Monday, February 3, 2020

My Valentine's Day Cupid is a Snowman

I am so glad you once again decided to join me as we celebrate the Valentine's Day holiday.  Last week, I shared with you some Valentine's Day treats, such as a scrumptious apple pie and chocolate snowmen filled with Baileys, a soothing Irish cream liqueur.  If you missed out on these delicious, after dinner Valentine's Day dessert ideas, just click on this link to see it:  Valentine's Day-Country Cooking With Snowman Angels.

Now, if you happen to live in the Midwest, Valentine's Day offers each of us a visit from a cheerful cupid, a giddy messenger of love and romance, whose characteristics may contrast with certain others.  Here in Wisconsin, cupid takes on the form of a jovial snowman with wings, most likely because of our over-abundance of snowfall.  These smiling white balls of ice and snow dressed with hats, gloves, sweaters, boots and other warm weather gear visit to deliver their magic and entice attractions among people. Rarely, do we get a glimpse at these elusive cherubs. If they are ever witnessed, undoubtedly, they are seen in the midst of a cold and snowy winter day.  I do believe their playful presence and serious work in developing courtships exists and felt throughout the year and not just during the winter season.  It is not hard to detect their mischievousness. Their grit and silly pranks can be observed any where there is happiness and folly among friends. Their hard work is responsible for long-lasting relationships, fun friendships and joyous weddings.

Well, now that we are acquainted with their frolic, it is time to pay tribute to their accomplishments, which most of the time goes unrewarded.  This week's tablescape, My Valentine's Day Cupid is a Snowman, pays tribute and offers a unique opportunity and glimpse at these whimsical Midwest Cupid Angels.  Debbie Mumm, the artist of these adorable dessert plates that are pictured in this tablescape certainly captured the attributes of these honorable, diligent, and, yet, secretive ice babies.  This tablescape is also one of many fine Valentine's Day tablescapes in this week's Valentine's Day Blog Hop with all of the links to my friends and talented tablescapers at the end of this post.  Please take the time to visit each one of them.







Some fresh cut greenery and snowflakes add rustic outdoor elements to the tablescape.  The outdoor elements contrasts well with the country decor and competes for your attention.  A shiny gold heart pick offers a small detail that subtly reminds us that love is all around us.  The light blue garbardine placemats, galvanized steel vase and napkin rings and mason jar mugs brings just the right amount of casualness to this folk-artsy tablescape.




Each colorful plate has a different design and catches sight of individual snow angels who are in flight and busy at work by candlelight.

























While the snow angels are hard at work warming up our hearts with love, we can enjoy the cold weather season and the Valentine's Day occasion with a bowl of hot, savory tomato vegetable soup.  It is perfect for such a snowy day when coming in from the outside means cold noses and cold toes.  This homemade soup is tasty and very flavorful from the variety of vegetables and herbs that are combined with a pork rib broth base.  A steamy bowl of this soup warms up your soul as it warms up your body.




I love adding more garlic, spinach and parsnips to my soup.  The addition of oregano, basil, parsley, thyme and leeks with carrots, celery, green pepper, tomato sauce, V-8 juice and yellow flat beans make this a hearty and very satisfying soup.  I sprinkle a little of grated parmesan cheese on the soup just before serving.




A warm cheddar cheese and garlic biscuit with some soft garlic butter goes so well with this flavorful soup.




Here is the recipe for these "yummy-in-my-tummy" biscuits:

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Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits
Biscuits:
2 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp. sugar
1 T baking powder
2 or 2 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2/ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 C buttermilk
1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Mix dry ingredients.  In separate bowl, combine buttermilk and melted butter.  Add to dry ingredients and fold in cheese.   Drop onto parchment-lined cookie sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Cool slightly and prepare topping for brushing the warm biscuits.


Topping:
3T melted butter
1 T chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Combine the ingredients and brush the warm biscuits.


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A glittery splattered heart-shaped burlap gift bag is ideal for filling with a Valentine's Day note and some chocolate candies for guests to take home.




Each little burlap bag is filled with a Russell Stover Chocolate Heart and a "You Are My Valentine" note.  The wrapped chocolate candy heart is just the perfect size to fit into each bag for guests to enjoy when a craving comes along for a rich and luscious piece of chocolate.










I hope the lovable, chubby cherubs have touched your life.  Happy Valentine's Day!




Now don't forget to see what lovely Valentine's Day tablescapers have designed for you in this wonderful Valentine's Day Blog Hop hosted by Chloe Crabtree of Celebrate and Decorate.  The hop is organized a little differently this month in that all of the tablescapes will be featured on a single day rather than throughout the week.  So the following links listed below will be live with their featured Valentine's Day tablescapes beginning on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 6:00 am ET.  You can browse through them at your leisure after that time.



