Page 14 - The Villager February 2021

Lifestyle

Will you be my ValenTine?

by ann arnott

ith curfews and lockdown THE WAY TO MY HEART IS occasion – like a blend of watermelon
still very much part of THROUGH MY STOMACH juice, lime juice and crushed mint leaves,
Wour reality, an intimate a family celebration becomes all the sweetened to taste with a simple sugar
valentine’s date for two at a cosy more special when good food and syrup, served in tumblers; or peach juice,
restaurant is more likely to be a interesting beverages are shared orange juice and cranberry juice splashed
figment of one’s imagination this year, around the dining table. over ice in highball glasses.
so why not make valentine’s day a note to Mom: you don’t want to be Sweetness and valentine’s day definitely
celebration for the whole family? spending the whole evening in the go together in the same thought bubble,
kitchen, so some meal preparation the so plan a couple of dessert options, such as
DECORATING IS PART OF THE day before would be a good idea. strawberries dipped in melted chocolate,
FUN If your family loves spicy food, preparing or my personal favourite – Italian Cassata
regardless of whether it’s going to a thai green curry that can mature – easy to make by mixing chopped glacé
be a romantic tête-à-tête or a free-for- overnight would probably go down a cherries, bits of candied fruit and shelled
all family shindig, setting the scene is treat. Cook the rice in the oven on the day, pistachio nuts with soft vanilla ice cream
essential. red candles, red serviettes, buy a ready-made salad and you’re sorted. and popping it into the freezer. before
red balloons, and red streamers should For the teens, ordering some take-away serving, sprinkle chocolate flakes on
do the trick. and, of course, everyone pizzas should fill the gaps. and make sure the top along with a few chopped glacé
must wear red! you mix up some mocktails to suit the cherries. yum!

12 • Issue 2 2021 • The Villager