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugar…

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Crave-Worthy Recipes

Pink, raspberry crepes perfect for Valentine’s Day, every day

Guys, listen up. If you’re going to serve breakfast in bed on Valentine’s Day, it should definitely be these pink, raspberry crepes. They’re sweet and delicious, and definitely photogenic — think: mad props for your efforts posted on her Instagram account. With just a few ingredients on the list, they’re way less difficult to pull off than they appear. Plus, you can fill with any of her favorite fruits, or drizzle with warm chocolate sauce to really heat up the holiday of love. *It helps to have a crepe maker, but any non-stick pan or griddle will work.  Simple Raspberry crepes Crepe Ingredients 1 cup flour 1 tbsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups milk 4 eggs 3 tbsp. melted butter 5-6 drops red food coloring, (Add more if you like a darker pink or red crepe) 1-2 cups fresh raspberries, rinsed Whipped Creme Ingredients 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 2-3…

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Seasonal

14 things you should cover in chocolate for Valentine’s Day

14 things you should cover in chocolate for Valentine's Day

Chocolate covered strawberries are incredible, but most things tastes delicious when smothered in a layer of smooth, warm, chocolate. Why not expand your skills this year, and try something new? Here are 14 new ideas for that pot of tempered, melty fudge. Marshmallow pops To get to that delicious, chewy marshmallow you must first break through a layer of sweet, melty fudge first. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/553520610438069437/ Banana split bites Most fruits can be a perfect companion to luscious chocolate. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202591683215403774/ Chocolate and bacon covered pretzels A way to his heart… https://www.pinterest.com/pin/206602701631196610/ Chocolate covered apple slices Be sure to use good, firm apples for best results. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302585668692928251/ Chocolate covered cookie dough balls Imagine receiving a heart-shaped box of these beauties. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/108790147222673563/ Chocolate covered potato chips Sweet and salty is always a good combo. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/13370130119218641/ Chocolate covered jalApeños Raise the heat this Valentine’s Day with these chocolate covered jalapeños. Spicy and smooth are an excellent…

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These are the 100 Most romantic restaurants in America

These are the 100 Most romantic restaurants in America

Sometimes you just need to fill your stomach, but other times, you’re going out for the food as much as the ambiance. As the biggest dining out holiday of the year approaches, OpenTable, an online provider of dining reservations, unveiled what users voted as the most romantic restaurants. More than 12 million verified experiences were tabulated, so it’s safe to say this isn’t just one person’s opinion on romance. The complete list is pretty diverse and includes 32 different states. The food includes everything from Italian and French to steakhouses — proving the right atmosphere and charming location matters just as much, if not more than the type of food served. Listed in alphabetical order, here are the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2018. 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2018 Altius – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd08yzeljz2/?taken-by=altius_pgh Ariana – Bend, Oregon https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbr9_dTBBQs/?taken-at=1986676 Arrowleaf Bistro – Winthrop, Washington https://www.instagram.com/p/w2vgC6pCVN/?taken-by=arrowleafbistro…

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Survey reveals most popular Valentine’s Day candy by state

Survey reveals most popular Valentine's Day candy by state

It’s no secret that people spend big bucks for gifts on Valentine’s Day. Flowers, perfume, jewelry, romantic getaways, and, of course, candy. It’s projected that Americans will spend about $1.8 billion on the sweet stuff in the weeks leading up to the holiday of love. But if you’re not sure what kind of sugar to buy your sweetie, a glance at this state-by-state map of favorite candies might give you some inspiration. CandyStore.com analyzed 10 years of online bulk candy sales from January 1 through February 14 every year to revel the trends. And it looks like there’s a new candy king in town. Conversation hearts are favored by more people than the traditional heart-shaped box of chocolates. Other lovable favorites like Hershey Kisses and chocolate hearts also made the list. So which candy does your state prefer? Does it sync with your own favorites? When it comes to Valentine’s Day…

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6 unexpected factors that put you at risk of heart disease

6 unexpected factors that put you at risk of heart disease

Every 60 seconds, a women will die from heart disease in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease is the number one killer of women (and men) in America, but it’s not always just giving up cigarettes and stepping away from donut box that will save you. It’s a little more involved than that. It is true that the biggest risk factors for heart disease are obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and high blood pressure, according to the AHA, but as a women, there are other factors than increase your risk of blocked arteries as well. Little did you know that when you were growing up, your likelihood for developing heart disease was beginning to form. While you couldn’t decide at what age you got your period or whether you’ve had heartbreak, you can avoid other lesser-known stressors like diet pills. February is Heart Healthy Month, and if you’re serious…

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Seasonal

15 Sweet breakfast ideas for Valentine’s Day morning

15 Sweet breakfast ideas for Valentine's Day morning

There’s no better, or easier, way to score big points on Valentine’s Day than with a delicious breakfast-in-bed spread for your sweetie. Wake up a few minutes early and sneak off to the kitchen to whip up wondrous red velvet waffles, or keep it light with light pink smoothies and yogurt bits. Keep these 14 sweet recipes on hand for your most unforgettable Feb. 14 morning yet. Nutella and Strawberry stuffed french toast Nutella and strawberry is a match made in breakfast heaven. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233272455673397780/ Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls Cinnamon rolls are even sweeter when when they’re reshaped like little hearts. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/207306389072827213/ Banana Pancakes Aside from the romantic song Jack Johnson wrote about them, banana pancakes are just a delicious morning meal. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/102034747785964220/ Strawberry Cream Cheese breakfast pastries These would be a sweet breakfast no matter what shape they are, but you’ll definitely get bonus points for the extra heart-shaped effort. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48343395978352965/ French Toast Churros Serve…

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