Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you are like me and really don't like baking, then this is an excellent yet impressive dessert for your love.

Cream cheese that has been softened to room temperature is blended with tart sour cream and red velvet cake batter mix, then poured into a chocolaty pie shell. All you have to do is chill this cheesecake until it sets. It's that easy!

I love adding a nice, big dollop of whipped cream on top before serving. You will love the ease of preparing this dessert while your sweetie loves you for making it.

Easy, no-bake, red velvet cheesecake recipe

Inspired by Taste and Tell

A creamy, no-bake, red velvet cheesecake filling is poured into a chocolate cookie crumb pie shell, chilled and then served with a big dollop of whipped cream.

Serves 8

Prep time: 15 minutes | Inactive time: 1 hour | Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup low-fat sour cream
• 1/4 cup white cane sugar
• 1/2 cup packaged red velvet cake mix (dry)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 (9-inch) chocolate cookie pie crust
• Whipped cream, for garnish

Directions:

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, cake mix and vanilla.
2. Blend on high until the batter is very smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared chocolate pie shell, and spread evenly.
4. Chill the cheesecake for 1 hour or until the cheesecake is very firm.
5. Gently cut the cheesecake into slices, and garnish with a spoonful of whipped cream.
6. Best served chilled.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More Valentine's Day desserts

Heart napoleons
Strawberry cheesecake muddy buddies
Kid-friendly Valentine's Day recipes

Dinner. Hit your teen's favorite restaurant to celebrate the holiday, or surprise your child with reservations at a swanky place that requires you to dress up. And no matter how much homework there is to finish, make it a relaxed, languorous dinner that shows no semblance whatsoever to your weekly McDonald's run.

A movie. It's not exactly cool for a teen to be seen with parents at the movies. Offer to pick up the tab for tickets and popcorn for your child and a couple of close friends. Drop them off at the cinema while you catch a bite to eat or do a little shopping. If your teen actually likes you, consider staying in, renting a few blockbusters and ordering a pizza or two.

Drinks. Of course you don't want to break the law by serving your child an alcoholic beverage. But offer the opportunity to hang with you while enjoying a luscious virgin cocktail.

Coupons. No parent wants to battle with a teen over chores, curfews, bedtimes…  Take off a little bit of the pressure with a coupon booklet. The coupons can be anything from "A Chore-Free Night" to "Double Allowance Week."

Pampering. Make it a mother-daughter Valentine's Day with a date to a spa for facials and massages, to the hairdresser for a cut and color or to the salon for a fun mani-pedi. Enjoy a lovely lunch together afterward... and maybe a little shopping, too.

Guy stuff. Most teen guys aren't going to enjoy the pampering, so why not schedule something a little more manly for this mostly-for-girls holiday. Dads and sons can spend a day at the driving or shooting range or beating up on each other playing laser tag or paintball. Or take in a local boxing match or other sporting event.

A party. Throw a cheesy Valentine's Day party with the works: decorations, favors, snacks. Require guests to wear red. Your teen and guests will roll their eyes at first, but since they're all hanging out together, they will soon find themselves having a really good time.

Keep it simple on Feb. 14. Your teen may be too old for kiddie Valentine sentiments and too young for Cupid's romance, but trust us: He or she still wants to celebrate the day.

Image: Flickr/Carol VanHook

More parenting stuff for Valentine's Day

Naming Cupid: Valentine's Day baby names
Easy Valentine's Day crafts for kids
Valentine's Day party games

I am used to big, savory breakfasts, with mixed fried rice, vegetables, eggs and meat. I like to fill up first thing in the morning, because after all, isn't there a saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? But nowadays, sitting down to a relaxing meal in the morning is almost impossible with the rush to get ready for the day. So I reserve the full-meal, savory breakfasts for dinner, when everyone is more relaxed and has more time to taste what is on the table.

I used leftover cooked barley, so if you have some in the refrigerator, then toss it in the pan with some pancetta or bacon and zucchini. You will be glad you did, because it comes out really good. The lemon-garlic sauce enhances the flavor of the chicken tenfold and, I have to say, is my favorite part of the meal. For the eggs, a little mixing up with the basic onions and tomatoes goes a long way too. This one-pot meal doesn't lack in flavor.

One-pot lemon-garlic chicken with fried barley and scrambled eggs recipe

When you have some leftover barley and need a complete meal to cook in just one pot, then this is the recipe you are looking for. You have chicken, vegetables, grains and eggs all in one filling meal.

Serves 2

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 (4 ounce) chicken fillets
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup pancetta or bacon, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups cooked barley
• 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
• 2 eggs, lightly whisked with a fork

Directions:

1. Coat the chicken fillets with salt, pepper and breadcrumbs, and then set them aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over low-medium heat, melt the butter along with about 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Sauté the garlic for about a minute or less, until the garlic turns almost golden, and then add the lemon and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook for another minute, adjust the taste if needed, then transfer the sauce to a small bowl.
3. Into the same saucepan, pour more olive oil. Over medium heat, brown both sides of the chicken. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and cover to keep it warm. Discard the oil from the saucepan, then wipe it with a paper towel.
4. Into the same saucepan, pour a little bit more olive oil. Over medium heat, toast the pancetta and zucchini. When they are toasted, add the barley and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well. Push them to one side of the saucepan.
5. At the other side of the saucepan, sauté the onions and tomatoes (save some for garnish) for 1 minute, and then add the eggs gradually, being careful to not let them touch the barley by pushing them away with a wooden spoon.
6. Put the chicken back into the saucepan, and then pour the lemon-garlic sauce on top.
7. Serve while hot.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More one-pot meal recipes

Steel-cut oat bean chili
One-pot farro with roasted peppers and sweet potatoes
Creamy one-pot vegan Mexican macaroni and cheese

So, when a woman like Stephanie Messenger writes a self-published children's book called Melanie's Marvelous Measles, intended to "educate children on the benefits of having measles," backlash is a given.

