Happy Valentines!!
Marc and I plan on dinner and a movie after we get off work. Can’t wait to spend some quality time with my hubby. It’s our first Valentines for us as a married couple, so it has so much more meaning to us.
Valentines get’s a bad reputation. I am not big on Valentines like some are, and always thought of it as an excuse to buy flowers and chocolate (I don’t think you need an excuse for chocolate 😉 and I welcome plants any time of year) and an excuse for a Romantic evening with the one you love. Or just another commercialized holiday generating oodles of money.
I was one of those Valentines haters, even though I have spent most my Valentines with a boyfriend. Over the last couple of years I have looked at Valentines differently.
I stopped judging those who love to receive the diamonds and big bouquets of roses. If that’s what a women loves then so be it. I am a more simple person. I love the handmade, thoughtful gifts and nothing extravagant. This year I told Marc my ultimate Valentines gift, if he really wants to get me something, is a race entry.
We shouldn’t need an excuse to be romantic with those we love or an excuse to buy them flowers (or whatever it is they love). You should be doing this often with your spouse already, in my opinion. It’s just nice to do a little something special on Valentines, and it doesn’t have to be big. I have realized I don’t have to contribute to the commercialized holiday, by buying all the Valentines themed stuff, so why hate it. I can do my own thing.
Those who are single tend to hate Valentines because it’s a reminder they don’t have anyone to celebrate with. I don’t agree with this. I find Valentines to be for everyone. When I was a kid my mom always had Valentines for us in the form of a coupon, chocolate and small gift.
For years I have been sending my close friends Valentines and making sure to wish others who are close to me a Happy Valentines. Valentines should be a day to acknowledge all your loved ones, not just your significant other. There are many in my life I want to show I cherish and appreciate. I do this through hand written notes, baked goodies, chocolates and flowers.
So if you’re single and you think this holiday is only for those with someone special, and a day to recognize “National Single Awareness” you are wrong. Your loved and you have others who you love too!! Send some Valentines love to those you cherish though email, notes or text messages or maybe a phone call. If you are so inclined send some flowers or chocolates.
I treat Valentines as a day to recognize all those we love and appreciate. Single or not, Valentines is for you. I take time to pamper myself and maybe put on a little extra makeup, because this is what makes me feel good.
So today pamper [LOVE] yourself and buy some chocolates or your favorite treat, a latte or hot cocoa. Get that manicure or pedicure, a new hair style, or massage. Then send some LOVE to others. Let today be a day to celebrate all those you LOVE, spouse, children, friends and family.
I made Marc and I a special treat for our Valentines. We may have already sampled our treat. By sample, I mean 2 brownies with ice cream 😉 . In my defense I needed to taste test before sharing with ya’ll.
Flourless Chocolate Black Bean Brownies
These are vegan, sugar free and gluten free. An easy recipe. Only took me 30 minutes from start to finish.
I took my Fine China out for these bad boys. They were that good. Don’t be put off by the black beans. They add some protein and you can barely taste them. I have seen lots of different versions of black bean brownies. I used one of my old brownie recipes and made some alterations adding the brownies and taking out the flour.
I suggest a scoop of vegan coconut ice cream on top. 😉 Or your favorite ice cream.
Prep time: 10 minutes        Bake time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:Â
- 3/4 c pitted dates
- 1/2 c hot water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 15 ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 c cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 c dark chocolate chips
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees 1. In small bowl add pitted dates, water and vanilla extract. Let sit for about 10 minutes. 2. While the dates soak, combine the very few dry ingredients (baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder) in a small mixing bowl. 3. Add the date mixture to a food processor with the black beans, and puree until smooth. 4. Once well combined pour in dry ingredients and combine until well mixed. (You can stir in the dry ingredients if you like too). I remove the mixture from my food processor and transfer to a separate bowl. Then I stir in chocolate chips. 5. Pour mixture into a 8 X 8 inch greased pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Brownies will be moist and gooey.*
Let cool before cutting, so the brownies can settle some and are easier to handle. Enjoy topped with ice cream or heart shaped strawberries.
*These brownies will be more gooey then firm due to the lack of flour, but they taste so yummy!!
Yields: 12 brownies
Hope your Valentines is filled with lots of love.
Until next time Be Whole, Be Fit, & Be Loved!!