Apple Blackberry Cobbler
The legend of St. Valentine – or at least one of the legends – tells us that St. Valentine was a priest in Rome during the third century. Claudius, the emperor at the time, felt the need to build up a strong army to fight Rome’s many battles but he was having trouble recruiting men because they did not want to leave their women at home. So he did what any power crazy person might do and banned all marriages!
But our dear Saint Valentine was a kind man and he continued to marry young couples in love… that is until he was caught and sentenced to death. Yet the legend goes further. Before his execution, Valentine befriended the jailer’s daughter and left her a note signed, “from your Valentine.”
The reason I share this story is only to give some background to a holiday that has been reduced to just another reason to shop for gifts. Saint Valentine so believed in love that he was willing to die for it. That kind of conviction is not something we see very often.
On this Valentine’s Day, I chose to make a pie – actually an Apple Blackberry Cobbler – for my daughter Alexandra. On her birthday, last October 1, instead of making her a pie, I brought one to the nurses at the maternity ward at Ashland Community Hospital where she was born to thank them for their patience and dedication. (I made Alexandra cupcakes for her birthday!)
Alexandra was my first-born and tested my mothering skills from the beginning. It has been such an amazing journey watching her blossom from a fearless little girl into the remarkable woman she has become. This past year, Alexandra created a blog, sheisred.com, and she has also been a tremendous support to me with my blog as well. I am so grateful to her for all she has done to help me with this project. Tonight I wish my dear daughter Alexandra, a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart. ~Author Unknown
Pie a Day Give Away 
So sweet!