(Amazon, $12)

Messenger, a mother of three unvaccinated children, may have been surprised to see more than 1,200 reviews on her children's book, courtesy of some clever trolls on Amazon. The tongue-in-cheek reviews that address the topic of the book, "how you can heal from [measles] naturally and successfully," would be hilarious if they didn't hit so close to home.

As a mother of two vaccinated children who doesn't appreciate this measles outbreak one bit, I take sick pleasure in how hard Messenger got trolled for her anti-vaxx stance on Amazon. Here are 10 of the best "reviews:"

1. Can't wait to read the series

Image: giphy.com

"I'm thrilled to see what's next! Melanie's Fun Funeral? Melanie's Beautiful Blindness? There are so many great options!"

2. Coffin sales are through the roof

Image: giphy.com

"As a carpenter who specializes in itty-bitty coffins, I can't say enough good things about this book. My customer base has been growing at an epidemic rate!"

3. Could use a braille version

Image: giphy.com

"My infant daughter went blind after contracting measles from an unvaccinated child, and yet there's no braille version of this wonderful book for me to give her someday to explain to her how awesome the disease that took her sight away is."

4. Dads love it

Image: giphy.com

"Amazing DIY book. Didn't much care for my kids, and with the help of this book, I put 'em in their place once and for all! That'll learn them to beat me at Mario Kart."

5. Grandparents love it

Image: giphy.com

"I would recommend this book to my elderly relatives, so that they can re-live their childhood experiences of becoming miserably ill with contagious diseases. It would be especially interesting to the ones who had to endure permanent disabilities afterwards, or who had to attend their siblings' funerals."

6. Moms love it

Image: giphy.com

"I really don't understand why there are so many negative reviews on this book. Before contracting the measles from a neighborhood measles party, my 2-year-old son was curious, rambunctious and a bit of a handful if I'm honest. As a stay-at-home mom, I really had to work hard to keep up with him and find creative ways to stimulate his imagination. It was fun, but also mentally exhausting at times. As soon as he caught the measles, he became so boring and lethargic that I was able to sit and watch my soap operas all day, every day!"

7. Perfect story for bedtime

Image: giphy.com

"I really enjoyed reading this book to my child. The only issue is that because I am deaf in one ear because of measles I have trouble hearing her reaction, so I have to assume she's enjoying the book too."

8. Polio is fun too!

Image: giphy.com

"What a wonderful book! I can't wait for the next installment: Paul's Perfect Polio! Watch as Paul contracts polio and all the fun he has with his brand-new, shiny iron lung!"

9. Thanks for bringing back an antiquated disease

Image: giphy.com

"As a medical student, I just wanted to thank the author for promoting beliefs that will provide the amazing opportunity to see and treat measles patients first-hand! Even most of my professors have never seen measles in their lifetime, and I'm looking forward to the day when the first measles patient shows up in my hospital. Maybe it will happen tomorrow!"

10. Who needs safety?

Image: giphy.com

"The best book I have read since Infant Car Seats Are for Sissies."

More on parenting

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OK, I'm just kidding. I don't do much "dating," and I'm what I like to call, "single and terribly alone." But boy, do I feel bad for all those parents who can't find a sitter so they can stare at their beloved in the candlelight!

As a Valentine's Day gift to all you lovebirds with a nest full of chicks, we've pulled together a few date ideas that are sure to work, even if a babysitter is beyond your reach. You're welcome.

1. Start with a shower

Unless you have young children who need constant supervision, you and your spouse can set aside 30 minutes on Valentine's Day to take a sensual shower together. Turn on your favorite music and bond as the hot water hits your bodies — you can call it a date, or add on additional activities later.

2. Go on a fast-moving progressive dinner

A romantic Valentine's Day dinner is weird and impractical if your kids are along, but the rules fly out the window when you turn it into a progressive dinner. Start at one restaurant for appetizers, then move on for the main course at a second restaurant before heading to a third location for dessert. It's like a dinner scavenger hunt, and the kids won't get bored.

3. Brew a latte and make a brunch

While your kids play outside on Valentine's Day morning, slow down your pace and eat a special brunch with your honey. Make a tasty latte, and follow it up with heart-shaped pancakes, bacon and eggs for a simple and delightful mid-morning treat.

4. Get out of town

If you're into camping, pack up the family for a night away. There's always the opportunity for naked snuggling in one room of the tent. Even if camping isn't your thing, you can rent out a cabin for a retreat that's a break from the ordinary.

5. Take a picnic to the park

Wander to your local park with a blanket, snacks and drinks. Your kiddos can run around or fly kites while you and your spouse gaze at the sky together.

