It’s all about the LOVE this Valentine’s Day! Wishing everyone a Valentine’s Day filled with romance, roses, and, of course, lots of deLysscious chocolates. Valentine’s Day in New York City can be very magical and romantic. There are so many fabuLyss things to do on with and without the children.
Spend a beautiful evening with someone special this Valentine’s Day in The Carlyle Hotel. Book a room and take a “staycation.” Since this Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, you can choose from a matinée or evening Broadway show. “An American in Paris,” “Beautiful,” and “The Color Purple” are just a few that I love.
But if you really want to splurge on that special someone, get tickets to see “Hamilton.” This would make it one Valentine’s Day you would never forget. We can’t stop listening to the music and singing all of the songs in my apartment.
Take a horse and carriage tour in Central Park with or without the kids. Make sure to stop into the Plaza Food Hall before or after for some deLysscious treats. Some of my favorites are La Maison du Chocolat, Billy’s Bakery, and of course, Lady M. You can always make a reservation at the Palm Court in the Plaza Hotel for high tea.
I always love having the kids make something handmade for my husband, grandparents, and teachers. This is a time for them to unplug and get creative. This year I have some fun ideas for them, including taking them to PhotoOp on the Upper East Side for a photo session (www.photoopnyc.com). Once we have the photos I am going to have the kids decorate the picture frames with glitter glue, paint, and markers. I want them to personalize each frame for their loved ones.
We will also make some handmade chocolate lollipops in the shapes of hearts, lips, and flowers.
Wishing everyone a sweet Valentine’s Day with their loved ones!
Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLysscious Moms (www.divam
DeLysscious Valentine’s Day sugar cookies
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
4-2/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup pale-pink or white sanding sugar (optional)
Petal dust in pink, orange, and violet tones (optional)
2/3 cup apricot or strawberry jam, slightly warmed (optional)
DIRECTIONS: In bowl of electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, about four minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into large bowl.
On low speed, gradually add flour mixture to mixer bowl, alternating with buttermilk, until combined. Wrap dough in plastic; chill until firm, one hour or overnight.
To color white sanding sugar, if using, place a few tablespoons in a small bowl. Mix in petal dust with a toothpick, a bit at a time, until desired shade is reached. Colored sanding sugar will last indefinitely.
Heat oven to 350-degrees with two racks centered. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut out hearts using any 1- to 3 1/2-inch heart cookie cutters. If desired, cut centers out of some hearts.
Transfer with spatula to baking sheets. Chill for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with sanding sugar, if using. Bake until just golden but not too brown, about 10 minutes.
Transfer cookies to rack. Continue with dough; reroll scraps.
To make sandwich hearts: Brush bottom heart lightly with jam; cover with a second heart with center cut out; jam will adhere hearts. Fill cut-out area with more jam.
