Every year around this time, I go on a crazy-woman-hunt for the perfect breakfast food for our annual Valentine’s Day breakfast-in-bed tradition. And I’m totally jazzed (and a little relieved) to tell you that the hunt is over and I’ve found the winner for this year.
But it’s a secret. So I’ll have to tell you after Valentine’s Day. (I’ll give you a hint. It’s a Pioneer Woman recipe. I. love. that. lady.)
However, I did want to share with you a few little tips and tricks and one killer little not-recipe (it’s too easy to be called a recipe!) that have made this one of my most favorite traditions for well over two decades.
1. This parfait. Yup. This one. This, my friends, is the not-recipe. And it makes an appearance every February 14th in the morning. So, what is it? It’s Honey Greek yogurt (I always buy the Greek Gods’ brand), and it’s a guilt-free way to eat something that tastes like ice cream in the morning. Top it off with a crumbled Nature Valley oats & honey granola bar and some sliced strawberries, and you have a little breakfast side dish that tastes and looks like a little bit of heaven. (I do two layers of the three, putting down yogurt, then strawberries, then granola-and repeat!)
2. Part two of this little tip is that it can be fun to have something that shows up every year or on special occasions. I love to mix up what I do for the hubs for breakfast every year, but I also love that this little parfait is a staple. It feels…. traditional. When I was growing up, it was a cinnamon roll.
3. Think about what your morning will be like on February 14th. Now, I’m not going all “visualize the win” on you. What I’m saying is think about what time your little and not-so-little loved ones need to be out the door that day. Is there some time to sit and relax under the covers or is it a grab-and-go time of life for you and the munchkins?
When we were first married, the hubs had to be at work at 7am every morning. And I knew that I’m not at my thinking and cooking best before the sun comes up, so I made these little breakfast pockets ahead of time, knowing I could do a quick reheat, throw together the not-recipe heaven-sent parfait and call it a morning. (What else was cool about these little breakfast pockets? Well, I made at least a dozen of them and froze them all, so early-rising husband could have a warm little breakfast for at least a couple of weeks. The gift that keeps on giving…)
4. Make it pretty. Within reason. Both the yogurt parfait cup and the long rectangular white plate you see above were inexpensive finds at my local Ross. They’re simple, classic pieces that I can use over and over again. And I promise I didn’t spend more than $5 on either the plate or the cup set. Cooking for kids? Scrap the dishes and go with holiday-ish paper products from your local dollar store.
5. Oh, and one more little tip. See the little heart on a toothpick? I picked up a pack of them at Hobby Lobby for less than $2. (When I was growing up, my mom bought some little toothpick flags that said “Happy Valentine’s Day!” on them. They showed up in our cinnamon rolls every year. For years. And years.) So, basically, I’ve committed myself to these little toothpick hearts until at least Valentine’s Day 2030. But really, you can find something simple for not-a-lotta-cash that spruces up the look and makes the day-and the PERSON!-feel special. Which is what holidays are all about, right?
So, whether this is something you want to do for Valentine’s Day or for a birthday or just a hey-you-should-know-I-think-you’re-swell-day, have some fun! Make it fit your morning. And. Don’t forget the parfait!
Oh! We also shared this little project (sweet little nickname pillow cases!) that is a really fun little gift that fits nicely with the V-Day breakfast-in-bed. Check it out!
