Page 18 - Blue Valley News February 2021

LIFESTYLE

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

By Ann Arnott

ith curfews and lockdown still very mint leaves, sweetened to taste with a out a name. If someone gets their own name,
much part of our reality, an intimate simple sugar syrup, served in tumblers; or of course, there has to be a swop. Taking
WValentine’s date for two at a cosy peach juice, orange juice and cranberry juice turns, each person has to hide 5 clues in
restaurant is more likely to be a figment of splashed over ice in highball glasses. random places around the house. Each clue
one’s imagination this year, so why not make has to be a rhyme and be a little bit obscure,
it Valentine’s Day a celebration for the whole Sweetness and Valentine’s Day definitely to get the searcher guessing (but it shouldn’t
family? go together in the same thought bubble, be too difficult!) and must lead to the next
so plan a couple of dessert options, such as clue and then the next until the ‘treasure’
DECORATING IS PART OF THE FUN strawberries dipped in melted chocolate, or is found – it could be a KitKat or tube of
Regardless of whether it’s going to be a my personal favourite – Italian Cassata – easy Pringles, something fairly small that’s easy
romantic tête-à-tête or a free-for-all family to make by mixing chopped glacé cherries, to hide. Then everyone gets back to the start
shindig, setting the scene is essential. Red bits of candied fruit and shelled pistachio and you all set off at the same time. The one
candles, red serviettes, red balloons, and red nuts with soft vanilla ice cream and popping who comes back with their ‘treasure’ first gets
streamers should do the trick. And, of course, it into the freezer. Before serving, sprinkle a bigger prize. See more Scavenger Hunt tips
everyone must wear red. chocolate flakes on the top along with a few on the next page.
chopped glacé cherries. Yum!
THE WAY TO MY HEART IS THROUGH
MY STOMACH GAMES
A family celebration becomes all the more Many therapists suggest that couples, friends
special when good food and interesting and families who play together will stay close,
beverages are shared around the dining regardless of adversities, so let's make this fun
table. for everyone.
Note to Mom: You don’t want to be spending PLAN A SCAVENGER HUNT
the whole evening in the kitchen, so some You will need:
meal preparation the day before would be a
good idea. • Enough coloured pencils /felt tip pens for
everyone.
If your family loves spicy food, preparing a • Tinted paper or thin cardboard cut down
Thai Green curry that can mature overnight to A5 size.
would probably go down a treat. Cook the • A ‘treasure’ for each participant.
rice in the oven on the day, buy a ready- • And a larger ‘prize’.
made salad and you’re sorted. For the teens,
ordering some take-away pizzas should fill The little ones always enjoy the thrill of
the gaps. And make sure you mix up some searching for hidden treasure. But even the
mocktails to suit the occasion – like a blend teens can get involved in this one. All the
of watermelon juice, lime juice and crushed names go into a hat or jar and everyone pulls

16 • Issue 1 2021 • BLUE VALLEY NEWS