We have so many ideas for Valentine’s day, in fact, just browsing the Food411 directory will have your head spinning with great gifts. Due to the new economic times, we have included many suggestions that are very low cost. Remember, Valentine’s day is about letting others know you care. You can do that without spending a dime. Create a special card by hand - write a few words down. In this age of email, how wonderful is it to receive a handwritten card? Bake a heart shape cake & in the center of the cake express yourself by writing a heartfelt message. We hope you enjoy our Valentine’s “Gift Pick” list because Food411 hearts Valentine’s day and we sampled our hearts out to bring you the best.
DAS Caramelini Petites are an irresistible small luxury. Each delicate envelope is filled with indulgent salted caramels and topped with satin ribbon. Lovely Lavender (classic butter caramel with subtle notes of lavender) and Enchanting Chocolate (an indulgent blend of dark chocolate, toasted walnuts and spices that warm hearts and ignite passions). | $2.99
Spoon, a wonderful store based on the old school culinary values of local ingredients and freshness is offering their homemade jams stacked tall and tied with a red ribbon. Their jams are pure fresh picked local fruit and sugar, no pectin or preservatives or additives. (Strawberry, Blueberry, and Raspberry) | $15
Whimsy & Spice – Baker extraordinaire from Brooklyn, NY are offering a special treat for Vday. A little box of the cutest Valentine’s cookies. 18 elegant bite-sized heart chocolate butter cookies infused with Earl Grey tea and sprinkled with sparkling coarse pink sugar, and 6 pink peppercorn heart linzer cookies sweetened with red currant jam. Cookies are wrapped in cello bags and tucked inside a 5"x 5" chocolate brown gift box tied with colorful ombre ribbon. A sweet little gift. | $17
Lillie Belle Farms – An outstanding artisanal chocolate maker – any of their creations are recommended - here are a few of our favorites:
Red Velvet Almonds -
totally addictive and
wonderful | $11 “Wild Thing” chocolate bar and “The Other One” chocolate bar (2 dark single origin dark chocolate bars) | $8, Lavender Fleur de sel caramels boxed | $24 Buy them direct from Jeff at Lille Belle Farms or Jacksonville Mercantile (Jacksonville is a wonderful gourmet shop that has many great gift ideas)
Coco-Zen’s “Truffle’s to Give” will allow your valentine to be “at one with chocolate”. Each day a few minutes can be set aside for chocolate meditation! Made from Organic chocolate & fair trade chocolate . For the more “exotic” Valentine...try their chocolate body treats! A whole new way to experience oneness with chocolate...these we have not tried! | $30
More than a gift, an experience...
For a truly romantic evening, have an elegant dinner delivered. Set your table with the floating heart candle they provide, and the special poem. Set the mood by playing the mp3 music provided by Rui Serodio - just like you are in Paris! Then serve your gourmet Parisian Valentine’s dinner - French baguettes and soups to start. Salmon En Croute and Chicken Montrachet with artichokes and spinach. Decadent dessert and coffee. We sampled this entire dinner and can recommend it highly - nothing makes our Pick list that doesn’t touch our lips first!! This meal for 2 from Gourmet Station is $90
Kick off your shoes & throw a blanket down in the living room - create a Vday picnic. A wonderful bread, a few cheeses, the very best olives, a nice bottle of wine, fruit and chocolate. Oh what a night! Check out the Food411 directory if you need to order any of these items....we have found the very best gourmet resources in all these categories.
Looking for a different idea for older parents, aunts?
Magic Kitchen does a terrific job of preparing high quality, no fuss meals. They actually offer a “Senior Meal Bundle” that would a perfect gift. Three full meals for 2 | $81
Heat & Eat. Thoughtful, practical and a real value just like the older generation likes!
Spread love throughout your community as well. Help an elderly neighbor, work at a soup kitchen, arrange to visit or read to the elderly at a local nursing home. Giving back costs you only your time and the payback is a heart that will grow much stronger.
Everyone here at Food411 wishes you a happy Valentine’s Day!
