Valentine’s is nothing short of love and a candy-filled holiday. In the year 2020, over 24 billion dollars of candy was sold. Steak is the number one dinner dined on with our valentine. Eating is a theme for this love fest. So how does one make it unique? With the cost of food increasing, with beef up 30 percent, steak may not be in your budget this year. Food shortages are becoming real. Dining out can be a tad unpleasant with a lack of service because of covid, along with the cost of food increasing. So how can you make your valentine feel special without breaking the bank? Two spoons + your favorite ice cream, piled high with fun, toppings are a sure way to surprise your loved ones. Did you know your pantry is a gold mine for unique toppings? You never know what hides in the depths of one’s pantry. Nuts, cookie sprinkles, marshmallows, broken candy bars, and that almost empty bag of potato chips. These throwaways make great toppings, bringing delight to any spoon. The combination of sweet with salty is a perfect combination. Saltiness enhances the flavor of the sweetness, bringing complexity to your palette. Don’t be afraid to put out potato chips or salted nuts. 

Icecream parties can be for a party of one, two, or valentine’s fun for your whole family. Get fancy with your loved one(s). Set up candles, use real silverware, scoop your ice cream into fancy glasses or bowls. The best part is all the toppings. First, search your pantry for nuts, candies, chips, pretzels, chocolate sauce, and canned fruits. Next, dig in the back of your fridge. If you’re like me, there is more than likely a jar of cherries to top off your sundae! Slice a banana in two for a banana split; get creative. The more options, the more fun. Put your toppings in little bowls for sprinkling onto your ice cream, giving your guests options to fancy it up to their liking. There are no rules. Healthy options such as chia and flax seeds are fun for the healthy crowd. No one says this has to be a full-on fat fest. Create an ice cream buffet that works for your guests. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free are all great options. Healthy doesn’t mean flavor-free or fun-free.

Here are a few easy steps to setting up your valentine’s ice cream party.

1. Your favorite ice cream. I like vanilla, and my husband prefers strawberry, our son, chocolate.
2. Essentials: spoons, bowls, napkins
3. Toppings: Whipped Cream, Nuts, Cherries, Sprinkles, Chocolates
4. Love, Laughter, and Enjoyment

Of this list, number four is the most important. Love the ones you are with, laugh, and ice cream parties are fun! Enjoy these moments, make memories. They are not about money; they are about time spent enjoying the ones we love. Even if this is an ice cream party for one, enjoy this moment.