Looking for a Recipe for Love this Valentine's Day? Coast Packing Company Suggests Starting with These

If, as Ted Kooser, former poet laureate of the United States, has said, "Valentine's Day is the poet's holiday," it's also a day for all things delicious, especially if they're made with love, lard and/or beef tallow – so advises Coast Packing Company, a leading supplier of animal fat shortenings throughout the Western U.S.

"Restaurants are certainly a natural place to mark Valentine's Day, but this year, consider preparing something special for your partner, in your own kitchen," said Eric Gustafson, CEO of the 93-year-old company.  "We believe in natural, minimally processed food, and there's nothing quite like baking up a batch of cookies for that someone in your life.  Consumers are wise to avoid industrially-produced partially hydrogenated fats in favor of animal fat shortenings, which have the benefit of being consistently delicious and, in moderation, promoting health."    

With appreciation to http://theculinarycouple.com, http://blog.ideasinfood.com and http://www.cooks.com/, Coast sends Valentine's Day best wishes to all.  The recipes follow:

Sugar Cookies for Your Sweetie on Valentine's Day http://theculinarycouple.com/2010/12/21/sugar-cookies-2/

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.Ingredients for cookies

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup lard
• 4 cups Wondra flour plus more for rolling (Wondra flour is finely ground and produces a lighter cookie; you may substitute cake flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cap full of vanilla
• Sugar for sprinkling

Ingredients for icing

• 3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp milk
• 2 Tbsp coffee (to cut the sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Knead together sugar, lard, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Make a hole in the center of the dough, and pour eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla into it. Stir to combine.
3. Chill dough overnight.
4. Flour a work surface, your hands, and a rolling pin with Wondra flour. Roll dough until it's about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Use heart shaped cookie cutters for Valentine's Day, then place dough onto a baking sheet (preferably a baking stone). Sprinkle some with sugar, and leave others for icing.
6. Bake at 400°F for about 8 minutes.
7. Beat together ingredients for icing and add pink/red food coloring, if you like. Spread onto cookies, or use a piping bag to decorate them with sprinkles or chocolate bits.
8. Store cookies in an airtight container.

The Ultimate French Fries There's nothing more shareable than a fresh batch of fries.  The ultimate French fry, below, is fried in beef fat -- twice!http://blog.ideasinfood.com/ideas_in_food/2008/07/smoked-tallow.html

1. Choose an Idaho Russet potato. Russet Burbank variety if you can get them.
2. Condition the potato by storing in a 70 degree environment for a couple of weeks (potatoes coming out of cold storage need time to convert sugars back to starch).
3. Cut the potatoes into the desired fry size, similar to the fast food places you prefer.
4. Soak the cut potato strips in room temperature water for at least 8 hours, overnight is good (this soaking plumps up the cells within the potatoes to result in an improved texture). Do not use ice water or refrigerate! The starch will convert back to sugars causing the finished fries to take on a darkened exterior color.
5. Dry the potato strips and fry in 300 degree oil until just cooked inside and limp, fry time is dependent on the thickness of the fry strip. Bite a piece off and taste, if the raw potato taste is absent it's done inside. Let cool.
6. Bring oil to 375 degrees and fry until golden brown and crispy.
7. Of course, fry in beef fat (tallow), properly twice fried fries will not soak up much fat. What's the point of endeavoring to produce the very best french fry and then compromising the taste with a neutral tasting fry oil.
8. Important, work in controlled sized batches that doesn't drop the frying temperature significantly.  Maintain the fry temp or the fries will absorb fat.

Yellow Lard CakeBasic and sinfully delicious.
http://www.cooks.com/recipe/vc0xs4z3/yellow-lard-cake.html

• 1 1/4 c. lard
• 2 1/2 c. milk
• 2 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 5 1/2 c. sifted cake flour
• 2 1/2 tbsp. baking powder
• 3 1/8 c. sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp. salt
• 5 eggs, unbeaten

Put lard in mixing bowl; add 5 tablespoon milk and vanilla. Beat 2 minutes on mixer at medium speed, or until light and fluffy.  Sift together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add to lard mixture with 2/3 of remaining milk.  Beat until smooth with mixer at medium speed, about 4 minutes. Add remaining milk and eggs. Beat until smooth, 3 minutes. Pour in greased and floured 12 1/2 x 18 inch pan.  Bake at 350 degrees 35 to 40 minutes. Makes 54 (2 inch) squares. Cool and frost.

