In high school, my Valentine’s Eve consisted of staying up the whole night baking heart-shaped delicacies to surprise my family in the morning. Although I don’t have access to a kitchen suitable for my adventurous cooking endeavors, I know some people do! So, here are my favorite Galentine’s-inspired treats I’ve made over the years in order from easiest to most challenging:
- Heart-Shaped Bacon
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This is literally the easiest treat you can elevate to fit the theme. Another even easier option would be to spell out XOXO with the bacon!
Jocelyn Hsu / Spoon - Heart-Shaped Strawberry Skewers
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These are also easy little decorations! I used to make long skewers of these alternated with chunks of pineapple.
- Heart-Shaped Egg in a Hole
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When done correctly, these can look amazing. However, I have never been able to pull it off successfully. When all else fails, though, you are left with a cute, heart-shaped toast that you cut out of the middle!
Jocelyn Hsu / Spoon - Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
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It took me a while to find a recipe for these that worked for me! Here is an easy store-bought version, and the from-scratch version I love. These are super impressive and don’t have to be difficult to make if you don’t want them to be.
- Muffins Adorned With Hearts
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These are pretty straightforward! The only part that takes a while is tediously cutting strawberries into individual heart shapes.
Brook Buchan / Spoon - Heart-Shaped Cake
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This is how to make your cakes heart-shaped without buying a new pan! It can be a little nerve-racking when making the cuts, but it is so worth it. Since I think of Galentine’s Day as a decadent, rich holiday, I think of my favorite chocolate cake recipe. Make some salted caramel and some buttercream to slather on that baby and that is a perfect Galentine’s cake.
- Heart-Shaped Whoopie Pies
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My mom went CRAZY for these! In Pennsylvania, there is a large Amish presence that specializes in whoopie pies. These are one of the more difficult things that I made because piping the shape and having them rise correctly in the oven is a little tricky. Sometimes I coated the cake in strawberry jam before putting the filling in.
- Avocado Toast
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Being in LA and all, it is hard to celebrate something without some avocado. Which is why I bring you Galentine’s Avo toast! With a little rose of smoked salmon, your girls will die at how cute these are.
Sarah Silbiger / Spoon
Now, no matter your skill set, you have no excuse but to host the best-themed party of the month. It is no longer a Galentine’s day, it is a Galentine-SLAY.