6. Try on a pair of ice skates

Your adrenaline will peak as you wobble on ice skates with your spouse, which is sure to make your love hormones pump with a vengeance. Not only that, your kid will enjoy the thrill of watching you skate hand-in-hand with your spouse, while skating circles around you.

7. Suggest a double-date half-sleepover

No, it's not swinging. Surely you know another couple who is in your same predicament — so invite them over! Your kids can enjoy a fun playdate while you have a double date in the living room, but everyone can still retreat to their own homes for bedtime (and sexy time).

8. Romance on the rooftop

After your children hit the hay, climb out on your rooftop with a bottle of wine and a box of chocolate-covered strawberries. Stargaze. Make out.

9. Check your local theater

Many theaters have on-site day care. If you can't figure out another date, find a theater that offers day care and enjoy two hours of respite and a lovely movie.

10. Date as you paint

Go to a local art class for family bonding. Your children will enjoy the opportunity to get crafty, and you and your spouse will enjoy the freshness of a new activity. There might even be a BYOB policy, if you're lucky.

More about Valentine's Day with kids

Ways single moms celebrate Valentine's Day with their kids
Be my smitten-kitten valentine
Valentine's Day ideas for family fun

You can't deny that everything about a drumstick is perfection from the chocolate at the bottom of the cone to the hard chocolate shell sprinkled with chopped nuts and that's exactly what these Drumstick cupcakes have to offer.

First, I started with a light and fluffy vanilla cupcake. Then, added chocolate-covered sugar cone pieces and chopped peanuts. But the star of the show is the chocolate fudge butter cream frosting! Oh yes... the frosting! I used hot fudge ice cream topping to create this rich and creamy frosting. The perfect topping for the perfect sweetheart cupcake!

Drumstick cupcakes

Ingredients:

Cupcake additions

• 1 cup dark chocolate candy melts
• 2 sugar cones, lightly crushed
• 1 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Cupcakes

• 3 cups cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds removed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1-1/4 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Chocolate fudge butter cream frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 (12 ounce) jar hot fudge topping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped
• 3 sugar cones, crushed

Directions:

Cupcake additions

1. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
2. Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl 1 minute and 30 seconds.
3. Stir 30 seconds until chocolate is melted and creamy.
4. Add the lightly crushed sugar cone pieces, stir to completely coat cone pieces.
5. Pour onto prepared cookie sheet to harden.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line 3 muffin tins with 36 cupcake liners.
3. In a medium bowl stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl add the vanilla and butter; whip until fluffy.
5. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
6. While mixer is on low, slowly add the sugar and mix until combined.
7. Add the eggs one at a time until incorporated, making sure to scrape down the side of the bowl.
8. Combine the buttermilk and the vanilla extract.
9. With the mixer on low add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture; beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
10. Carefully stir in the 1 cup peanuts and 1-1/2 cups chocolate coated sugar cone pieces.
11. Divide batter between the prepared cupcake tins, filling each about 2/3 full.
12. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
13. Allow cupcakes to cool completely in cupcake tins, transfer to a wire cooling rack to frost.

1. Combine the crushed sugar cone and the chopped nuts; sprinkle on frosted cupcakes.

Chocolate fudge butter cream frosting

1. Cream together the butter and shortening.
2. Add the cocoa and 1 cup of powdered sugar, mix to combine.
3. Mix in the chocolate fudge and vanilla.
4. Add the remaining powdered sugar, beat until creamy.
5. Frost cooled cupcakes with a piping tip or spread on.
6. Sprinkle on the topping.

1. Doggie bowl

Image: Waggo

Spruce up your pup's doggie bowl with a cute new design. Scattered dots and classic colors are sure to make this ceramic dog bowl an instant favorite. The Spectacular Polka Dot Dog Bowl by Waggo makes a great Valentine's Day gift.

2. Natural skin care

Image: Wondercide

Pamper your pooch with organic, innovative and all-natural skin care products. Let your pooch enjoy luxurious organic soap bars, soothing skin tonic and oil, and award-winning dog deodorizer with Wondercide's Happy Dog Skin Care Bundle.

3. Pink sweater

Image: lovemydog.co.uk

Dress your pup for the occasion (or a date night)! Help him/her celebrate Valentine's Day with this adorable hand-knitted pink sweater!

4. Humunga lips

Image: MoodyPet.com

Are you looking for a great big smooch from your pup? Give him/her a pair of Humunga Lips! This adorable high-quality fetch toy will give your dog giant cartoon lips when he/she has the ball in his/her mouth!

5. Mouse toy

Image: Harry and Barker

Show your cat some love with this fun Cotton Rope Mouse Toy from Harry and Barker.

6. Ombre leash

Image: Found My Animal

Every pooch needs an ombre pink dog leash! Hand dyed and crafted in Brooklyn, New York for adopted animals and their people, these leashes by Found My Animal are hand-spliced to withstand thousands of pounds of pull.

7. Retractable leash

Image: Flexi

If your trained pup prefers the freedom of a retractable leash, then there's nothing better than the VARIO by flexi. What really makes it stand out in the world of retractable leashes are the accessories and customizable features. Its ergonomic design is comfortable for you, and when the accessories most useful to you are added (like an LED light or MultiBox for waste bags or dog treats) it quickly becomes extremely convenient.

