There was nothing more exciting than decorating my “mailbox” for the class Valentine’s Day party. I looked forward to opening all of the envelopes, and seeing if there were any heart candies inside.

I remember spending hours in the store trying to pick out the perfect valentine card to give to classmates. There were so many choices, such as Care Bears, Wonder Woman, Smurfs, Spiderman, Superman, Mickey Mouse, Strawberry Shortcake, etc.

Many of these types of cards are still bought my kids all over the country, in anticipation of the big Valentine’s Day card exchange. And, just like growing up, some kids will still bring in handmade cards so nice they could be sold at Hallmark!

This Valentine's Day recipe is also great for a light desert with friends or family. For a more grown up feel, you can leave out the heart shape cookie cutter!

Valentine Shortcake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Store bought angel food cake, or several small angel food loafs
  
  
• 1 can of light whip cream or 1 tub of light Cool Whip
  
  
• 1 pack of fresh strawberries or 1 package of frozen strawberries, thawed
  
  
• 1 can of strawberry topping (strawberry preserves works well too)
  
  
• Heart shaped cookie cutter

Directions:

1. Slice angel food cake into thick slices and place on plate.
   
   
2. Cut out two heart shapes for each person you are serving.
   
   
3. Spread some whip cream on the first heart shape.
   
   
4. Add strawberries.
   
   
5. Add a little more whip cream, and then top with second heart shape.
   
   
6. Add a generous portion of strawberry topping, so that it drizzles down
   the sides.
   
   
7. Top off with a spoonful of whip cream.

If you don’t like angel food cake, here is very simple twist on ordinary cupcakes:

Ingredients:

• 1 box of white cake mix
  
  
• 1 bottle of red food coloring
  
  
• 1 can of butter cream icing
  
  
• 1 cupcake pan
  
  
• Red hots, sprinkles, and any other fun toppings you desire

Directions:

1. Make batter according to package directions
   
   
2. Before pouring into cupcake holders, add three drops of red food coloring and stir well.
   
   
3. Add drops until you get the desired shade of red or pink.
   
   
4. Bake according to package directions.
   
   
5. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
   
   
6. Spread frosting over cupcakes, and sprinkle toppings as desired.
   
   
7. You can also use red velvet cake mix in place of white cake mix, and skip the food coloring.

Enjoy!