Paleo Valentines...

Oh, how we love thee.

Remember how much I love this day? Well, no way were these (most of the time) gluten-free eaters going to miss out! My, how far we've come since last year.

My kid's heart pancakes are a tradition that we could not crush...so, we "paleo-ized"them. I really want to make these someday. Even though I'm not much of a pancake person, I am a butter person. (And the maple pecan butter sounds like reason enough to make 'em!) This morning we made these because they are simpler. (And by we, I mean Char) b/c he's the flapjack flipper in this house! He's pretty much taken over breakfast completely these days...and it is WONDERFUL...I can actually get going in the morning. Another reason why I'm in love with you, Charlie Apel! (These were surprisingly good.  Best paleo-pancakes I've had! They do taste coconut-ty but with butter and maple syrup, they were great!)

And...we added these to our Valentine's Day Breakfast.  We "heart" bacon 'round here.

Char and I may or may not have indulged in these late last night DIPPED in chocolate!  I've always wanted to try bacon and chocolate...and incase you're wondering, it is ALL the rage! We didn't have much success the first time with the hearts keeping their shape, so this morning, we used toothpicks at the top and bottom to keep them together. Meh...they looked okay.  The kids were impressed. Mission accomplished.

Chocolate Dipped Bacon:

If you want to make the chocolate dipped bacon, here's how I did it: After getting them to just the level of desired crispiness, let cool on a plate for about 15 minutes.  Then, I used the chocolate ganache from Health-Bent's cupcakes (1/3 cup dark chocolate chips + 2 Tbs. coconut milk, microwaved for 30 seconds and whisked together.) and dipped half of the bacon in the chocolate. I know you're going to be tempted to try them then, but don't. You'll be disappointed. Let that chocolatey bacon-goodness cool in the fridge an hour or so. Then take them out of the fridge until they reach room temperature: 15-20 minutes or so and serve them to the ones you love.

Dessert for the Kiddies: 



I mean...it is all for them anyway, right? And...I couldn't decide which to make...I mean, I didn't want one to totally be a bomb and have a bummer Valentine's dessert. So, I just made both of these cheesecake brownies and the chocolate cupcakes.  Health-Bent, oh, how I love YOU! I wish I could send you a virtual-valentine. Why did I ever doubt that you may not come through? You ALWAYS do. We loved them both...but I'd have to say that if I were to pick a fave, I'd go for the cheesecake brownies! They were DIVINE! These could totally be passed of to your non-paleo eating friends. (The chocolate cupcakes tasted like a chocolate banana muffin to me, still good...and the kids loved them...so I was happy.)

Like always, I'm a little fashionably late, but I made both these desserts in an hour last night! (And that's counting sending the hubby for a late night grocery run for the cream cheese!) So, you still have plenty of time to make these.