Photo:
Spend some sweet time together this Valentine’s Day. Photo: iStock
As parents and caregivers, we know that there’s more to any holiday than candies and commercials. This Valentine’s Day, take some time to build memories together in the kitchen! It takes two to create the perfect Valentine’s Day treats, and we’ve got some great ideas to create together and share the love.
With options for any age and cooking skillset, I’ve rounded up some yummy holiday treats to make together, and highlighted where kids and adults can get involved. And when things get messy and a little unruly (as they tend to in the kitchen with kids), remember it’s not just about the result, but about the sweet time spent together.
Of sugar and spice
Sweeten up your Valentine’s Day with these tasty treats.
Valentine’s Day crispy treats
The classic crispy rice treats you love with a Valentine-themed twist. Level up your marshmallow game with these heart-shaped cereal sweets.
Adults: Supervise the melted butter and any added food coloring.
Kids: You’re in charge of getting the heart shapes right.
Valentine’s Day snack mix
Kitchen helpers assemble! This sweet and salty snack mix has a lot of ingredients. Fans of Chex Mix will love this pink and sweet twist on the family favorite with added M&M’s and white chocolate. P.S. Don’t skimp on the sprinkles!
Adults: Help manage the melted white chocolate and coating of the cereal.
Kids: Help measure each ingredient and mix it all together. Don’t forget to taste test as you go!
Get the recipe at Chelsea’s Messy Apron
German Lebkuchen with bananas
You know them, you love them, you’ve memorized the checkout code of 4011. This banana-forward recipe by Chiquita creates warm and flavorful banana cookies that you can decorate together.
Adults: Focus on measurements and prep.
Kids: You’re in charge of cookie cutters and frosting, but you can help mix the dough too.
Get the recipe at Chiquita
A mix of sweet and savory
Because love comes in all flavors, check out these heart-themed meals and snacks.
Valentine’s Day pasta salad
Kids and heart-shaped pasta? A clear hit for dinner. You can pick up fun pasta shapes like these at World Market. Add your kid-friendly pasta salad favorites to this recipe including salami, tomatoes, olives and cheese. This recipe uses Italian dressing, but you could substitute melted butter or leave it plain for picky eaters.
Adults: Boiling water is hot, so you get to help cook the pasta.
Kids: Older kids can help carefully slice the meat and cheese. Younger kids can help mix it all together and add dressing.
Get the recipe from Lake Life State of Mind
Heart-shaped homemade pizza
These heart-shaped pizzas use refrigerated pizza dough and cookie cutters to create your kids’ favorite dinner. Choose from cheese, pepperoni, sausage or pineapple — customize this recipe as your own. Some variations of this simple dinner include heart-shaped pepperonis too if you have a smaller-shaped cookie cutter available and some extra prep time.
Adults: Break out your personal pizza skills to handle the dough and cooking. You can help with the sauce too.
Kids: You’re in charge of decorating with all the toppings. Don’t forget the cheese!
Get the recipe at Feels Like Home Blog
Hearty eggs
Simple ingredients, fancy results. Start off your Valentine’s Day breakfast with these heart-shaped eggs.
Adults: Chief cook in charge of hot pans and cooking times.
Kids: Get the cookie cutter ready!
Learn the process at Savory online
Valentine’s Day snack packs
Heart-shaped food cutters and toothpicks are your friends when it comes to Valentine’s Day lunch and snack time. Experiment with creating your own heart carrots, cucumbers, pita bread and more.
Adults: Grab your chosen foods and handle the peeling and slicing that require more advanced knife skills.
Kids: What goes on which plate? It’s your turn to choose.
Get the instructions at Meaningful Eats
Hearty fruit friends
No time to cook together? No need to worry. Grab your favorite candy hearts, a food-safe marker, a dab of frosting and your favorite fruity friends (the kind with peel).
Adults: Acting CFO (Chief Frosting Operator).
Kids: Hearts and smiles are all yours.
Get expert tips at The Decorated Cookie
Sip a sweet surprise
Don’t limit Valentine’s Day treats to cooking and candy. Sate your holiday thirst with these special sips.
DIY Valentine’s Day sparkle water
This simple idea plays off one of our fun family favorites. Dress up your favorite juice with some fizzy water or soda or a little extra bubble. We love this combo of ⅔ strawberries and cream coconut water and ⅓ strawberries and cream fizzy water (which I purchased at Safeway). The glass is rimmed with sprinkles and garnished with fresh raspberry and strawberry. Switch it up with a bubbly fruit punch, pink lemonade or your favorite mix.
Adults: Prep the glasses and help with any garnish.
Kids: Pour in the ice and your favorite pink drinks.
Get our family recipe on Instagram
Berry cloud bliss
This smoothie adds a healthy twist with whipped farmer cheese and vanilla, plus a combination of mixed berry kefir and mixed berries. A different take on the idea of berries and cream, consider a few heart-shaped sprinkles as a customized topping.
Adults: This recipe is a little more advanced, so your support is needed for whipping and layering.
Kids: You’re in charge of sprinkles and taste testing. You can also help push the blender buttons with adult supervision.
Get the recipe with Lifeway Kefir
More Valentine’s Day fun: |
