Edible Expressions of Love

I love you - The three most powerful words to encourage young hearts and minds as our children navigate through this journey we all know as life. Each of us as parents has different philosophies and methods on how we share love with our children.  If you have more than one child, then you already know that each child also has his or her own love language through which they feel most special when love is communicated. In my own family, each of my three children shows and receives love as uniquely as their personalities.  Abigail loves the written word.  Every time I sneak a love note into her lunch bag, she always thanks me for the note when I pick her up from school.  It is no surprise that she also loves to convey her thoughts and emotions by writing them down on paper - sometimes grabbing my phone to send her dad a text to tell him she loves him.   Mimi, on the other hand, is not as moved by words as much as she is by action.  Special one-on-one time is how we fill her love tank. Most recently Rob and I took her to see a movie without her brother or sister for her birthday.  On our drive home she thanked us for a wonderful evening and still talks about how special that evening was, especially because we bought her a whole package of licorice to eat all by herself - no sharing with siblings!  Eli is my most easy going child.  His love language is just being together.  Each day we are together and he is my constant companion.  We run errands, go to the park, and play lots of games like hide-and-go-seek.  No matter what it is, just being together gives him a sense of security and reassurance that he is loved no matter what is going on. One thing the three of them have in common is that they all receive love through food.  I can incorporate their personalities into what I'm cooking to let them know I'm thinking of them.  Take homemade cookies, for example - Mimi, loves it when I bake a batch of cookies with just her help.  Abbi is delighted when she finds the cookies in her lunch bag, tied up in a cute bag with a love note.  Eli (and I) savor moments when we share a cookie, cuddle on the couch, and sing a silly song - the same song over and over again. I'm sure you have a treasure trove of stories about your own children and how you convey love and how they receive it as well.  Feel free to share them below in the comment section.  I would love to hear your ideas on what makes your children feel special! With Valentine's Day approaching, here are some thoughtful and delicious ways from around the blogosphere to let your children and loved ones know you're thinking of them.  Click on the links below each picture for the recipe and further instructions.

Valentine's Day Crossword Cookies and Cake by I AM BAKER

Heart-Shaped Chocolate Raspberry Cream Cakes by Zoe Bakes

Heart Shaped Egg in a Nest by Pinch My Salt

Sweetheart Cupcakes by Cheese and Chocolate

Double Chocolate Waffles with Berries by Our Best Bites

Raspberry Mini Churros by Raspberri Cupcakes

Valentine's Day Broken Glass Jello by Food Librarian

Red Ribbon Cake by Food o' del Mundo

Grilled Nutella Raspberry Sandwich by Two Peas and Their Pod

Heart-Shaped Baked Chocolate Doughnuts by Cooking on the Side

Valentine's Day Bread by Artisan Bread in Five

Valentine Heart Chocolate Chip Pancakes by Cooking by the Seat of My Pants