In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we’re putting a different twist on romance. Since most of us would agree that family is the most important thing, this Valentine’s Day, celebrate at home and include the kids. Begin with your favorite games, pop some kettle corn, mix up adult and kid-friendly beverages, light the fire, and enjoy an evening surrounded by those who mean the most to you.
Everyone Loves a Classic
…Board game, that is! Search your collection of games for favorites that will keep everyone, regardless of age, entertained.
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Some of you may own vintage editions of Monopoly, Scrabble, or other popular games. Family game night is the perfect time to use these heirlooms and establish warm traditions that you’ll always treasure.
Game Night Treats: Kettle Corn and Whoopie Pies
Our house is very popular on weekend nights because kids know there’s a good chance they’ll get homemade kettle corn. Our recipe is kid tested and approved, and loved by all!
Homemade popcorn is easy to make and so much more healthy for you than microwave versions, which are filled with chemicals and fake food. We use real butter and sugar to make our kettle corn, and we don’t skimp! Give it a try ~ we think you and your family will love the results. As Julia Child said, use real butter. Just don’t eat it every day.
Making your own popcorn allows you to control salt, fat, and sugar levels. You can add different spices and herbs to our basic popcorn recipe, depending on whether you want savory or sweet popcorn. Our current favorites are rosemary Parmesan, cumin oregano, and tarragon brown butter popcorn. The possibilities are endless.
floatingkitchen.net
If you’re familiar with whoopie pies, chances are you’ve spent some time in New England. They’re available in most of our grocery stores and bakeries, and our favorites are the pumpkin and chocolate versions. Try this recipe for homemade whoopie pies. If you’ve never tasted one, they’re as delicious as they look!
Special Occasion Cocktails and Mocktails
On family game nights we like to serve our kids mocktails in stemmed wine glasses because it makes them feel special. Many classic cocktails can be made without alcohol, and we’re featuring two that are fun and kid approved.
Champagne Sorbet Cocktail
completelydelicious.com
The sorbet cocktail above can be modified for kids by using sparkling cider in place of champagne, prosecco, or Asti Spumante. Place one scoop of fruit flavored sorbet in a wine glass and add the sparkling beverage of your choice.
Butter Beer Rum Cocktail
delish.com
Having tasted and loved butter beer at a certain Harry Potter theme park, we couldn’t pass up the crock pot warm butter beer rum cocktail above. Leave the rum out and pour it over shaved ice for kids. The recipe runs a bit sweet, so skimp on the sugar and taste as you go.
This Valentine’s Day, start with the whole family, add your favorite games, sprinkle in kettle corn and special beverages, and create the best celebration of love ever!
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