8. Valentine's Day bed

Image: Fuzzyard

Make the bed match the holiday! Doesn't every pooch need a Valentine's Day bed? This reversible pet bed is filled with feather-soft filling and is fully machine washable!

9. Cat collar

Image: Martha Stewart

Made with soft padding so your cat will be comfortable and safe, this Martha Stewart Cat Collar will surely impress your kitty! Pink flowers for Valentine's Day cheer!

10. Doggie perfume

Image: PetHead

One quick spray keeps your doggie smellin' fresh all day! Make sure your pup smells top notch with the Pet Head Doggie Perfume.

11. Cat treats

Image: PetSmart

Does your kitty have bad breath? Well, then these fish-shaped breath fresheners in a tin are the perfect gift! Make sure that those kitty kisses are bad breath free this Valentine's Day!

12. Food bowl

Image: ModPet

Dish up a fancy meal for your pet this Valentine's Day with ModPet's "Some Like It Hot" pink bowl! This high quality dish is dishwasher safe, BPA free and seriously cute!

13. Puppy cookies

Image: TreatDreams/Etsy

Does your pup have a sweet tooth? Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate with these adorable handmade gourmet dog treats! They're grain free and pumpkin flavored! Yum!

Image: Matin Bahadori/Getty Images

Williams was just handed down a six-month unpaid suspension from NBC News following revelations that he lied. Not during a news broadcast, mind you, but in other interviews about stupid stuff like action he saw in Iraq and New Orleans. It's seems as though his lies were just to feed his own petty ego and make himself look tough, like this NBC ad celebrating Williams’ 10 years in the anchor chair, with the now cringe-inducing title “Battle Scars.”

The NBC internal investigation is ongoing, but based on his own confession it just looks like Williams told silly, exaggerated stories to make himself look cooler and tougher than your average newsman behind a desk. Certainly business as usual for most of Letterman's guests, but a death sentence for a guy whose whole job, aside from knowing how to read, is being trusted by America.

And let’s not pretend like Williams will ever anchor another newscast ever again. I think his journalism career is effectively dunzo. You don’t get to lie and be a newsman. Williams will go down as just another journalism school cautionary tale with Jayson Blair and that guy Oprah yelled at for making up A Million Little Pieces.

It’s almost poetic that in the very same week that Williams’ nightly newscast came to an unceremonious close, Jon Stewart announced he is leaving the Daily Show later this year. Two news staples gone just like that.

Jon Stewart took over the Daily Show 16 years ago when it was a goofy Comedy Central late-night throwaway, and turned it into a must-see newscast for a whole generation that caught on to the hypocrisy of the shellac-haired farce the mainstream media has become since the days of Walter Cronkite.

As nightly network news has become less important to younger viewers, Stewart and his deep bench of genius talent — from Colbert and Carell to Oliver and Wilmore — and his Daily Show broadcast has emerged as must-see news analysis for more than 2 million viewers every night.

It’s true Stewart denies he’s a journalist and always identifies himself as a comedian first and foremost, but the public would beg to differ. People tune in every night not just for laughs, but to have Stewart interpret the news and put it into context, something that's in woefully short supply in today's social media-based reporting environment.

It’s striking these two gigantic figures in American news would bid farewell in the same week. One we’re supposed to take seriously who turns out to be a clown, and another who claims to be a clown who we’ve all come to admire and revere as one of the smartest news minds we’ve got. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for both.

But there is a bright side. This likely means we won’t have to abide any more Allison Williams live productions on NBC.

More on Brian Williams and Jon Stewart's departures

Brian Williams was never under fire in Iraq: Here's the real story
Brian Williams should leave the air for good; an apology isn’t enough
Is Jon Stewart leaving The Daily Show for NBC Nightly News?

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The "Just Give Me a Reason" hit maker stripped down to help PETA with its latest anti-fur and animal products campaign titled, "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur."

The black-and-white image shot by photographer Ruven Afanador will feature on a 90-foot billboard due to be erected in New York City's Times Square on Wednesday evening, according to the Daily Mail. And it sees P!nk, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore, sitting nude and hugging her knees, alongside the caption, "Be comfortable in your own skin, and let animals keep theirs."

The cause is something particularly close to the singer's heart as she previously revealed during an interview with Us Weekly.

More: P!nk and Dallas Green's new single is going to be stuck on replay (VIDEO)

"I've always felt that animals are the purest spirits in the world," P!nk told the mag. "They don't fake or hide their feelings, and they are the most loyal creatures on Earth."

P!nk did, however, admit to having previously worn fur, although she now boycotts it and hopes those who still wear fur will pay a price — getting bitten on their asses.

More: P!nk gets naked & flaunts hot body for Who magazine

"I would like to say I've always been fur-free," she confessed. "Unfortunately, I went through a selfish phase and wore fur on a couple of occasions. But I wised up and now boycott fur completely. I wish everyone was forced to learn the horrors that these animals go through for fashion trends. I hope fur wearers get bitten in the ass by the same kind of animal they wear on their back."

Eating is an inherently sexual act, and dining plays a big part in Ana and Christian's courtship. Throughout the Fifty Shades trilogy, we see them sharing everything from elegant meals out to finger food in bed. Inspired by the foods mentioned in the decadent world of Fifty Shades, the list below is full of meals any romantic partner would be happy to share.

