Treat Yo' Self - February 14th Style
As the winter blows on through the Bluegrass, a certain red and pink styled holiday seems to be approaching very quickly. Before I continue, I must make a confession: I actually dislike Valentine’s Day very much. Even as a teenager when I bought into most of what society was telling me to do, I have always rejected the idea of Valentine’s Day. Why do we need one day a year to celebrate love? Shouldn’t we do that every day? And how on Earth does buying people chalky candy hearts show them your affection?
But as an adult, I have realized a few things that escaped my previously cynical thoughts. The first would be that not all love is romantic love. Even though that might be the kind that is spread all over the marketing for this holiday, familial and friendship love is no less important. Thanks to the show Parks and Rec, Galentine’s Day is being celebrated by more and more ladies on February 13th each year. The second thing is that although I express my love to my partner and family every day, there are people out there who may need such a prompt to make date night happen. And that doesn’t make them any better or worse than myself; just different. Some people are much more romantic than I am and look forward to putting hearts on everything and decorating with reds and pink. To each their own, and I am not here to judge (anymore).
Valentine’s Day has been absent in our business in the past, but after reflecting these points this year I have decided to shake things up. What would I want if I did celebrate Valentine’s Day? Easy; breakfast in bed.
Look’s dreamy right? With just a touch of Valentine’s Day. I assembled this tray using pottery from our Aqua + White glaze combination because I think it plays well with the traditional reds and pinks of the holiday. The dish is an indulgence; peanut butter and maple syrup drizzle over cinnamon sugar toast. Holy moly, I’m drooling over here.
This is a family recipe that my dad passed onto us – perfect for snow days and long cozy mornings in. I have substituted natural and organic ingredients in for the Jif and Aunt Jemima’s of my past – but rest assured that either option will deliver a sweet treat. This recipe is customizable to your loved one’s palette – and they are gonna love it.
Peanut Butter + Syrup Breakfast
Serves 1-2
NOTE: I am listing what I used, but any variation of brand or type will work!! Don't over think it.
- 4 slices of whole wheat bread
- Vegan Butter
- 1 tbs Cinnamon Powder
- 1 tbs Organic Sugar
- 1/4 cup of Natural Peanut Butter
- 1/4 cup of Grade A Maple Syrup
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Grab your peanut butter and maple syrup, along with a mug. You can expand the amount to as much as you want, just try to keep the general ratio of 1 part syrup to 1 part peanut butter in mind. Put 2 ingredients in the cup, and stir until smooth. I like to get the texture to a similar consistency as honey – test it by pulling the spoon out of the mixture and letting it drain off the spoon into the cup. (see photo below for example) If it sticks to the spoon, you need more syrup. If it’s too liquid, add some more peanut butter. Do this is slow increments or you will end up with way more syrup than you need.
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In a small bowl combine the sugar and cinnamon. Again, for this you may want to mix up more if you like a heavily seasoned piece of toast. Keep a 1:1 ratio in mind for this step.
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Butter one side of each piece of bread, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over. Stick it in the toaster on low.
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For plating, let me suggest using a heart or fun shaped cookie cutter for one piece of toast! Stack on top of a full piece, and then drizzle a small amount of peanut butter/maple mix over top.
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Keep remaining mix in mug or transfer to a small bowl. Serve it alongside the plate of toast and enjoy!
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Option: Add in some milk and fresh fruit to cut the richness down a bit.
And that’s it in a nutshell! I love this recipe because it’s such an easy, indulgent treat, but you can personalize it in so many ways. In my family, we all mix up our own peanut butter/maple mix because we all prefer it slightly different; some thicker, some thinner. I may try to trick myself with organic ingredients, but don’t be fooled; this is a heavier option for breakfast. But doesn’t that make it perfect for a Valentine’s Day treat?
I hope you enjoy – if you make this yourself I would love to see the results! Tag us in your posts on Instagram or Facebook.