Survey Finds 30% of Partnered Americans Do Not Make Valentine's Day Plans in Advance of February 14

etailMeNot (www.retailmenot.com), a leading digital offers destination that helps consumers save money, recently conducted a survey with Kelton Global that found 3 in 10 people in relationships wait until the last minute to make Valentine's Day arrangements. These survey findings align with internal data from RetailMeNot showing that online searches for chocolates, jewelry and flowers spike on the day before and day of the holiday. Luckily, for the majority of couples, the day of love and romance isn't an afterthought. On average, partnered Americans start thinking about plans 11 days in advance of the holiday.

"According to the survey, 80% of partnered Americans expect to receive something from their significant other to celebrate the occasion, so partners would do well to start shopping early!" says Sara Skirboll, shopping expert for RetailMeNot.

 
 
 

RetailMeNot Presents: The Cost of Love

Great Expectations

Coupled individuals who plan to spend money on Valentine's Day will spend an average of $93 dollars on gifts. Men expect to outspend women, shelling out $113 versus $70 on gifts. Among partnered Americans who expect something for Valentine's Day, these are the most wanted gifts:

• Dinner, please: 52% of people expect a meal
• Sexual healing: 51% foresee sex in their February 14 future
• A Hallmark holiday: 44% expect a physical card
• How sweet: 36% expect candy or chocolate
• Love in bloom: 34% expect flowers
• Bling, bling: 17% expect jewelry
• Digital devotion: 17% expect a text message

Last-Minute Love

Shoppers should plan ahead, because RetailMeNot found the best time to buy some Valentine's Day gifts are sooner rather than later:

• Flowers shouldn't be last minute: Plan to purchase flowers online during the first two weeks of February as retailers like 1-800 Flowers and FTD.com offer the highest percent off during those weeks.
• Buy chocolates strategically: The second week of February is one of the best times to purchase luxury chocolate from Godiva since the brand offers rare percentage-off discounts during this time period.
• Lingerie: RetailMeNot 2015 data shows that lingerie is discounted as deep as 43% off 10 days before Valentine's Day.

To browse discounted gifts and offers, visit the RetailMeNot Valentine's Day page: www.retailmenot.com/deals/valentinesday

The Cost of Love: Not All Relationships Are Created Equally

RetailMeNot held up a magnifying glass to the true cost of romance to see how much people are willing to spend on first dates,Valentine's Day gifts and that swipe right on Tinder.

If you're gearing up for a first date, be aware that only 16% of people believe that the bill should be spilt evenly on the first date. Nearly half (49%) of survey respondents think men should pay, and men don't disagree. In fact, more men than women believe they should foot the bill on a first date (59% versus 38%). A third of people (33%) think whoever initiated the date should cover the cost.

Additionally, how and where people originally met affects how much they are willing to spend on a date. When it comes to relationships spawned via an app or dating site, people tend to cheap out on the first date. Dates initiated offline lead to more money spent. The average amount consumers would be willing to spend on a first date based on how they met the person is as follows:

• Mobile-dating app (e.g. Tinder or Bumble): $19.20
• App that links you up with mutual friends (e.g. Hinge): $23
• Online dating site (e.g. Match.com): $24.30
• In a social setting (e.g. bar): $35.20
• Through work, among those employed: $44.40
• Through mutual friends or relatives: $46.10

While the cost of dating seems high, the cost of commitment is even higher. According to the survey, more than a third of people (36%) think marriage is the most expensive stage of a relationship. It may pay to fly solo, as only 9% said being single is the most costly state of being.

No matter your relationship status, there's still cause to celebrate. In fact, according to a 2015 RetailMeNot survey nearly one in four (24%) people celebrate Valentine's Day regardless of whether they are in a relationship.

Who needs chocolates and flowers this Valentine's Day? For romantics looking for big laughs, online novelty superstore Stupid.com complied a list of the 10 Most Stupid Valentine's Day Gifts of 2016.

Here are the 10 Most Stupid Valentine's Day Gifts from Stupid.com:

Dirty Valentine HeartsRomantic phrases like 'Cute Butt,' 'Bend Over,' and 'Do Me' put a risqué spin on this traditional candy conversational treat.

