Page 26 February 2014 Kid’s Corner mom, Heather Kinkel, shows how Valentine’s Day can be special for the kids too. Love month...and the importance of a cookie cutter By Heather Kinkel Every February, I pull out this heart- shaped cookie cutter. I’ve owned this cookie cutter for the better part of my eleven parenting years, and love getting it out each season. It sits on my cutting board (my main kitchen warrior), waiting for me… waiting for the random toast cut-out or sandwich shape. This small but mighty little kitchen tool reminds me to throw in a little something special for my kids – to mark their memories with the season. I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. I don’t have anything against it, exactly, it’s just not my favorite. As a mom of three little ones, it’s hard to celebrate something HEART SHAPED PIZZA Store bought pizza crusts (my kids like thin crust) Pizza sauce Shredded mozzarella cheese Pepperoni and any other toppings Cut pizza crusts into heart shapes. Top with pizza sauce, cheese and toppings. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Enjoy! that lands on a school night five years in a row. I did learn early on, however, that just because I can’t have a champagne dinner out with my love, it doesn’t mean Valentine’s Day (or night! or month!) can’t be special for our entire family. A few years ago we started Valentine’s Day traditions in our house that we continue each year. I stop by a local bakery (usually LGO) for cupcakes and a few fun trinkets for the kids and then work on making a fun little love bag for them from Mommy and Daddy. For dinner we make little heart shaped pizzas. Some years I let the kids decorate their own, other years I quickly just do them all the same. This year I decided to send my little loves a message… They truly are my favorites. Enjoy this season of love with the ones you love, readers. It doesn’t have to be extravagant – a note, a word, a treat – sometimes less is truly more.

Page 27 February 2014 EART SHAPED PIZZA ore bought pizza crusts (my kids ike thin crust) za sauce redded mozzarella cheese pperoni and any other toppings t pizza crusts into heart shapes. p with pizza sauce, cheese and pings. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 10 minutes. Enjoy! Valentine for a vegetarian By Amanda Savage It’s Valentine’s Day, you’re in love with a vegetarian or vegan, now what? For regular eaters out there, finding a nice restaurant to take your vegetarian to can be tricky. When you think of “nice” restaurants, traditionally steakhouses and seafood spots first jump to mind. But what is a “nice” meal for a vegetarian? A fancy salad? Luckily, there a few local spots meat-to- veg and veg-to-veg relationships can find harmony at this Valentine’s Day, and still feel included in the romance. Geordie’s at The Wrigley Mansion 2501 E Telawa Trail (602) 955-4079 Along with jazz music and dancing, on Valentine’s Day Geordie’s offers their entire a la carte menu along with a special four-course menu. Both have vegetarian options, and the chefs are happy to alter some of those to be made vegan. The kitchen is prepared to make vegan dishes. I would suggest calling and speaking with the chef about food preferences to see if there’s something they can make for you. On the regular menu vegetarian options include: Bruschetta, Ricotta and Crostini, Gnudi, Ravioli, Mushroom and onion Soup, salads, vegetarian pasta, risotto, potato dishes, vegetable dishes, and macaroni and cheese. The four-course menu offers one vegetarian option for each course: Bruschetta, Caesar Salad made without anchovies, Vegetarian Pasta and Chocolate Mousse Cake or Zeppole’s. The Mansion offers over 600 wine selections and many vegan wine options. St. Francis 111 E Camelback Rd (602) 200-8111 St. Francis’ offers French-bistro classics in a modern ambiance. Its hidden gem quality adds a layer of romance - a perfect spot for a surprise dinner. While Valentine’s Day-specific specials have not been specified, the regular menu offers vegan and vegetarian options in almost every section. For vegans, there are homemade (baked daily) baguettes, the Forbidden Rice Bowl and market vegetable flatbread. Vegetarians can indulge in a pumpkin soup made with pomegranate, cinnamon crème fraîche, toasted pepitas, orange zest and sage, baked goat cheeses and desserts. Lon’s at the Hermosa 5532 N Palo Cristi Rd (602) 955-7878 Lon’s garden-to-plate style dining Continued on page 29 5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd. Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 602.955.7878 | LastDropBar.com