The Deerslayer's Wife
Embracing the Hunting Lifestyle
Chocolate Milk with Blackberry Brandy and Whipped Cream
I’m pretty sure that, over the years, I’ve shared my view of VD (Valentine’s Day). When I taught elementary school, I had my share of construction paper hearts, cupids, paper doilies, and conversation heart candies (yuck). There were many single years that I bought into the hype of the Hallmark inspired season. Unhappy, unfulfilled times, as I’m sure you can imagine.
Once I found my own true soulmate, and had little angels of my own, the commercialism and annual guilt-buying of over-priced flowers, cards, and candies really had to come to an end. I now had to be a positive role-model for my daughters. My darling needed to know that he didn’t have to desparately spend money on jewelry, nasty lingerie, or teddy bears to show how much he loves me. Waiting in line for a table at a trendy restaurant for a reduced menu of items that have not-surprisingly doubled in price didn’t appeal to me in the least.
Valentine’s Day, originally Catholic saint’s feast day, has become something sadly different. Does anyone enjoy explaining to young children why the undies departments of any Target, Wal-Mart, or any department store have become a veritable sea of red and black uncomfortable, see-thru lace garments?
Following my lead, my family has made a commitment to honoring St. Valentine by spending time with loved ones, preparing a nice meal to share, and my adult, single daughter has concocted a delicious beverage that seems perfect for what she has renamed the holiday “Singles Awareness Day”.
Single’s Solace
Chocolate milk mix of choice
milk
blackberry brandy, a splash
whipped cream
fresh blackberries
Seriously, does this really need explanation? Make some chocolate milk. Use designer shaved dark chocolate or Nestle’s. Make it in a Waterford glass or a plastic cup. Add a splash of blackberry brandy, the stuff that’s usually on the bottom shelf at the liquor store (so you can find it even if you’re on all fours).
Top it off with Coolwhip or homemade whipped cream with vanilla bean (that’s what we did!) and float some blackberries on top. Make one for yourself and give one to somebody you love… or like a lot. Simple, cheap, sweet. That’s what Valentine’s Day should be all about! Keep it real!
The Deerslayer's Wife 
My Valentine’s was spent back home in Illinois, helping my sister with her kids (2 and 6mos) & visiting my mom. I’m pretty sure sis could have used one or 5 of these, though.
Glad you think it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Glad you think it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Lord help me if I am ever found on all fours at the liquor store! Delighted that your family is working towards restored sanity!
We celebrated the day by spending time around a fire at the hunting camp and eating nilgai tamales. Nothin’ more sane than that!