23 comments:

  1. Those burlap gift bags are adorable and now I want cheddar biscuits! I can feel the love with those pretty folk art pattern Snow angle plates as he sprinkles cupid love across the land. It is fitting to have a snow man as cupid in the midst of winter in a snowy land. I love your folk art table, especially the color combinations.

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  2. Oh my, I would LOVE one of those biscuits about now! I have always loved designs by Debbie Mumm--I still have some Christmas ornaments I made out of one of her fabrics. Happy to be joining you this week! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

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  3. Those cupid snowmen are darling and the food looks so delicious.

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  4. The Debbie Mumm plates are adorable, flying cupid snowmen is a fun way to look at them!! Your winter meal sounds like the perfect comfort food on a snowy evening with lots of red touches to keep things warm. The burlap treat bags are such a nice touch! Have a wonderful and cozy Valentine's Day!

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  5. What a fun mix of Valentine's and Winter! Your menu is exactly what I would want this evening as I am in Northeast Ohio and the temperatures have turned decidedly colder! Now that chocolate covered marshmallow heart....be still my heart, those are one of my very favorite indulgences! Thanks for joining in another hop!

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  6. The Debbie Mumm snow angel plates are so whimsical and cute...love them. I also love the look of your folk-artsy table. The burlap treat bags are a perfect take away for your guests. The soup looks so delicious and is comfort food at its most perfect. Thank you for including the recipe for the cheddar biscuits, I would love one for my dinner. It is always a pleasure to blog hop with you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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  7. How cute using the snowmen as cupids! The red and white checked tablecloth sets the stage nicely and I like the pops of blue! Love the cute little burlap bags. Wishing you a Very Happy Valentine’sDay!

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  8. Your chubby snowman cupid angels definitely touched my heart, and so do the links back to your food and drink fares (I knew they would!!). Marsha, I love your theme and how you tie your region's current weather state to the storyline of cupid being a snowman. So very clever, and the folksy table elements really really add to the adorable designs on the plates. Love the fact that you literally and figuratively brought the outdoors in. Your soup looks absolutely delish. You could make anyone forget about winter doldrums with this great tablescape. Happy February, and Happy Valentine's! I so enjoy your company on this blog event.

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  9. Love your sweet Debbie Mumm snowmen plates. How creative to combine Winter and Valentines. I see the little hearts they carry. The burlap little treats bags are so cute. So fun that you added the red and white checked tablecloth. A cheery way to brighten Winter. The soup looks amazing and he’s I will take some Parmesan cheese and also those yummy cheddar biscuits. Very creative and fun.

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  10. Those plates are just so cute! I love all the red checks and the way the sun is shining in on your pretty table. That soup looks delicious too! Happy Valentine's Day!
    Shelley

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  11. An unique, clever and sweet seasonal table for a cold, snowy Valentines. I would love to have a seat at your charming table, but what I really want is a bowl of that delicious looking soup and biscuits!

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  12. You have a lovely view of the snowy woods and what better way to enjoy a winter's evening with a delightful bowl of soup and biscuits. I love the addition of parsnips to your soup. I would love the specific recipe because I know my husband would like it.
    Your tablescape is full of personality with the cute snow angel dishes. Love the handmade bags and goodies.

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  13. Fun to see this table. I just packed away all my snowmen, and already missing them. Your soup looks delicious!

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  14. Since we have a fresh layer of snow on the ground this morning, your table is perfectly styled for the season with your cupid snowmen. I have always been a Debbie Mumm fan, so I am loving those plates. You have given me the warm and fuzzies with this table and the yummy menu. Love the burlap treat bags, too!
    I hope you have a lovely Valentine's ❤️

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  15. Your tablescape is so much fun. I love the winter theme! The soup looks delish and the whole table makes you want to sit and chat over a big bowl of biscuits ( wink)!Pinned, it's a pleasure to hop with you, Happy Valentines Day! hugs!

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  16. Snowmen make great winter decorations long after Christmas has passed as long as they don't have the Christmas trimmings. They add a little light to the darkness of winter.

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  17. Combining winter and Valentine's decor is a great idea and you did a beautiful job. Your table works for kids and the young at heart. I could use a bowl of that soup and a few cheddar biscuits right about now. Stay warm!

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  18. Adorable snow angels Marsha, I love Debbie Mumm’s work! Your soup and cheddar biscuits look very hearty and satisfying for a cold winter’s day and your treat bags, a perfect sweet ending with a chocolate heart. As always it’s a treat to hop with you. Hope your Valentine’s Day is extra sweet. ♥

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  19. I love your table setting and all the yummy recipes shared here. Cute idea for the Valentine's Day treat too. Have a great weekend and thanks. HUGS

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  20. Looks nice. I pinned this! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 9, open February 1 to 26.

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  21. What a fun idea to have a snowman theme! Just love how pretty it looks. Those biscuits look amazing!

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  22. The snowmen as Cupid plates are really cute. The little burlap bags are too. You’ve included lots of wonderful treats. Biscuits sound yummy.

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