Valentine’s Day

No one is sure about the original Saint Valentine.  More than once saint with that name existed in our history.  The most talked about, however, was a martyr – executed for officiating marriages which, in the third century, were banned throughout the Roman Empire.  February 14 was named by Pope Gelasius as the day to honor St. Valentine in the 5th century, (also serving the purpose of Christianizing an earlier pagan festival) though it wasn’t until the 13^th century that the day became associated with love and romance.

Today, card-makers and other commercial industries – bless them – have broadened the holiday even further to make it about love of all kinds, not just romantic.  There are red Valentine toys for kids and cards addressed to sons, daughters, friends and neighbors.

The holiday also seems to be marked by sweet things to eat.  Maybe you got a box of chocolates today.  If you did, enjoy!  If not, the recipe below is a great way to celebrate the day.  I hope you enjoy it. 

As we celebrate this day, may we remember the greatest – in fact the only – source of love we have.  God our creator, revealed in Jesus Christ, offering us the blessing of indescribable love on this and every day.

Blessed eating!

Nancy

Strawberry Dessert

Layer #1                                        Layer #2                                              

1 ½ c. biscuit mix                        1 ½ c. confectioners sugar 

1 ½ sticks margarine, melted   8 oz. cream cheese                           

1 c. ch. pecans                            12 oz Cool Whip                                

 Layer #3

1-2 pints strawberries
1 pack strawberry glaze
12 oz. Cool Whip

Layer #1  Mix all ingredients.  Press into a greased 9x13 inch pan.  Bake 15 minutes at 375^o or until lightly brown.  Cool.

Layer #2  Mix sugar and cream cheese.  Fold in Cool Whip.  Spread over cooled crust.

Layer #3  Chop strawberries and mix with glaze. Spread mixture over second layer.  Top with 12 oz.  Cool whip.  May add chopped pecans or strawberries on top for decoration. – Lisa Lawson