Appetizers

1. Stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) recipe

Image: Tori Avey

This exotic finger food, stuffed with pine nuts, rice and aromatic herbs, is the perfect thing to feed your lover before a romantic meal, just like Christian did with Ana.

2. Raw oysters with lemon recipe

Image: Mark's Daily Apple

Oysters are long rumored to be an aphrodisiac, and there's no denying their sexual appearance. Here, lemon takes the form of a savory granita that livens up these iced shellfish, making this an extra-elegant appetizer.

3. Scallops and chorizo recipe

Image: Nigella

Tender, succulent scallops and smoky, salty chorizo make a perfect pair in this dish that can be shared as an appetizer alongside some crusty bread or served as an entrée for one.

Entrées

4. Seared Pacific cod, asparagus with hollandaise sauce and red potatoes recipe

Image: Change the Word

Long spears of tender asparagus dipped into a luxurious hollandaise sauce — food doesn't get much sexier than that. Paired with a seared filet of cod and sautéed potatoes, this decadent meal is just like the one Ana and Christian shared the night she signed his contract.

5. The ultimate beef Wellington recipe

Image: Food Network

This refined entrée was served for dinner at the Grey family house and will definitely impress any dinner guests you have coming over. Succulent beef tenderloin is wrapped in savory duxelles and prosciutto, then encased in buttery puff pastry, creating a meal masterpiece your partner won't soon forget.

6. Pan-roasted duck breast with cherries recipe

Image: Jennifer Silverberg via Feast Magazine

Tart cherries play beautifully off of game meat, like these perfectly pan-roasted duck breasts, which are just like the ones served at the Masquerade Ball in Fifty Shades Darker.

7. Roast partridge with cranberry and red wine gravy recipe

Image: Waitrose

Why serve chicken when you could treat your lover to something a little more interesting? This partridge roasts up in no time and is accompanied by a rich, lively cranberry and red wine gravy.

8. Chicken chasseur

Image: What a Girl Eats

Chicken chasseur, or "hunter's chicken," is a French dish featuring chicken and mushrooms braised in a tomato and white wine sauce. This is hearty comfort food that will give you and your partner lots of fuel to do whatever it is you planned on doing after dinner, if you catch my drift.

9. Lamb with mint yogurt sauce recipe

Image: My Healthy Eating Habits

This Moroccan dish of lamb with a minty yogurt sauce is a great choice for a romantic meal. In Morocco, after all, they eat with their hands, which can be very sensual with a romantic partner.

Drinks and dessert

10. Strawberry mojito recipe

Image: Will Cook for Smiles

Ana and her friend may have enjoyed strawberry mojitos in the books, so why can't you? Strawberries add color and a touch of sweetness to this refreshing cocktail, the perfect drink after an evening of passion.

11. Lemon syllabub

Image: Southern Plate

This creamy, tangy dessert is a British classic. It may have been served at the Grey family's fancy dinner, but it turns out this elegant recipe is actually very simple to make at home.

12. Apple tarte tatin recipe

Image: Taste with the Eyes

There's nothing like the burnished bronze of a perfectly caramelized apple tarte tatin fresh out of the oven. Impress your love with this timeless dessert, and you'll have them eating out of the palm of your hand — maybe literally.

More romantic meals

Romantic dishes to make at home
How to create a romantic meal at home
How to make a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner

More: Garbage singer Shirley to Kanye: You make a mockery of all musicians

But judging from the latest photos of Swift and West from the Grammy's after-party, these two have definitely let bygones be bygones. In fact, there's even talk of a collaboration in the future.

The "Bound 2" rapper appeared on the radio show On Air with Ryan Seacrest on Wednesday morning, where he revealed that he and Swift are heading into the studio together.

"She wants to get in the studio, and we're definitely going to go in. Any artist with an amazing point of view, perspective, fan base, I'm down to get in the studio and work," West said.

More: Kanye and Taylor Swift have a run-in at the Grammys (PHOTOS)

Wait, did Kanye West just call Taylor Swift "amazing" and say they're headed to the studio? We're as shocked as you are. But that's not all he had to say about their collaboration.

"I don't discriminate. I don't have an elitism of music because of like how many Grammys or, you know, the amount of ratings you get on an album," he continued. "I think everyone loves music whether they love hip-hop, alternative, country, and if I could be involved in giving people any type of energy, advice in the studio, whether you're Beyoncé, whether you're Taylor Swift, whether you're Jay Z, whether you're Beck, whoever, and they can be reciprocal with that, I'd like to be involved with that."

More: Kanye disses the Grammys, Beck and E! in a post-Grammys, rage-fueled rant (VIDEO)

And although this is super-exciting news for fans, the burning question on everyone's mind is still why West went up to the stage when Beck won Album of the Year.

"You know, I felt like just the whole Grammys, right when that happened, everybody was looking at me and then people started screaming, 'Kanye! Kanye! Go do it!' OK, that didn't really happen, these were voices in my head," the rapper joked, adding, "So the voices in my head told me go and then I just walked up like halfway up the stage."

So, did he mean anything malicious by it, or was it all just a joke?

