As Valentine’s Day approaches, there’s still plenty of time to put together some truly memorable plans for your significant other. Here are a few activities we know will make your loved one’s day extra special!
Breakfast in Bed
Nothing says “I love you” like having breakfast in bed! Start your Valentine’s Day off right by trying some of these coffee infused recipes:
Coffee-Flavored Belgian Waffles
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup (packed) light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten to blend
2 tablespoons whole-milk ricotta, room temperature
1¼ cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons Royal Cup Italian Roast Espresso, plus more for serving
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
Pure maple syrup and whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
Whisk flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Mix eggs and ricotta in a large bowl before adding buttermilk and 2 Tbsp. coffee; whisk until smooth. Whisk in 5 Tbsp. melted butter, then fold in dry ingredients with a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix (some lumps are okay). Let batter sit uncovered at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
Preheat oven to 200°. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and place in oven. Heat waffle iron and brush with butter. Pour 1 cup batter onto iron and cook until waffle is golden brown and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Transfer to wire rack in oven. Repeat with remaining batter, brushing iron with more butter as needed. (Waffles will be limp at first but will crisp up as they sit.)
Serve waffles topped with whipped cream, drizzled with maple syrup, and sprinkled with more espresso powder.
Coffee-Glazed Bacon
1 c. sugar
1 oz. water
3 tbsp. Finely Ground Royal Cup Ground Coffee Beans
1 lb. bacon
Instructions
Heat oven to 400°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with foil.
In medium saucepan, combine sugar, water and finely ground coffee. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by half, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Makes about 1 cup.
Meanwhile, arrange bacon in single layer on prepared sheets. Roast 18 minutes, rotating pans on racks halfway through. Carefully pour off rendered fat. Brush bacon with 2 tablespoons coffee syrup and roast until well browned, 4 to 5 minutes. more, rotating pans on racks halfway through. Immediately transfer bacon to plate (if it cools on the pan, it will stick; it also crisps as it cools).
Picnic in the Park
Taking in the crisp air and sunshine is a wonderful way to experience lunch on Valentine’s Day! Some delicious homemade treats, a thermos of Royal Cup coffee and a blanket are all you need for a midday celebration.
Coffee Marshmallow Crispy Treats
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan and hands
1 (10-ounce) package mini marshmallows
2 to 3 tablespoons Finely Ground Royal Cup Coffee Beans
6 cups rice cereal (recommended: Rice Krispies)
Instructions
Lightly butter an 8-inch square pan.
In a large pot, melt the butter over very low heat. Stir in the marshmallows, coating them with the butter. Slowly melt the marshmallows, stirring frequently. When the marshmallows are melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the finely ground coffee (2 tablespoons for a rich coffee flavor, 3 tablespoons for a real kick) and mix until it is dissolved into the melted marshmallow. Gently fold in the rice cereal. When it is completely coated, lightly press the mixture into the prepared pan with your buttered hands. When cool, cut the treats into bars and serve.
End the Day with Dessert
If you are planning on going to an upscale restaurant for dinner, call ahead and see if you can request a coffee themed dessert. If you’d rather save dessert for home, then we have just the recipe:
Coffee "S'mores" Pie
Graham Cracker Crust
9 whole graham crackers, ground finely in a food processor
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons Nutella
1 ounce semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Coffee Ganache
12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 61% cacao), finely chopped
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2' cubes
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely ground coffee beans
Meringue
2 large egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
Mix graham cracker crumbs and remaining ingredients in a small bowl to blend. Press mixture onto bottom and up sides of pie dish; chill until crust is firm, about 30 minutes.
Coffee Ganache
Place chocolate and butter in a large bowl. Bring cream, coffee, and 2 Tbsp. water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat; cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Strain cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into bowl with chocolate and butter; discard coffee grounds. Stir until melted and ganache is smooth. Pour into chilled crust; smooth top. Chill until set, about 1 hour.
Meringue
Using an electric mixer with clean, dry beaters on medium speed, beat egg whites in a medium bowl until light and frothy. Add sugar in 4 additions, beating for 1 minute after each addition. Continue beating egg whites until stiff and glossy.
Spoon meringue over coffee ganache; swirl decoratively with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Using a kitchen torch, if desired, toast meringue until golden brown in spots. DO AHEAD: Pie can be made 8 hours ahead. Keep chilled.
We hope these activities and recipes will make you and your loved one’s Valentine’s Day truly special. Be sure to share with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter a picture of your Valentine’s creations!