Bacon Massage OilLet the smoky aroma of bacon fill the air with this bottle of silky oil that stinks of a meat lover's paradise.

Weener Kleener SoapKeep any man's downstairs junk clean with this tiny ring shaped soap with a hole in it, that conveniently washes where the sun does not shine.

Gummy HeartGiving someone your heart has never tasted so chewy, with this lifelike mold of a human heart made of pure edible gummy goodness.

Small Pecker CondomsWant to make that ex-boyfriend squirm? These tiny condoms are the perfect prank for getting a big laugh from that tiny manhood.

Understand Men Breath SprayMen – who gets them? After a few sprays from this tiny bottle of instant-guy knowledge, anyone can be an expert.

His & Hers Bottle OpenerShaped like a woman with a nice rack, and a man with some large junk, these openers are great for cracking a romantic brew.

Wash Away Your Sins SoapThis liquid soap promises to wash away that morning guilt after any sinful Valentine's Day roll in the hay.

Tipsy Wine GlassesA two glass set feature a twisted, curing stem, making them the perfect explanation for why any drinker is so tipsy!

Sex Smarts GamePut your partner's sexual IQ to the test, and see if they're worth putting a ring on it with this colorful 1000-question card game.

The Mixology Of Valentine's Day: New Survey Reveals The Spirited Chemistry Of Love

Valentine's Day is only a few heartbeats away, so whether you're frantically swiping right or have a lifelong Valentine, you no doubt have love on the mind. But, if you're like nearly half of millennials, you'll be skipping the reservations and staying in this Valentine's Day, according to a survey* commissioned by Southern Comfort 100 Proof®. So, before you splurge on that expensive bottle of wine or bouquet of roses, check out a few spirited stats about the dating and drinking preferences of millennials.

More millennials will stay in and cook rather than dine out on Valentine's Day.Let's face it…dining out isn't cheap! Perhaps that's why 44 percent of millennials surveyed plan to cook dinner at home on Valentine's Day. And while you're likely to focus your efforts on finding the perfect filet mignon recipe, don't forget how good that steak can taste with a classic crafted cocktail such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

Don't be THAT guy. Be THE guy. Looking to take your mixology game to the next level? Well, now you have a reason to put that cocktail shaker to good use. Ninety-three percent of respondents say they are impressed by people who know how to make a good cocktail, which means there's a 93 percent chance that, if you know how to work that shaker, your recipe will be a hit with your Valentine's Day date. Take the odds!

Do you know how to make a really, really, really good cocktail? Pop quiz: what ingredients are required to make an Old Fashioned? If you can't answer that, then you might want to hold off on switching to a career in mixology. That's a shame, because nearly three‑quarters of survey respondents (70 percent) say they would date a mixologist. Talk about game.

It's not me, it's you! Whiskey can be intimidating. While it has become increasingly popular in recent years, it may be surprising that whiskey can be intimidating to some, much like a first date. In fact, nearly 10 percent of survey respondents say they are downright intimidated by the spirit, with women being five times more intimidated than men. Maybe it's high time you opted for a whiskey-inspired spirit with a little more experience under its belt – and a lot less bite. A spirit that has been around for more than 140 years. Something with a sophisticated profile featuring flavors of whiskey, fruit and spices that works perfectly as a base in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned – and ISN'T complicated!

Not to mention, 28 percent of millennials said they wish they knew how to make a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned. So, what are you waiting for? Swipe right with #SoCo100, and toast to Valentine's Day with these charming recipes!

Comfort Old Fashioned1 ½ oz Southern Comfort 100 Proof
½ oz Sparkling Water
1 tsp Sugar
Dash of Bitters

Add bitters, sugar and water in a short glass. Add Southern Comfort 100 Proof and ice cubes. Garnish with lemon twist.

Southern Manhattan®2 oz Southern Comfort 100 Proof
¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
Dash of Bitters

Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker; shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

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Valentine's Spending Comes Up Roses: 24 Stats and Facts

Americans shelled out nearly $19 billion in 2015. "TraditionalValentine's Day gifts are always the lead for widespread retail sales this time of year," stated Brent Shelton, FatWallet online shopping expert. "More recently though, we're seeing a big marketing push for smart tech as Valentine's gifts, especially wearables, which should increase spending in excess of $20 billion in 2016."