"You know, what I really wanted to do is just joke around about what had happened before, but I just really didn't want to take away from Beck's moment or the time he's having to talk because you know the Grammys, they play music really quick no matter who you are and everything. So I didn't want anything to take away from his screen time. So I just walked back down because you know, it was kind of a joke like the Grammys themselves," West confessed.

There you have it. Tell us what you think of the fact that Taylor Swift and Kanye West will be headed to the studio. Would it be something you'd want to listen to?

Stewart officially announced his departure during Tuesday's taping of the show, causing Twitter to light up in both anger and speculation about what the future holds for the beloved host.

Though the next step for Stewart remains unclear at this point, one thing is resoundingly clear: He will be sorely missed by Daily Show fans. Over the years, viewers have come to rely on Stewart's passionate and hilarious outlook on the state of modern politics and the world we live in today. Stewart's dry humor is truly one of a kind, and the Daily Show seemed to be the perfect outlet for him to speak his mind.

More: Jon Stewart is trying to break the internet with his hairy nipples (PHOTO)

What happens when you have an outspoken person who is passionate about social issues and frustrated with the media and the government? Well, sometimes they get angry, and Stewart did just that. He blew a gasket on the show at least a couple times, but still managed to stay articulate and always drove home his point. Here are some of the hot topics that made Stewart really pissed off on his show.

1. Eric Garner's death

Image: Comedy Central/YouTube

After the officers who choked Garner to death failed to be indicted, Stewart expressed his frustration with the excuses being made about Garner's death. "People continued to blame this death on anything but the injustices of a flawed system," Stewart said, referencing comments made about Garner's size and the fact that even the man who videoed the incident faced charges, while officers did not.

Stewart also tackled the topic here and got quite emotional:

Image: Comedy Central

2. Corporate tax evasion

Image: YouTube

In this clip, Stewart takes on big corporations who participate in tax inversion, which basically means taking their headquarters overseas to dodge taxes. He gets a little worked up while talking about a "boner-pill company" called Mylan, which participated in inversion and was called a "refugee."

3. Climate change

Image: Comedy Central/YouTube

Stewart's issue here is not so much climate change itself, but the fact that political figures can't seem to wrap their heads around the basic concept of global warming. At 6:10, Stewart can't do anything but put his head in his hands and by the end of the clip, he's literally melting down in a bowl of ice.

4. Bill O'Reilly

Image: Comedy Central/YouTube

Ah, their feud is just so fun to watch. Though they butt heads on a variety of topics, Stewart is especially ticked off that O'Reilly refuses to admit that white privilege exists. The debate is epically uncomfortable.

5. Marijuana vs. alcohol

Image: YouTube

Nothing pisses off Stewart like good ol' hypocrisy, and the debate about marijuana really chaps his hide. He's quick to point out that while pot is vilified, alcohol is celebrated and totally socially acceptable.

6. Iraq

Image: Comedy Central/YouTube

Stewart's "getting the band back together" comparison is brilliant in this clip. Almost as brilliant as his Southern accent.

The most memorable — and often the most affordable — way to celebrate Valentine's Day does not involve a little black dress and a five-star restaurant. Here are 12 better ideas to try this year:

1. Become a tourist for an afternoon

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There are at least a dozen attractions in your town that you have never seen or haven't seen since your last field trip. Your date will appreciate your ingenuity: Check out a local aquarium, science museum, botanical garden or petting zoo for under $10 a pop.

2. Book a couple's massage

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Here's a personally-tested Valentine's Day hack to keep this holiday affordable: Book a couple's massage at a well-reviewed local massage school. Massage students are incredibly skilled, eager to practice and often half the price of an upscale spa.

3. Brush up on your acting skills

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Getting stagnant in your relationship? Reddit is a goldmine for frugal Valentine's Day date ideas, including this clever pick: "Pretend you've never met, then loudly try out lame pickup lines in a swanky bar. Act like they worked."

4. Cook a romantic dinner for two

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I promised I wouldn't say "dinner," but it doesn't really count if you're cooking an elaborate meal from scratch. No matter how much of a newbie chef you may be, your date will greatly appreciate the thought and effort you put into the evening — guaranteed.

5. Flip for it

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If you really can't agree on what to do on this lovey-dovey day, it's time to pull out that rusty quarter. Make it a game and flip for your destination — whether a favorite bar, bookstore or ice cream shop.

6. Gaze at the stars

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As hokey as it sounds, planning an evening under the stars with a bottle of wine and a crusty loaf of French bread will earn you a place in the Valentine's Day hall of fame — even if you don't end up "2gether4ever."

7. Go on an afternoon hike

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This date may be better reserved for a long-term love relationship, lest you be accused of luring your new date into the wilderness to play out a Dexter-like plot.

8. Hit the rink

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Julie Spira, bestselling author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online, suggests a retro throwback to keep Valentine's Day fun and exciting. She says, "Whether it's ice-skating or roller-skating, take your valentine to the closest rink in town. You'll find yourselves reminiscing about your childhood while you get a little physical activity."

9. Play strip Jenga

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Warning: While this may not constitute the most romantic of Valentine's dates, it will get you where you want in a hurry — in between the sheets. Wink.

