[Ninja Baker] A Valentine's Day Tale

[Ninja Baker]

Once upon a time, living in ancient Japan (let’s say 1960 something), there lived a little Caucasian girl. She enjoyed the privileges of living in a big house with a Siamese cat named Princess Puff.  A maid took care of everything. The only chore assigned to the girl was making her bed. Oh, yes, and cheerfully turning off the new color TV when told to do so. (Per the contract her father made her sign.) The little girl went to an international school. She had friends and did well in her studies. Especially, spelling. (Physical education was another story.)  However, from age 10 or so, her heart yearned to meet Prince Charming. 

Somehow, the years flew by very fast. The little girl became a teenager who declared, “I won’t marry until I’m 47!” (Adopting the notion that successful careers demanded a singular focus.) Secretly though she wished for true love. 

Crammed in a dorm – with no maid service – during her college years, a deep loneliness crept into her heart. She was active in pursuing her degree in the dramatic arts. (Actually, she was already a master in theatrics. A more prudent choice might have been a major like international business.)  

Through the years, she did meet a lot of boys. And dated a few. They were mostly critical and selfish  By the time the young woman graduated UCLA, she did find one very sweet, loving man. The relationship did not work out. Neither did a first marriage at age 29. The yearning to meet Prince Charming did not cease.

After reading self-help books like Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, the girl - who became a teen and then a woman - latched on to the idea of self-love. (Not to be confused with narcissism.) She started doing activities that made her heart sing. Like taking dance classes.

Lo and behold, a smattering of heartaches and a decade later, HE – Prince Charming showed up in a West Coast Swing class.  The lens in her glasses had to be adjusted a couple of times. But, finally, she recognized him. 

In May 2007, he proposed to her on le deuxième étage of the Eiffel Tower. 

True to her teenage proclamation, at age 40 something she married Prince Charming (AKA David Watkinson) in what some guests have said was their favorite wedding. (The fact that Elvis officiated at the wedding may have had something to do with that opinion :-)

If there is a moral to this tale, it might be this: True love can strike anywhere at any age. So, celebrate!

The Ninja Baker’s Valentine’s Day suggestions follow

Nothing like munching a cookie while your heart melts reading the romantic words on a Valentine’s card. (If you are single, send yourself cards. Express your appreciation for all your positive attributes.)

To produce Valentine’s Day cookies that are pleasing to the eye and palate, combine the recipes of two powerful women One engaged in her Martha Stewart Empire. And the other, Giada De Laurentiis, juggling marriage, baby and her life as celebrity chef.

Giada’s Sugar Cookies:

Substitute the pig and animal shapes for hearts. Unless you want to convey another message.

  

Ninja Baker Note: If you roll out the dough much thicker than 1/4, the cookies lose the cutout shape.

Dani Fiore’s Royal Icing:

 (As demonstrated on Martha Stewart’s 2011 Valentines show.)

While frosting your Valentine’s Day cookies, sip on a strawberry daiquiri. (Or eat some strawberry ice cream.)  

Or clink glasses of Zinfandel with your sweetheart. 

Jeanne and Robert Sakamoto

Hand in hand with cocktails, cake also appears at many celebrations. So let us not forsake this mighty tradition on Valentine’s Day.

Pictured are two strawberry cakes (thank you Betty Crocker) baked in heart-shaped pans.  Recruit kids to help decorate. Wilton’s Pink Sugar Pearls look especially pretty. And no worries about ruining your dental work. The pearls dissolve upon tongue touchdown.

To paraphrase Matthew 4:4 (in the Bible), “Man cannot live by bread or cake alone.”  (Although, this Ninja Baker may be able to live on only frozen yogurt.) So, let us bring another carbohydrate to the Valentine’s table: Rice!

Take a trip to your local Japanese market or go to marukai.com for perfect Valentine’s toppers.  Pick up swirly pink and white narutomaki or pink-ridged kamaboko. (Sorry, don’t know how to make pressed Pollock sweetened with sugar appealing. But it is yummy and often seen adorning soba noodles.) 

Pale pink sushi ginger as well as denbu (codfish and sugar) are lovely, too.

Armed with Ninja Baker suggestions for your Valentine’s Day menu, you are ready to concentrate on presents.

Men: Bring roses and diamonds.

Women: Buy a six-pack and show up in your birthday suit!

Single ladies, treat yourself. No, lavish yourself with TLC and a trip to the spa. Even if it’s just lighting some candles around your own bath. Believe that your Prince Charming may be awaiting your arrival tomorrow. At dance class. At the library. Or somewhere you never suspected would deliver the love of your life. 

Wishing you delights of the heart and palate on Valentine’s Day and always.

The Ninja Baker

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Posted By Ninja Baker to Ninja Baker at 2/14/2011 08:01:00 AM