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Back in the day it was dinner out and a movie for me and my husband.  These days Valentine’s Day is school parties, dinner at home with the kids and usually flowers from my sweet husband.  I am amazed that he manages to get fresh flowers in the middle of winter to our tiny town in Wyoming, during calving season none the less.  He even remembers it is tulips that make me smile.

For those of you from around the Big Horn Mountains looking for a great place to dine out with your special someone on Valentine’s Day.  I would highly recommend the Winchester Steak House in Buffalo, Wyoming.  You will want to plan ahead and make reservations because the place will be packed! I’ve been there on many occasions and it is always packed; which means it’s the best place to eat in town.  It is located on Highway 16 East, just past the CO-OP, how’s that for small town directions!

On the menu there is a large variety of fresh steaks seasoned with the house rub plus seafood and nightly specials. There are spectacular appetizers, soups, salads and homemade desserts. They have a great kids menu and honestly, the bread basket filled with homemade rolls and scones is enough to get me to show up! They offer a full bar so you can complete the dinner with your favorite wine.  I would go with a Pinot Grigio, it’s my favorite!

On the other hand, if your Valentine’s Day is like ours and dinner will be at home, you can still have a terrific meal.  Something special does not have to mean complicated or difficult.  Usually we have steak, twice baked potatoes, homemade bread and something sweet to finish it off.  If we are lucky enough to have a bottle of champagne we will crack it open and enjoy it with dinner.  We have been known to have a bottle left from New Year’s Eve because we did not make it until midnight!  Trust me it happens when you have kids.  At some point you are just glad for sleep when you can get it!

Life is hectic so just make sure on Valentine’s Day to let your loved ones know how you feel.  Take time for hugs, kisses and remember to say I love you.  Warm some one’s heart, it will do you and them a world of good and Valentine’s Day is the perfect reminder.

Even if you find that you are short on time this Valentine’s Day and it’s a frozen pizza kind of night, there is still time to make dessert.  Today I am going to share with you a very special dessert that is quick and easy and will taste wonderful to the kids and adults alike!  Perfect for all of your Valentines!

 Phyllo Cups with No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients:

• 10 sheets phyllo
•   dough, thawed if frozen
• non-stick cooking
•   spray
• 4 tablespoons
•   melted butter
• 1 4 oz box instant
•   chocolate pudding mix
• 4 oz cream cheese,
•   softened
• 2 cups whole
•   milk
• 1 cup sweetened
•   whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons mini
•   chocolate chips

Cooking Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Unroll phyllo and separate 10 sheets.  Cover with a damp flour sack towel or paper towel. Wrap remaining phyllo tightly in plastic wrap and return to refrigerator for another use.

Place phyllo onto a cutting board and cut into 3 rectangles lengthwise and then into 4 rows, creating 12 squares.  Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
Place 1 square of phyllo into each muffin tin and lightly brush with butter. Add 2
more layers into each tin and brush with butter.  Repeat until all tins have 10 layers of phyllo.

Bake for 7-10 minutes or until lightly browned.  Set muffin tin aside to cool.
While the phyllo cups are baking, add softened cream cheese to a mixer bowl and beat
until creamy.  Add pudding mix and milk and beat at low speed just until
combined.  Scrape sides and bottom of mixing bowl with a rubber spatula and
continue to beat 2 minutes at medium-high speed until smooth. Cover and
refrigerate while phyllo cups are baking.

When phyllo has completely cooled, spoon filling into each phyllo cup, top with a
dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.  Return to
refrigerator until ready to serve.  Store leftovers in an airtight or
covered container.

Yield:
12 servings
Enjoy!

Miss