10. Recreate your first date

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In the 50 Romantic Ideas e-book, marriage proposal and romantic event planners The Heart Bandits recommend bringing Valentine's Day back to where it all began. Plan a Valentine's Day surprise for your sweetie at the site of your first date: a coffee shop, a park or even a college library. You'll get an "A" for your effort.

11. Throw out the road map

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For those in a long-term relationship, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to mix it up. One Redditor explains why an impromptu road trip makes for an unforgettable date, "As dumb as it sounds, sometimes we just pick a direction and drive and look for places to hike, eat, shop around... We've literally had some of our best dates just by driving and picking a place to stop that we'll probably never go again, but have still never been to. We have a playlist, we get snacks, and we just go. We've been dating almost seven years, and it still doesn't get old."

12. Try an at-home chocolate tasting

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There really is no wrong way to taste chocolate, but if you don't have a clue where to begin, The Dating Divas have created handy Chocolate Tasting Printables to guide you through a cozy tasting party for two.

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And as if you needed another reason to love Patricia Arquette. She just laid a smackdown on the media for their disrespectful and unforgivable actions toward the reportedly transitioning Bruce Jenner and the damage they do to the entire transgender community.

During her interview on the Meredith Vieira Show, the host asked her to give her opinions about the transgender community, given that her sister is transgender, and it was like Vieira pitched a baseball to the Boyhood actress and she hit it out of the park.

Vieira said, "What do you want people to understand about the transgender community that they don't?"

Arquette answered, "I feel like Alexis, my sister, has taught me so much about love and acceptance. It's a very difficult thing to be transgender, especially 20 years ago when Alexis started." Arquette explains how difficult it is to wrap your head around a loved one transitioning, but she describes a love for her sister that is so strong it literally brought me to tears.

She said, "I didn't exactly understand it, but our father died. Our mother died. I'd lost two people I loved. We all come into this life in a different package, a baby package. We get older, we become an old person package. If you're a male or female, at the end I didn't care. I have people I loved that had died. I said, 'I don't care what package you're comfortable in, [I] love and accept you. I am glad you are here on Earth. I want to be with you, spend time with you.'"

Dear God, if everyone who was going through a difficult time with either their sexuality or just any difficult time in general was able to hear those loving and accepting words, our world sure would be a lot different.

Then she really drives it home saying the media is being disrespectful and should be ashamed of themselves for the "unforgivable" way they are handling the news surrounding Bruce Jenner and his alleged transitioning. She rightfully lays the blame at their feet for transgenders' diminished state in society and for the scorn they receive, blaming the media for stoking the fires of hate.

"These newspapers, these magazines, that are being so disrespectful — they should be ashamed because they are on the unforgivable side of history and what they are doing is pathetic and immature and repulsive." She continues, saying, "It is so many young people [who] commit suicide, don't have acceptance. They are diminished in society. They are not allowed to work at counters or stores. People make fun of them, snicker at them, attack them… You have to be so brave to live this truth of who you are."

Read that one more time: You are so brave to live this truth of who you are.

She then throws her support behind Jenner, saying, "If Ms. Jenner is transitioning, I give all my support to her and love and appreciate everything she has given to America, and her bravery, because she is fighting a fight for a lot of kids that are being kicked out of their homes. Society turns their back on these kids. It's really brutal."

You can see it in the actress's eyes that she is speaking from a place of understanding. That she has seen these terrible things firsthand growing up, lived this transition alongside her sister and saw the hatred often thrown at the transgender community, and it is so incredibly powerful.

Everyone could just take one second and think about someone going through a situation like this, or about someone who might be dealing with the reality of their own sexuality and what that might mean in their lives and to their loved ones. A closeted gay person who is fearful to tell his or her family: think about their gender as just a package, the outside is just the outside, and you love what is on the inside. Stop and think about that person not being there for a second and you might not care so much who they fall in love with. You might realize it is not quite that big a deal if this person wears dresses and makeup or 'boy clothes,' and you might just love them for being your brother or sister or friend.

What a wonderful place the world would be if we could just accept people for people instead of putting restrictions on our love having to fit into whatever we personally think love should be.

Watch the entire conversation here:

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Pregnant Zooey Deschanel can somehow still look adorable (or is it adorkable?) in this "swuit," which is a three-piece suit that is made out of sweat suit material. This outfit is all for a New Girl episode and the 35-year-old mom-to-be recently told People magazine that she liked that this concealed her baby bump while filming.

"I'm the only one who wears it in the episode," Deschanel said. "It was really comfortable, and I was pregnant at the time, but I couldn't tell anybody, so I was happy to be wearing comfortable clothes."

The actress and her fiancé Jacob Pechenik just announced that they were expecting their first child together. She told E! Online that her pregnancy would not be written into the show so they have had to conceal her bump.

"It's been pretty easy to hide in costumes so far!" she said. "And we only have about four episodes left in the season, so we're doing pretty well."

Deschanel has also been keeping her baby bump hidden in public, but we are hoping she shows off her quirky maternity style soon.

Her sister, Bones star Emily Deschanel, is also pregnant and is expecting her second child with her husband.

Next up: Pregnant Jessica Biel shares first baby bump photo on Instagram

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Pregnant Jessica Biel finally shared her first baby bump picture on her Instagram page. The 32-year-old actress looked cute in a khaki top paired with a white blazer and her signature aviator sunglasses as she stood in front of her new kid-friendly restaurant, Au Fudge.

