10 Ways to Make Valentine's Day Special for Your Kids
Show your love from breakfast till dessert.
Valentine's Day is Thursday, just in case your kids haven't told you repeatedly. And while I know my mom spent her fair share of time baking and dying frosting for classroom parties in the early '90s, making all my heart-shaped dreams come true, I don't get to do that. Yes, you read that correctly: I work at Food Network and I can't take homemade treats to school for my kids and their classmates (#Allergies #SchoolRules).
The only logical solution? Spoil them rotten at home. So, if you're in the same no-homemade-treats-at-school boat as me, here's how to impress your kids and make their Valentine's Day super special — but, you know, without having to schlep two dozen cupcakes to school.
Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Pancakes are a weekend treat in our house, so surprising the kids with heart-shaped pancakes ON A WEEKDAY is a surefire way to blow their minds. And while the sweet strawberry sauce looks festive and tastes amazing, it's also a great way for you to sneak some nutrients into the kids before they head off to school.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Use a cookie cutter to turn cheese squares into fun heart shapes. Pack them with crackers, grapes and your kid's favorite deli meat for a festive lunch that'll guarantee smiles.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Turn those fish crackers you know your kids love into funny Valentine's Day treats. "You're a great catch" or "I'm hooked on you" will have all the kindergarteners at the lunch table drowning in laughter. (Sorry, we had to say it!)
Marshall Troy, 2012,Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Mother-of-four Ree Drummond knows a thing or two about feeding hungry kids. Make her easy strawberry oatmeal bars for a sweet lunchbox snack or a grab-and-go breakfast.
Sam Kaplan
Those beloved Sweethearts Candy Hearts might be hard to find this year, but we've got the perfect solution: Food Network Kitchen's candy hearts. Use food decorating pens to personalize your hearts and send your little valentines one-of-a-kind notes.
Armando Rafael, © 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
These cheesecake-filled cupcakes are so delicious no one will even notice they're missing frosting — except you, that is. Give yourself the Valentine's gift of not having to figure out how to pack a cupcake in your kid's lunchbox without smooshing the frosting.
Renee Comet
Armed with store-bought dough, prepared sauce, pepperoni and shredded mozzarella, you've got everything you need for a dinner your whole family will love. Just be sure to double the recipe; those heart-shaped pepperoni slices are too cute to not eat.
Matt Armendariz
Big and little kids alike will be amazed when you slice into this heart-shaped lasagna and the red meat sauce oozes out.
Sam Kaplan
Strawberries and chocolate are a classic Valentine's Day flavor pairing everyone can appreciate. But kids will especially love these cupcakes and the heart-y surprise waiting for them inside.
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
Love letters aren't just for you and your significant other. Write cute phrases or funny jokes on parchment paper to stick inside adorable cookies. Address the cookies to your kids and watch their faces light up as they break open their treats to reveal their own personal love notes.
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