Humans have discovered and made some of the most delicious foods throughout history and we have shared our delicacies with many cultures around the world. Sadly there are a few things that we cannot share with out furry friends. Here is a short list of some of those “no-no” foods.
Chocolate- This candy has a chemical called theobromine, which is extremely toxic to dogs, depending on the amount eaten and on the size of the dog. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting and seizures so if you pooch eats any chocolate, take them to their veterinary immediately.
Grapes – This one surprised me when I found out grapes were toxic and can be fatal to dogs. Though the full reason why it is toxic to dogs is still unknown, the cause of eating grapes is well documented. If they eat grapes they could experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pains or in extreme cases some have gone into comas. So it’s best just to keep those yummy fruits to humans only.
Cinnamon – Though not necessarily bad for dogs it can cause dogs to have irritated mouths. It can also lower their blood sugar so it’s a good idea to keep cinnamon and cinnamon oils away from your furry friends.
Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love and romance. While many associate it with chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt gestures, its origins date back centuries and have evolved significantly over time.
The History of Valentine’s Day
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The history of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome. The most widely accepted origin story involves Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young soldiers. Valentine continued to perform secret weddings, leading to his imprisonment and eventual execution on February 14th around 270 AD. Legend has it that he wrote a farewell letter to a loved one, signing it “From your Valentine.”
Over time, the Catholic Church recognized multiple saints named Valentine, and their stories merged with the pagan festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration held in mid-February. By the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day, and it gradually became a day to celebrate romantic love. The tradition of exchanging love notes, known as “valentines,” gained popularity in the Middle Ages and flourished during the Victorian era with the rise of printed greeting cards.
Fun Valentine’s Day Activities
Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, or friends, or enjoying self-love, there are plenty of activities to make Valentine’s Day special:
Romantic Dinner Date – Cook a fancy meal at home or dine at a cozy restaurant.
Movie Marathon – Watch classic romance films or lighthearted romantic comedies.
DIY Gift-Making – Create handmade cards, love letters, or personalized gifts.
Baking Together – Try baking heart-shaped cookies or a decadent chocolate cake.
Scavenger Hunt – Organize a fun love-themed treasure hunt.
Spa Night – Relax with candles, face masks, and soothing music.
Game Night – Play board games or trivia with a Valentine’s theme.
Outdoor Adventure – Take a scenic hike, go ice skating, or have a picnic (if the weather allows).
Must-Watch Valentine’s Day Movies
If you’re planning a cozy night in, here are some great Valentine’s Day movie picks:
The Notebook (2004) – A timeless love story filled with passion and devotion.
Pride & Prejudice (2005) – A classic romance based on Jane Austen’s novel.
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) – A mix of humor and romance with a stellar cast.
La La Land (2016) – A musical love story that captures the magic of romance.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) – A modern take on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) – A charming teen romance.
When Harry Met Sally (1989) – A heartwarming and witty take on friendship and love.
Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
If you want to step away from traditional celebrations, consider these unique ideas:
Love Letter Time Capsule – Write love letters to each other and open them years later.
Recreate Your First Date – Relive your first moments together.
Virtual Valentine’s – If you’re apart, plan a virtual date night.
Volunteer Together – Spread love by helping out at a shelter or charity event.
Bookstore Date – Pick out books for each other and enjoy coffee and conversation.
Celebrating Galentine’s Day
Galentine’s Day, made famous by the TV show Parks and Recreation, is celebrated on February 13th as a day dedicated to honoring female friendships. It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the amazing women in your life and spend quality time together. Here are some fun ways to celebrate:
Brunch with the Girls – Gather your best friends for a festive breakfast or brunch.
DIY Wine & Paint Night – Unleash your creativity with a painting session while sipping on wine.
Themed Movie Marathon – Watch empowering and feel-good movies like Legally Blonde or Bridesmaids.
Self-Care Night – Have a spa night at home with facials, manicures, and comfy pajamas.
Friendship Gift Exchange – Exchange small, thoughtful gifts as a token of appreciation.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic relationships—it’s a celebration of love in all forms. Whether you’re spending it with a significant other, or friends, or taking time for yourself, there are countless ways to make the day special.
In a large cast-iron or heavy skillet, sauté the orzo in butter over medium heat until lightly browned, about 3–5 minutes.
Cook the Orzo:
Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender, about 10–15 minutes.
Finish with Flavor:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the orzo is creamy.
Garnish and Serve:
If desired, top with thinly sliced fresh basil for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Preheat and Roast Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Halve the garlic crosswise to expose the cloves. Wrap the bottom half in foil and roast until very soft, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the skins from the top half and chop the garlic.
Prepare the Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sliced fennel, cooking and stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 2 minutes until the garlic softens. Stir in the tomato paste and 1 teaspoon salt, and cook for 3 more minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the crushed tomatoes and 4 cups water. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 30 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mezzi rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Pulse the toasted rosemary focaccia in a food processor to make coarse crumbs. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skin and add to the food processor along with 1/4 cup each of parmesan and parsley. Pulse a few times until combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Dish: Lightly brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Combine the cooked pasta, sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, fennel fronds, mozzarella, asiago, and the remaining 1/4 cup each of parmesan and parsley. Toss until well mixed. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with spoonfuls of ricotta and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.
Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until golden and bubbling, about 15 more minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the baked pasta rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces, room temperature, plus more for bowl
Topping and Assembly:
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for assembly
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt
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Directions
Dough:
Activate Yeast: In a small pot over medium heat, warm milk until about 105°F (warm to the touch, not hot). Transfer to a liquid measuring cup, stir in yeast and 1 tsp. granulated sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In the large bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 4 cups of flour, salt, and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Combine Ingredients: Once the milk mixture is foamy, add it to the flour mixture along with the eggs. Stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead Dough: Attach the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on medium-low speed, adding more flour 1 tablespoon at a time if the dough sticks to the bottom. Knead until smooth and elastic but still firm, about 10-12 minutes.
Incorporate Butter: With the mixer running, add butter one piece at a time. Wait until each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. This process might take up to 10 minutes.
First Rise: Brush a medium bowl with softened butter. Shape the dough into a ball, transfer it to the prepared bowl, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm, draft-free area until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Topping and Assembly:
Prepare Topping: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, shortening, cocoa powder (if using), vanilla, and a pinch of salt on low speed. Increase to medium speed and beat until smooth, resembling frosting (about 1 minute).
Shape Dough: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Turn the dough onto a clean surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place 6 balls on each sheet.
Add Topping: Using damp hands, scoop about 2 heaping tablespoons of topping and pat it into a 3-inch disc. Drape the disc over each dough ball, leaving about 1/4-inch of dough exposed at the bottom. Smooth the topping gently with damp fingers.
Score Topping: Use a conchas mold or a sharp knife dipped in flour to score the topping into patterns. Let the conchas rise again until the dough balls are about one-third bigger, about 1 hour.
Bake:
Preheat Oven: Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat to 350°F.
Bake Conchas: Bake for 20-22 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until golden and risen.
Cool and Serve: Transfer conchas to a wire rack to cool before serving.
