Valentine’s is just a couple days away and we are all drowning in tidal waves of Pepto-Bismol pink. But I found a rare treasure: a Valentine’s season story that is sincere, non-saccharine, yet still (in fact, more) about love than most of the Valentine schlock out there. It inspired me to make a recipe with similar vibes.

What is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison, tells the story of a little boy named James Otis and his mother. They have been struggling to get by since James Otis’ father suddenly passed away and it is hard for James Otis to see his mother worry and cry.

 

As Valentine’s Day draws near, the reverend announces that the church will be continuing its “love box” tradition of delivering needed goods to those struggling in the community. He then shares about a little girl and her mother, who recently lost all they have in a fire.

James Otis is moved by this, and all his thoughts and worries for himself soon turn toward this little girl and her mother as he racks his brain to figure out the perfect thing he can contribute to their love box.

His process is sweet to witness, as he thoughtfully considers what the little girl really needs, how different gifts might make her feel and how something special to him may not necessarily be special to her in the same way.

 

He ends up making her a book, writing a story in which she is the main character. When she and her mother come to receive their box, she is overjoyed to be the star of her very own book and cannot wait to read it.

It is really beautiful to see James Otis get completely absorbed in giving and caring for another, even while his own needs are so great. He draws us readers so thoroughly into his concerns for little Sarah and her mother that we are genuinely surprised when James Otis and his mother arrive home to discover a love box of their own waiting.

Although Patricia McKissack passed away in 2017, her body of work continues to grow and impact readers. April Harrison, whose tender, flowing illustrations bring the story to life, gushes with joy in her dedication at being able to illustrate for one of her favorite authors, whose books, she tells her grandchildren, she used to read “when your parents were very small.”

 

Reading this book makes you feel like you’ve been wrapped up in a warm hug, so it would go perfectly with a treat that does the same. I started with this recipe for Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings from “Sugar Apron.” I’ve made this one before and it is amazing. Basically you roll apple slices up in crescent roll dough with a bunch of sugar, butter and cinnamon and then flood the whole thing with Mountain Dew (!!!).

 

This time, I wanted to make a more breakfast-friendly version, so I cut the Mountain Dew (forgive me), and just kind of winged it, smearing butter and sprinkling with sugar and spice once on the inside and then again after the apple was all cozied up in its doughy bear hug. Then, pop it in the oven and call it breakfast!

 

 

Kids will love wrapping up the apple slices, which kind of felt like swaddling a baby. Then, when you eat them fresh from the oven, the warm, gooey goodness, feels like receiving a hug from the inside out.

This book and treat are a great antidote to the more shallow takes on Valentine’s that abound, so if you’re feeling jaded, consider these to revive your love of love.