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From Prison, With Love THE SURPRISING ORIGIN OF VALENTINES
Valentine’s Day is a time of chocolates, flowers, romantic dinners, and honoring our significant others. Every Feb. 14, we’re reminded of the power of having a companion by our side, especially when that love has helped us stay strong in the face of adversity. This mindset led to the development of the cards and love letters that define the day for couples around the globe — and we owe it all to a prisoner of war. Our tradition of expressing our deepest love through Valentine’s Day notes dates back to at least 1415 when an imprisoned French aristocrat penned what is largely believed to be the first use of “Valentine” in a love letter. That year, the British defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt. The spoils of this victory included the capture of Charles, Duke of Orléans, who was subsequently held prisoner in the Tower of London for the next quarter century. Just 21 years old at the time of his capture, Charles longed to
be reunited with his second wife, Bonne of Armagnac. To pass the time and ease his heartsickness, he penned poems and letters to his beloved, hoping to be with her again someday. One particular poem, written more than two decades before he was finally set free, included the following passage: God forgives him who has estranged Me from you for the whole year. Tragically, the two would never hold one another again. Bonne passed away before Charles’s release, depriving them of years of love and the opportunity to have children together. Charles would later remarry and father three children before he died in 1465. Credited for inadvertently kickstarting the modern Valentine’s Day card industry, he remains one of France’s most studied and celebrated poets. I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine.
Take a Break
FABULOUS FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE
Inspired by EasyDessertRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS 1.
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1 cup chopped dark chocolate 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup almond flour 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 4 large eggs, separated 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a springform pan with butter or nonstick spray. 2. Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour warm, melted butter over it, wait for 2 minutes, then stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. 3. Add sugar, almond flour, and walnuts and stir to incorporate. Stir in the egg yolks and set mixture aside. 4. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip egg whites on medium until stiff peaks form. 5. Fold 1/4 of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter. Repeat, 1/4 at a time, until egg whites are incorporated. 6. Pour batter into springform pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and let it cool
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CHOCOLATE DREAM EQUALITY GROUNDHOG
GRAMMY KING LINCOLN PIZZA
ROSES SUPER BOWL VALENTINE WOMEN
completely before removing from the pan. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
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