Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, February 10-February 16, 2022 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 5 Decadent treats and Valentine's Day go hand in hand. Couples typically exchange gifts on Valentine's Day, and those gifts are often accompanied by something sweet. A 2017 survey from Statista found that 44% of respondents intended to purchase candy and sweets for their signifi cant other on Valentine's Day. That made candy and sweets the most popular Valentine's Day gift by a considerable margin, well above the likes of other February 14 favorites like greeting cards (33%) and fl owers (32%). Romantic dinners still have a place at the Valentine's Day table, as the Statista survey found that 29% of respondents intended to sit down for a romantic meal as part of their celebration. Homemade desserts can be a great way to show that special someone just how much they're loved. If cooks want to employ the element of surprise, then this recipe for "Ginger Cake" from Will Budiaman's "The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook" (Rockridge Press) won't disappoint. Firing up the grill is sure to pique a loved one's interest, and the slightly spicy fi nished product marks a departure from more traditional desserts. Ginger Cake Serves 8 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for the pan, at room temperature 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose fl our 2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder 4 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 2⁄3 cups packed light brown sugar 4 large eggs 1⁄2 cup whole milk 1. Bring grill to 350F with the cooking grate and heat defl ector installed. Butter bottom and sides of 10-inch cast iron skillet. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the fl our, baking powder, ginger, and salt. 3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes. 4. Reduce the speed to medium-low and add the eggs one at a time. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes or until light tan in color. 5. With the machine running, add the milk. 6. Add the fl our mixture, scraping down the side of the bowl as needed, until fully incorporated. Transfer to the skillet. 7. Put the skillet on the grate. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. 8. Put on a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Cooking tip: Cutting butter into small cubes and arranging them in a single layer will help them soften more quickly. Romance takes center stage on Valentine's Day. February 14th is a chance for couples to express romantic sentiments that refl ect just how much they care for one another. The relationship site Marriage. com offers that happily married couples with long histories together manage to preserve some elements present in the early stages of their relationships — a time when couples typically make a concerted effort to show affection for one another. Romance is a key component of successful relationships. Couples may discover they don't need to leave the house to enjoy a romantic night together. Hide romantic notes Engage in a romantic scavenger hunt by hiding notes that express thoughtful sentiments and give your partner a list of clues to guide the hunt. Start with a clue such as "Where did we go on our fi rst date?" If it was an Italian restaurant, you can attach the next clue to a bunch of basil in the refrigerator, and so on. Alternate watching fi lms Both of you probably have all-time favorite movies, but they may not be the same fi lms. Encourage bonding time by queueing up two separate fi lms to watch, yours and your signifi cant other's. Whether one is a rom-com and the other is an action fl ick, watch them in succession while cuddling on the sofa. Prepare a meal together Valentine's Day dinner can be all the more intimate when you dine alone at home. Together, shop for the ingredients for a delicious meal you both enjoy. Pour two glasses of wine and divvy up meal preparation tasks. Steal a few sample bites (and kisses) along the way. Cook to a romantic playlist to really enhance the ambiance. Dress up the bed Create a warm and inviting bedroom with some luxury bedding. Splurge on sheets with a high thread count and a new down duvet. Fluffy new pillows and room accents can make the space even more inviting. This new bedding may inspire extra cuddling together under the covers. Slow dance When was the last time you enjoyed a dance in each other's arms? Turn up "your song" and sway to the beat. Dancing together can rekindle romantic feelings and needn't be reserved for special occasions like weddings. VA L E N T I N E ' S DAY 2 0 2 2 • M O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 1 4 VA L E N T I N E ' S DAY 2 0 2 2 • M O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 1 4 T H T H How to create a romantic night at home How to create a romantic night at home L O U I E ' S L O U I E ' S CAFE CAFE Love At First Slice! 828-247-9009 SURPRISE THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE! Heart Shaped Pizza Dine In Or Carry Out Heart Shaped Pizza Dine In Or Carry Out Monday, February 14th Voted Best Of Voted Best Of Rutherford County 828 47 9009 828 247 9 09 828 247 9009 235 S. Powell St. 235 S. Powell St. Forest City Forest City Corner Broad St & Powell Corner Broad St & Powell Across from Florence Baptist Across from Florence Baptist b 14th F b 14th Get Your Get Your Heart Shaped Heart Shaped Pizza! Pizza! 16 16'' '' or or 20 20'' '' pizza pizza ©Community First Media Community First Media Seafood -Steaks -Lobster -Chicken -BBQ -Prime Rib SCOGGIN'S SCOGGIN'S Seafood & Steak House Seafood & Steak House Chimney Rock Road Rutherfordton, NC 28139 828-287-3167 828-287-3167 Open 4pm Tues-Sat • Take Out Nightly & Weekend Specials HAPPY VALENTINEʻS 2022 HAPPY VALENTINEʻS 2022 IT'S IT'S BACK! BACK! ASK ABOUT OUR ASK ABOUT OUR VALENTINEʻS SPECIALS VALENTINEʻS SPECIALS ALL WEEK ALL WEEK LONG! LONG! COME ENJOY OUR COME ENJOY OUR GREAT AND FRESH GREAT AND FRESH SALAD BAR! SALAD BAR! You asked for it, now you got it! For more information call 828-429-6422 Doors open at 6:00 pm and the band will start around 7:00 pm. Don't Miss The "CRIMSON ROSE BAND'S VALENTINE DANCE" this Saturday, February 12th performing at The Wagon Wheel Dance Hall located at 239 W E Padgett Road, Bostic, NC. Brown bagging of beer and wine permitted plus a snack bar. VALENTINE DANCE with VALENTINE DANCE with A Valentine's Day dessert whipped up in an A Valentine's Day dessert whipped up in an unusual way unusual way

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