There are so many ways to feel love and connection through food. Today, we’re sharing ways to celebrate Valentine’s together, whether that’s virtually, at home, or sharing homemade gifts with your loved ones!

Cooking: Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday in 2021, and there’s no better way to celebrate a lazy family morning together than with a tasty brunch! Here’s how to put an easy Valentine’s brunch together, complete with heart-shaped eggs-in-a-basket toast, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. For another sweet finish, try a coeur à la crème—a heart shaped dessert made from ricotta cheese and yogurt. If you don’t love sweets, end your brunch by enjoying a cheese plate instead—it could be good for your heart! Or, take a pizza their hearts with these heart-shaped pizzas for lunch or dinner. However you choose to celebrate, make sure to enjoy some time cooking and eating together—not only is it a fun way to spend time together, but it’s wonderful for everyone’s well-being. 

Celebrating: Sharing a meal or tea together over a video call is a terrific way to spend time with your faraway friends and family. For even more fun, consider using your video calls to bake or cook together! Set your device up off the table (a book or cardboard box works well if you don’t have a dedicated holder) and make sure everyone squeezes in close so that you can all see each other. To host a virtual tea party, make sure both sides set up tea, snacks...and for younger kids, don’t forget toys that might want to be a part of your tea party too. To get your tea party started, check out our post on fika, a Swedish tea time tradition with lots of delicious dishes to try together.

Older kids can have a blast baking or cooking together with relatives over a video call, and it’s a great way for everyone to connect. Grandparents can teach kids how to make their secret family recipe, friends can make a meal together—or you might choose a new recipe for both sides to try cooking together! You can find lots of recipes and project ideas in our community recipe archive. 

If you’re looking for a lively way to celebrate your Valentine’s Day, try these printable Valentine’s scavenger hunts or treasure hunts. To play, just place each clue around your kitchen and the other rooms in your house, and then let the kids enjoy solving clues and racing around your house to find the hidden treasure. And for treasure inspiration, see our homemade gift ideas below!

Homemade gifts: Doorstep gifts are a lovely and safe way to let neighbours know you’re thinking of them. Make these heart-shaped valentine’s Linzer cookies, or see our community cookie archive for many, many more recipes. If you don't have time to bake, a box of homemade truffles look impressive—but are actually simple to make with just fresh cream, butter and chocolate. We also love these hot cocoa mason jar gifts—no cooking required, just add milk! And don’t forget your feathered and furry friends—here are some easy-to-make recipes for pet treats, along with feeders for the wild birds in your garden. 

How are you celebrating Valentine’s this year? We’d love to hear about your virtual tea parties or doorstep gifts -- drop us a note on Facebook or Instagram, and share the love!