24 Fun Facts for Valentine's Day Spending (see full infographic):

1. Half of Americans will buy candy to the tune of $1.7 million
2. More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold
3. 48% of women expect to receive chocolates as a Valentine's gift
4. Valentine's Day ranks #1 for fresh flower purchases in the US
5. 20% of all flower transactions happen during Valentine's
6. 1 in 4 Valentine's shoppers will buy flowers, half are bought for spouses
7. 250 million roses get produced for Valentine's Day
8. 40% of Valentine's flower purchases are red roses
9. Half buy greeting cards to the tune of more than 180 million
10. Valentine's ranks a far second to Christmas card sales (1.5 billion)
11. 85% of Valentine's cards are purchased by women
12. About 1/3 will do a Valentine's dinner and/or a movie
13. About 1 in 5 buy jewelry as Valentine's gifts
14. Almost 9% of all diamond jewelry is sold as Valentine's gifts
15. 2 to 1, men outspend women for Valentine's
16. More than 1/4 will shop online for Valentine's gifts, 1/3 of those from tablets
17. Valentine's shoppers spend an average of 30% more online
18. About 1 in 5 will buy for their pets
19. Almost half of marriage proposals happen on Valentine's Day
20. Almost 1/3 of Valentine's shoppers procrastinate
21. 40% of procrastinators believe it's too late to find a deal after Feb. 13
22. 38% want smartphones as a Valentine's gift
23. 1/2 of women that don't receive a gift would end their relationship
24. Tucson, AZ spending increases 68% during Feb. Valentine's Day sales

Data was aggregated from published surveys and reports by FatWallet.com. Data resources include: statisticbrain.com, aboutflowers.com, AMEX, EdahnGolan, Greeting Cards Association, Hallmark, Cardlytics, momentology.com, Ebates, Inc., Georgetown Institute for Consumer Research and National Retail Federation.

Homes Near Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Stores Appreciate Faster

Your local grocery market has a lot to do with what happens in your local housing market, according to a new analysis by Zillow featured in the paperback edition of Zillow Talk: Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate (Grand Central Publishing, Jan. 26).

Specifically, Zillow found that homes grow more rapidly in value if they are closer to a Trader Joe's or Whole Foodsi. Between 1997 and 2014, homes near the two grocery chains were consistently worth more than the median U.S. home. By the end of 2014, homes within a mile of either store were worth more than twice as much as the median home in the rest of the country.

"Like Starbucks, the stores have become an amenity in their own right – a signal to the home-buying public that the neighborhood they're located in is desirable, perhaps up-and-coming, and definitely improving," said Zillow Group Chief Economist Stan Humphries. "Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, the stores may actually drive home prices. Even if they open in neighborhoods where home prices have lagged those in the wider city, they start to outperform the city overall once the stores arrive."

The first book by Humphries and Zillow Group CEO Spencer Rascoff became a New York Times best seller after its hardcover release in January 2015. The book – out this week in paperback with a bonus chapter about the grocery store phenomenon – draws on Zillow's 10-year history collecting and analyzing real estate data, busting common myths and turning conventional wisdom on its head.

"The grocery store phenomenon is about more than groceries," said Rascoff. "It says something about the way people want to live – in the type of neighborhood favored by the generations buying homes now. Today's homebuyers seek things in neighborhoods that weren't even in real estate agents' vocabularies a generation ago: walkability, community, new urbanism – and maybe we should add words like sustainable seafood and organic pears."

Zillow analyzed the values of millions of homes near dozens of Trader Joe's and Whole Foods to conclude that grocery stores and home values are definitely related.

• According to the Zillow analysisii, the median home within a mile of a future Whole Foods store appreciates more slowly than other homes in the same city before the store opens. In the months before the stores open, the trend reverses and flips, so that after the stores' opening dates, homes near Whole Foods appreciate more quickly than other area homes.
• Homes near future Trader Joe's locations were appreciating at close to the same rate as other homes in the same city before the stores opened. After the opening date, however, Zillow found a clear boost in home appreciation rates. Two years after a Trader Joe's opened, the median home within a mile of the store had appreciated 10 percentage points more than homes in the city as a whole over the previous year.
• The analysis clearly shows that homes near the stores appreciate more quickly than homes in the city as a whole. That means the two brands are very good at choosing locations that will appreciate faster in the future, or are actually spurring home appreciation growth – or some combination of the two.

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