Leader Enterprise - Feb. 2011

Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s my favorite holiday. Some may say that Valentine’s Day is a gimmick for card companies, but I believe it’s a wonderful opportunity to let the special people in your life know you care. While most tend to think it’s just about romantic love, I think if you consider these ideas,they can help build any meaningful relationship.


Author Gary Chapman has written “The Five Love Languages” which has sold more than 1.5 million copies. These are a few of his thoughts about what he believes are the ways we communicate the depth of our affections to others.

1. “GIFTS: A gift is a physical symbol that the giver is thinking about you. A gift doesn’t have to be expensive. People have always said that it’s the thought that counts. But I remind couples it’s not the thought left in your head that counts; it’s the gift that came out of the thought in your head.

2. ACTS OF SERVICE: Do something. This love language is cooking meals, washing dishes, washing cars,taking out the trash. It’s doing anything that you know your spouse would like for you to do (for them). Learn to speak through acts of service.

3. WORDS OF AFFIRMATION: Another way to express love is to use words that affirm:”You look nice in that dress” “You look sharp in that shirt”.”I really appreciate what you did yesterday”.

4. QUALITY TIME: Quality time is not sitting in the same room watching tv. Take a walk or go out to eat, just the two of you,and talk. When you give quality time, you’re focusing on him or her. Maybe you are doing something that both of you like to do, but your focus is on being together, not on the activity itself.

5. PHYSICAL TOUCH: We’ve long known the power of physical touch:holding hands, embracing in an affirming way.



Once you discover which love language makes that special someone feel loved, then choose to learn to ‘speak’ that language.



Learning a second language is difficult. If you speak English, learning Spanish is difficult. If you speak Spanish,learning English is difficult-but you can do it.”



I can’t think of Valentine’s Day without thinking/dreaming about chocolate! Most of us think of enjoying chocolate as a guilty pleasure. If you haven’t heard that dark chocolate can be good for you, keep reading.



There is a great deal of scientific evidence that chocolate–particularly dark chocolate high in cocoa–is good for you. According to a new study ,small doses(1 ounce)of dark chocolate every day could decrease your risk of heart attack or stroke by 40%.



Now don’t think that means inhaling a few candy bars for the sake of your health. Beware of any chocolate bar that lists sugar as the first ingredient. Read labels-the darker chocolate with the higher cocoa concentration has the most benefits. People hoping to benefit from chocolate’s heart healthy effects should cut out other snacks and sweets. Eating too much chocolate will have negative effects that far outweigh the positive effects of cocoa.



I hope you’ll enjoy this fabulous new recipe with 5 simple ingredients.It’s good enough to serve company.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE BARS

1-18 ozs.box german chocolate cake mix
2/3 c.cold butter,cut into pieces
1 c.semisweet chocolate chips
1-15 ozs.tub prepared coconut-pecan frosting
1/4 c.milk

Preheat oven to 350.Grease 9”X13”baking dish. Place cake mix in medium bowl; cut butter in until crumbly(A pastry blender works nicely). Press 2-1/2 c. mixture into prepared dish. Bake 10 minutes;immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips. Drop frosting by tablespoonsful over chocolate chips. Stir milk into remaining crumb mixture; drop by teaspoonsful over top. Carefully spread with back of spoon to smooth. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly around edges and top is cracked. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate 3 hours before cutting. Yield:4 dozen.

MINI BROWNIE TREATS

1-18 ozs. box fudge brownie mix (9” X 13” size)
48 striped chocolate kisses,unwrapped

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for fudge-like brownies. Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 18-21 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 1 minute,then top each with a chocolate kiss. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to wire racks to cool completely.Yield:4 dozen.

Be sure to take time to tell someone you love them. Our tomorrows are not guaranteed.