Valentine's day gifts: the Good and the Ugly

Being in college isn't easy.



It's difficult to find a place to bake.


I am fortunate to have a kitchen nearby, because the unequipped room that holds only an oven doesn't quite cut it when you're trying to mix up a little somethin somethin for your valentine.

That little somethin? Cut outs! They cut it!

Unoriginal? Yes.
But cute? Of Course.


Now I'll be honest: cut out heart cookies proliferate around Valentine's Day, and aren't all that exciting or attractive because like so many things, we've all been there and done that.
I believe, though, that everything can be great if done well and with a twist, even if it's not a brand new idea.



Here are two recipes for cut outs that break from the norm.

The first is a simple shortbread dough, the second an oatmeal dough. Both are different from the usual sugar cookie. AND, both are homemade. BINGO!
Frost them with homemade frosting. It tastes good. It's an arm workout. It's made of sugar and butter and vanilla and milk and that's all. Here's the recipe.

I think a little bit of muscle and oddity is enough to make creating something for your lover/loved worthwhile this Valentine's day.


There are lots of bad gifts you could give (or you could go the route of no gift), but consider this simple testament to your affection.
Cookies say lots of nice things: "I love you no matter what size you are!" "I made this for you because I love you." "These were cheaper than jewelery!" etc.


Valentine's day isn't cheesy, it's wonderful!

-Lillie