For my Valentines

[via martha]

We don't make a big fuss around here about Valentine's Day, though we do celebrate in small ways. Cards, small gifts like books or music (twice we've gifted each other the same album, unintentionally), and usually a special dinner at home, whether take-out or homemade like last year. This year I think we'll celebrate with a special breakfast out, and then a special dinner in. Always a special dessert. Cheesecake? Brownies? Probably brownies since I can't seem to get enough chocolate. Heart-shaped of course. I like mine with frosting, but B likes his in sundae fashion with vanilla bean ice cream and hot fudge. Sundaes it will be.

[via bakerella flickr]

As for the cheesecake, I'd love to make miniature versions to share with friends. My mother used to make them often for parties and neighbors. They are hardly gourmet, but add a little orange zest and plenty of brilliant red cherry topping, and they are always devoured. And they just look so Valentine-y!

Miniature Cheesecakes

2 80z pkgs Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. orange zest

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

foil cupcake liners

1 box Nabisco Nilla Wafers

cherry pie filling--the best you can find or make

Place foil liners in cupcake pan. Place a wafer in each liner. Beat all other ingredients until smooth, then pour into cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake at 375 for 16-18 minutes. Cool slightly, top with Cherry Pie Filling. Refrigerate.