I am so grateful to not have the “pressure” of Valentine’s Day. Mike is truly my best friend.  We have so much in common and are incredibly compatible.  With me…not such an easy feat!  After 5 ½ years of marriage, I cannot imagine my life without him.  I am certain he will do something to honor the day, but it does not matter what it is.  He brings me flowers often, usually monthly on the day we married.

I love flowers and they are always a surprise because I never seem to know the date. I will make him something chocolate because he is a fan…of both chocolate and anything I cook.  I am perusing recipes in the attempt to bake something I have never endeavored.  I will create a special dinner and he will appreciate it, because he always does.

The truth of Valentine’s has surrounded me this week.  First, I received a text message from my son’s girlfriend, Wendy, asking “Are you ready for DALLAS? WOO-HOO!”  I have created a monster!  I bought the first year DVD of the new episodes of “Dallas” for my son.  Jeff and Wendy watched the entire year’s worth of episodes in two nights.  The day after, they called to come see the first show of the second year that I had recorded.  I enlarged the dinner I was already planning and the roasted chicken with vegetables was a huge success.

I spent Monday evening with gkids Emma and Cole.  It was special as I had not seen them since Christmas.  It was a homework, television, laughing, hair discussion, and back-rubbing sort of night.  And it was perfect.

Bren wanted me to pick him up from school Tuesday.  That in itself is a gift!  It got better.  We came to my house, played on computers and watched “The Pirates: Band of Misfits”.  (Mike and I laughed more than Bren.)  Then he and my daughter stayed for dinner making for another special evening.

These are my valentines.  Those special moments…those unplanned times that evolve into wonderful memories spent with those I love most.  Mike always says, after such an event, that he seems to enjoy them more that planned occasions.  I agree.

The following, very simple recipe, would make a great breakfast or dessert for your loved ones.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Easy Heart Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients for rolls:

One tube Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (seamless dough sheet is best)

½ stick butter (softened)

1/3 cup white sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/3 cup finely chopped pecans

Ingredients for frosting:

2 T. butter (melted)

1 T. milk

½ tsp. vanilla

1 cup confectioner sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Unroll Crescent Roll dough onto baking sheet.  If using crescents, press seams together.  Cover entire roll with butter.  Add sugars, cinnamon then pecans evenly over butter. Starting at one short end roll halfway.  Then, at other end, roll to meet in the middle. Slice in 12 rounds.  Place cut side on baking sheet.  The middle will make the top heart shape. Pull bottom to a point to create bottom of heart.  Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Make frosting by mixing everything but sugar in medium bowl. Slowly add sugar until desired consistency.  Spread evenly on rolls while hot.  Eat immediately!