Make Valentine gingerbread a family
tradition. Photo courtesy Sur La Table.

Today’s tip was inspired by an email we received from Sur La Table, which has a bounty of Valentine-inspired cookware and utensils: red or pink rolling pins, spatulas, measuring cups, heart-shaped cake pans and more.

The tip: Use your gingerbread man cookie cutter to make Valentine gingerbread.

Gingerbread is for far more than Christmas. In fact, a nifty recipe book, Dress Your Gingerbread, shows how to turn that gingerbread man into a bunny for Easter; a pumpkin and ghost for Halloween; Santa, elves and reindeer, and a bride and groom; as well as anytime favorites such as a bee, ladybug, pirate and favorite animals.

The biggest decision you need to make is what size gingerbread man/woman/child you want to make:

NEXT STEPS
1. Pick a gingerbread recipe (here’s one from Paula Deen, which includes a royal icing recipe to make faces).

2. Get some candy hearts or other Valentine-themed candy to decorate.

3. Invite friends or family to share the baking and decorating fun.

4. Make enough to share with friends and colleagues!
 
 
Find more of our favorite cookie recipes.