Valentine’s Day is nearly here. We don’t make a big production of it, but a little chocolate and a few thoughtful touches are always welcome. My kids are at that awkward age—too old for the preschool-style celebrations and too young for the romantic side of the holiday—so this year I’m focusing on small, fun gestures that will make them feel special. No boyfriends or girlfriends to worry about yet; the closest thing to romance in our house is the 5th grade variety.
Do you remember 5th grade romance? It’s usually brief and dramatic: a girl will ask a boy to be her valentine at the start of the day, he’ll say yes in surprised tones, they won’t speak the rest of the day, and by dismissal they’ve “broken up.” It’s endearing and a little baffling, and it always makes me smile.
Last week I had lunch with my daughter Grace and a few of her friends. Their conversations were refreshingly ordinary—teachers, homework, and planning for the upcoming Washington, D.C. trip. No serious crushes on the agenda, which suited me fine.
Since everyone will be “single” for the holiday, I decided to spoil my family a little this week. We’re keeping things low-key, but that doesn’t mean the day won’t feel special. I’ve planned a few simple surprises for the kids and my husband to show them I’m thinking of them.
Today’s treat was strawberry milk—nothing complicated, but dressed up to look festive. I rimmed the glasses with sprinkles and topped each serving with whipped cream. The girls loved it, my son gave me an extra hug, and my husband even licked his glass clean. Proof that real men and teenage boys will drink pink milk with sprinkles.
Strawberry Milk for Valentine’s
Strawberry Milk for Valentine’s
Ingredients
- 2–3 tablespoons Hershey’s Strawberry Syrup
- 8 ounces milk
- Karo syrup (for rimming the glass)
- Pretty sprinkles
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the glasses first. Pour about 2 tablespoons of sprinkles into a shallow dish. Lightly coat the rim of each glass with Karo syrup, then dip the rim into the sprinkles so they adhere and fully cover the edge. In a separate cup or measuring glass, combine the strawberry syrup and milk, stirring until blended. Pour the strawberry milk into the prepared glasses, top with whipped cream, and add a few extra sprinkles for garnish.
Did you make this recipe?
If you try this at home, please leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram.
I’m sharing this at a few favorite link parties and thought it might inspire simple, sweet ideas for your own Valentine’s traditions. Small gestures can make the day memorable without a lot of fuss.