“Love is the greatest refreshment in life.” — Pablo Picasso

Happy Valentine’s Day to all! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and here are some great ways to celebrate around town!

~ Chocolate War for teens will take place at the Wayne County Public Library from 3pm to 4pm February 11^th

~ Be a Sweetie to Your Sweetie: The Pink Piggy Sweets is offering Gift Boxes for Valentine’s Day starting at $15.00

~ Lane Tree Golf Club is offering a Steak Dinner for 2 for $39.95 on February 14th!

~ Carl & Chelle’s Grill Room opens early on Valentine’s Day with a special gift for all the ladies.

~ Dinner & Painting Party at the Arts Council on February 11^th 6-9pm 919-736-3300

~ Valentine’s Day Extravaganza the Carolina’s Key Club will be hosting an event at the Herman Park Center on February 18th. Free to all!

~ Annual Daddy/Daughter Dance will take place from 6 to 8pm at W.A. Foster Center. Tickets $10 each call 919-739-7449

~ Starlight Dance Band at the Peggy Seegars Senior Center February 10th, at 7pm for seniors 50 and older Free for all!

~ Bingo Bonanza special 9 on for 1 penny on Saturday  (919) 947-1848

~ Wayne County Jazz Showcase will take place at 7:30pm at the Paramount Theatre. 919-583-8432

~ Tea time will be held at Charles B. Aycock Birthplace from 1 to 3pm for ages 5 through 12. Cost is $12. 919-242-5581

This Valentine’s Day, serve up something sweet to your sweetheart!

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (10 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid not paste)

Cream cheese frosting

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 4 ounce package softened cream cheese
• 7 ounce marshmallow creme

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder.
4. Add, to the cream mixture, the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beating after each addition just until combined.
5. Stir in food coloring
6. Using a medium size ice-cream scoop, drop batter on the prepared baking sheets and bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until tops are set.
7. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

1. In medium mixing bowl beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in marshmallow creme
2. To sandwich the cookies, spoon a little frosting on the flat side of one cookie. top with another one.
3. Enjoy!