If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast, prepared with love. Whether whipping up breakfast for a spouse or tempting the taste buds of your little loves, explore these ideas for inspiration.

• Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal.

• For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top.

• Show your affection with a plate of colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk, and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say, “I love you.”

Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes

Servings: 10 pancakes

1          cup all-purpose flour

1/4       cup granulated sugar

3          tablespoons Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa

1          teaspoon baking powder

1/2       teaspoon baking soda

1/2       teaspoon salt

1          large egg

1          cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk

2          tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2    teaspoons vanilla extract

1          teaspoon red food coloring

butter garnish (optional)

powdered sugar garnish (optional)

maple syrup garnish (optional)

fresh berries garnish (optional)

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes.

Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook ~2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup, and berries, if desired.

Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping. 

Red Velvet Mug Cake

Servings: 1

This dessert has Valentine’s Day written all over it, however, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and is perfect for a late-night snack if you’re craving something sugary-sweet.  Mug cakes are a simple way to make something delicious and keep the portions small. Whether you have a small party, just you and your loved one or just simply want something easy and small, this quick treat is designed just for you. Valentine’s Day means sharing with someone how much you care, and it’s difficult to find a better way than to share something sweet.

Start by mixing all the dry ingredients into a large mug, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

Add milk, melted butter, vanilla, and red food coloring. Use a spoon and stir the ingredients together until blended. Mix powdered sugar and cream cheese then drop the mixture into the cake batter and mix once more. Microwave the mug for up to 3 minutes until your cake is baked.

6          tablespoons flour

2          tablespoons sugar

1          teaspoon cocoa powder

1/4       teaspoon baking powder

1/8       teaspoon salt

1/3       cup milk

2          tablespoons butter, melted

2          teaspoons vanilla extract

30        drops red food coloring

3          tablespoons powdered sugar

1          tablespoon cream cheese, softened

In a 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food coloring, mix until blended.

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.  Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered.  Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

Find more recipes you’ll love to share with your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net