Breakfast might be the only time you get to sit down with your little ones on Valentines Day.  Make this meal a special time to enjoy with your family.  Something sweet and yummy is always right on target when you want to show your Sweethearts that you love them.

2 C canola oil
1 T canola oil
1 lg. egg, slightly beaten
1/2 C milk
1 C sweet apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 C all purpose flour
1/2 C sugar
1 T sugar
1 t baking powder
1 1/4 t cinnamon, divided
1/4 t salt
1/2 C strawberry or maple syrup

Place the 2 C of canola oil into a deep fryer or heavy pan and allow to heat to 365 degrees.
Pour the milk into a bowl with the slightly beaten egg and whisk to combine.
Add the apples to the mixture and gently stir to incorporate.
In a separate mixing bowl toss together the flour, 1 T sugar, the baking powder, 1/4 t cinnamon and the salt.
Add the flour mixture to the egg and milk and blend until all the dry ingredients are just moistened.
Drop 3 to 4 teaspoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry 4 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning.
Remove the fritters when they are a golden brown with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain.
Continue deep frying in this manner being sure to allow the oil to return to the correct temperature before adding a new batch.
Place the remaining sugar and 3/4 t of the cinnamon into a sealable plastic bag.
Add the fritters a couple at time.
Seal the bag after each addition and shake to cover the fritters well.
Place the fritters on plates.
Place the syrup into a microwave safe bowl.
Stir in the remaining cinnamon until well combined.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds or until the syrup is warmed.
Pour the syrup over the fritters just before serving.
Serving Size:  about 16 fritters

When you want to treat your littlest Sweethearts to a special treat, try rolling up a bit of their favorite flavor cream cheese and jam in a soft tortilla. It’s so simple but so pretty and tasty!  Valentine’s Day is a time to throw away our “must eat from the food pyramid” attitudes and treat our precious little ones to a treat that is truly and wonderfully decadent.

4 (6 in) soft tortilla shells
1/4 (8 oz) container strawberry cream cheese
4 T strawberry jam

Spread each of the 4 tortillas with the strawberry cream cheese to the edges of the tortilla.
Spread 1 T of strawberry jam down the middle of each of the tortillas.
Fold the end of the tortilla in about 2 in.
Grab the front edge of the tortilla and roll until completely closed.
Cut into 2 inch bites.  Makes about 24.

This chocolate treat is more of a craft than a recipe!  Once the chocolate hearts are good and solid, you can write Valentine candy sentiments, you know, “Be Mine”, “Forever”, “You’re Cute”, and so forth, on each one for your very own darling little Valentines.

8 (1 oz) squares milk chocolate
tubes of frosting for writing the Valentine’s sentiments

Place the chocolate squares in a microwave safe bowl.
Microwave on high 1 minute remove the bowl and stir.
Continue at 30 second intervals until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth being sure to stir after each 30 seconds.
Allow the mixture to cool about 5 minutes.
Lay wax paper on a cookie sheet and spread the chocolate mixture on the wax paper to desired thickness.
Place the chocolate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or until the chocolate is firm but still pliable.
Remove and place on a flat surface.
Use heart shaped cookie cutters of different sizes to cut out the solid chocolate hearts.

Makes about 24 to 32 hearts, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.

You can add a little flavoring such as orange, lemon or raspberry to the melted chocolate for a special treat.

If you’re planning a kids party anytime soon, maybe for Valentine’s Day, this is a great snack that really gets the party off to a good start.  Older kids love this “grown up” version of store-bought pizza rolls, because it’s messy and gooey and yummy.  Get out the napkins and let ‘em at it!

1 (4 oz) pkg. pepperoni slices
1 green pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 Cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 Cup Italian dressing
1 Cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 (13.4 oz) pkg. refrigerated pizza dough

Place the oven on 400 degrees and allow the oven to heat while preparing the pizza bites. Spray a large baking pan with a non stick cooking spray. Place the pepperoni in a mixing bowl. Add the green pepper, onion and tomatoes to the bowl and toss to combine. Pour the dressing into the bowl and toss again to make sure all the ingredients are covered well. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the entire mixture. Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into 2 inch pieces with a sharp knife. Lay the dough pieces over the top of the pepperoni mixture. Bake 10 minutes or until the top is a golden brown and the mixture is heated through. Let stand 5 minutes then invert on a large serving plate. Serves about 6.