••••RED VELVET CUPCAKES••••

(Source: Pinterest & google+ photo)

••••FOOD TIP••••

*For a juicer hamburger, add a little cold water to the beef before grilling.

(Source: America's Most Wanted Recipes & google+ photo)

••••FOOD TIP••••

*A roast with a bone in will cook faster than a boneless roast. The bone carries the heat to the inside more quickly.

(Source: America's Most Wanted Recipes & google+ photo)

••••FOOD TIPS••••

*When cooking vegetables that grow above above ground, the rule of thumb is to boil them without a cover.

*Never soak vegetables after slicing them; they will lose much of their nutritional value.

(Source: America's Most Wanted Recipes & google+ photo)

••••MORE VALENTINE RECIPES••••

(photo-google+)

••••LINCOLN LOG••••

To celebrate a favorite president!!! Abraham Lincoln's Birthday!!!

•1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

•1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

•1/2 cup diced red onion

•1 TB Worcestershire sauce

•1 tsp celery seed

•1/2 cup chopped walnuts

•+2-3 fresh rosemary or parsley sprigs

•+Assorted crackers

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheeses, onion, Worcestershire sauce and celery seed; beat until fluffy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Shape into a 7-in by 1-1/2-in log; roll in walnuts. Insert Rosemary or parsley sprigs for branches. Serve with crackers. Yield: 2 cups.

(Source: Taste of Home Annual recipes & photo also. Lincoln Statue photo-etc.usf.edu)

••••CHERRY CREAM CHEESE DESSERT••••

*VALENTINE COLLECTION*

•3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 12 squares)

•2 TB sugar

•2 TB butter or margarine, melted

FILLING:

•1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

•1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

•1/3 cup lemon juice

•1 tsp vanilla extract

•1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

1. In a bowl, combine cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Divide among eight dessert dishes, about 4 rounded teaspoonfuls in each.  In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add milk until blended. Beat in lemon juice and vanilla.  Spoon 1/4 cup into each dish. Top with pie filling, about 1/4 cup in each.

YIELD: 8 servings

(Source: Taste of Home Annual Recipes & auntiemyrtels.com photo)