I had a good reminder this week from our Extra Peeps (aka our Something Extra Facebook Fans) - lists are always awesome.

Last week, I was racking up my top 10 list of favorite private brands stuff. Now, while I don't want my blog to become a list every week, it did get me thinking about 14 great ideas for Valentine's Day in our stores...

1. Mini desserts in our Bakery.
You can choose individuals (I'm a huge fan of the mini chocolate decadence AND key lime cheesecake - definitely one for the lover of all things tart, like myself) so each of you can get what you want. What you really really want. Or share one of the desserts for two.

2. Nob Hill Trading Co. chocolate dipped strawberries
I am not a big chocolate fan so I like to knock the chocolate off and just enjoy those jumbotron berries on their own.

3. Champagne soaked citrus salad
Get the recipe here, then, you know, drink the rest.

4. Champagne, lots and lots of champagne
Some of my faves are on sale right now, which is always a good thing - like Chandon or Mumm Napa for 11.99, or big splurge of Veuve for 39.99. Now, if you're hosting a Valentine's Day party for grown-ups (or a Valentine's Day dinner/party for your fellow single friends), buy six bottles of any wine and spirits and save 10%. Because, really, you know you need some wine for those other nights too, right?

5. Kerrygold Blue Cheese
I'm a big BIG blue cheese fan and am digging on the Kerrygold Blue in the cheese case. You can crumble in a salad or go for it and throw down some blue cheese butter   on the rib eyes on sale this week. Or with the Beef with Blue Cheese Dollop and Red Wine Rosemary Reduction  (you don't have to use filet for this one, by the way.)

6. Nob Hill Trading Co. Lobster Bisque in our Deli
Creamy, decadent and it makes it seem like you slaved all day over a hot stove. Pro tip: Hide the container in the bottom of the trash can. I'm not sayin'. I'm just sayin'.

7. Flowers for every budget
Go with fresh market bunches in bright colors. Or choose market fresh roses. Or go crazy and get one of those super duper arrangements.

8. Green & Black's Organic Maya Gold Dark Chocolate
Ok, I know I just said I wasn't a big chocolate fan, but the orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla make this choccy bar unbelievable. It's our Natural Foods section (also home to one of my other fave sweet treats, Mi-Del Ginger Snaps, which are on sale this week. OH YEAH. And The Ginger People Ginger Chews. I have a total ginger problem. TOTAL.)

9. Häagen-Dazs Five Ice Cream
Just five ingredients for a really pure and fresh flavor. Start with the vanilla bean, then add a fancy topping - like our Apple Bourbon Syrup  recipe or Mexican Hot Chocolate Sauce  recipe. Did I mention there's also a Ginger variety of this? It's really ginger. For the ginger fiends like myself, clearly. Or for ultimate splurgification, go for the Straus Creamery Ice Cream in Natural Foods. A yummathon.

10. Nob Hill Trading Co. Bread for Two in our Bakery
Um, like the best thing ever. Hello.

11. Nob Hill Trading Co. Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
You thought I was kidding about liking blue cheese? There's also a nifty garlic one. And feta and.. These ones are in the Deli in a little tub. I almost included them on my list last week but then thought you'd think I had an olive problem.  

12. Hallmark cards
Yes, we have Hallmark cards! Handy if your sweetheart is the kind of person who turns the card over to see a) how much you spent and b) what brand it is.

13. Chambord
It's a bit splurgy, I know, but this intensely rich raspberry liqueur can do double duty as a sauce for ice cream and as part of a champagne cocktail. Second, less-spendy choice: Patrón Café, which is my current obsession. It's a really intensely coffee liqueur - not as sweet as others - think chocolate covered espresso beans. I wouldn't put it in a champagne cocktail, but would be delightful over vanilla or ginger ice cream.

14. Ultimate Valentine's Day Dinner in our Deli
For the Sideline Chef? Try our Ultimate Valentine's Dinner. There's some minimal cooking required - enough to make you look awesome, but not enough to feel awesomely freaked out. That's what I'm talking about.
 

Happy Valentine's Day, all!