"Au Fudge coming soon…open to all kids from 0 to 109!" she captioned the photo.

Biel, who is expecting her first child with Justin Timberlake, posed in front of the cute logo with her business partners Kimberly Muller and Estee Stanley.

Timberlake spoke out for the first time about the couple's upcoming baby by posting a cute photo on his own Instagram page of him kissing her baby bump. "This year, I'm getting the greatest gift ever. Can't wait," he captioned the photo, including the hashtags which indicated they weren't finding out the sex of the baby: "#BoyOrGirl #YouNeverKnow #WeDontEvenKnow #WeAreTakingBets."

Next up: Pregnant Tamera Mowry is wonderful in white

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Image: Brian To/WENN.com

Pregnant Tamera Mowry showed off her baby bump on the red carpet at the 6th Annual Essence Black Women in Music event at Avalon Hollywood. The former Sister, Sister star is expecting her second child with her husband, Adam Housley. They already have a 2-year-old son named Aden and she recently revealed they are expecting a baby girl.

"I've always wanted to know what Adam and my child would look like. We had a boy and now we have a girl," she recently said. "I love fashion and makeup, and now I get to have a little fun."

The 36-year-old talk show host said that she had a tough first trimester, but is feeling great now that she is in her second trimester.

"I have lots of energy and I'm just enjoying it," she said.

Next up: Is Bachelorette Emily Maynard having twins?

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Bachelorette star Emily Maynard shared a new snapshot of her growing baby bump. Due in July, Maynard joked about having twins.

"I got asked if I was giving birth to a litter and no, as far as I know there's only 1 in there," she captioned the photo.

This is Maynard's second child, however, it is her first with her new husband, Tyler Johnson. She has an 8-year-old daughter named Ricki, whose father tragically died before she was born.

Bachelorette and Bachelor fans followed Maynard's quest for romance, however, her on-air relationships with Brad Womack and Jef Holm didn't work out — but luckily she fell in love with Johnson, who is from her hometown.

Love her maternity style? She shares her fashion details, writing that she is wearing a Splendid sweater and Joe's Jeans from Destination Maternity.

Next up: Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton is pregnant

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Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, who is the inspiration behind the movie Soul Surfer after she lost her arm from a shark attack, announced she and her husband, Adam Dirks, are expecting their first child together.

Hamilton, 25, shared the YouTube video in which she reveals she is 22 weeks along and is expecting a baby boy in June. She said they were "prowling for names," but they were, "keeping that on the downlow" until after the baby is born.

She revealed she does expect some challenges with taking care of the baby — but said she has always adapted before and her husband will be a lot of help.

"Motherhood with one arm, I've been kind of thinking about it. I often forget that I have one arm, but when I think about a squirming baby, changing the diaper and just me and this squirmy baby. It could be really challenging," she says.

"I'll just find my own way to take care of the baby — of course I have Adam to help," she said.

She also said that she does plan on surfing throughout her pregnancy, but will "mellow it out" once her baby bump gets bigger.

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Though I have no desire to join in the insanity of a New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration, I do have the desire to drink giant hurricanes and eat giant bowls of gumbo. Throw in a po'boy, all the deep-fried things and a piece of king cake for good measure. Overindulgence achieved.

But nobody, myself included, wants to be stuck in the kitchen all night while there's a party going on that would make Bourbon Street jealous. So dust off the slow cooker, and do a little prep work to get this super-flavorful chicken and sausage gumbo cooking. Then throw on some beads, join the fun, and sip on that well-deserved cocktail. Just remember, you will regret that flashing incident in the morning.

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More: Nick Young reveals juicy details about his feelings for Iggy Azalea

Azalea recently took to Twitter to inform fans that her boyfriend is scared of dolphins after an experience where one tried to kill him in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

But if you thought that Azalea was joking about the experience, the Los Angeles Lakers player made it clear that he was not, during a locker-room interview. When asked if he is afraid of dolphins, he said, "This is a [long] story. [We were] on vacation, dolphin was trying to kill me for some reason."

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"He was playing with everybody else, doing what dolphins do — the 'ack ack' and all that," Young continued. "It was my time to ride the dolphin. For some reason, he took me all the way to the bottom. He was trying to drown me. But I seen it happening so I jumped out of the water and took off the little life vest and threw off my little water shoes and stayed outside... He went straight down. He was trying to kill me."

So, why does Young think that the dolphin wanted to kill him and not everyone else? It has something to do with his girlfriend.

More: Don't talk smack about his lady: Nick Young defends Iggy Azalea

"I think he was trying to get at Iggy cause he was a little friendly, kissing her and stuff. He was trying to take my woman," the 6-foot-7-inch NBA player joked.

Watch Nick Young talk about his scary experience below.

High school senior Mahmoud Badran has Ewing's sarcoma cancer, and when his sister told YouTube star Erakat after a show what a huge fan her brother is, the internet sensation decided to do something to brighten the guy's world.

More: Eminem makes a dying teen's final wish come true

Erakat launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise at least $10,000 for Badran. Of that money, $3000 will be put toward state-of-the-art equipment to make his YouTube dreams come true, including a laptop, video camera and accessories, and the remaining funds will help him go to college. If the goal is reached, Erakat himself will donate an additional $10,000 to the American Cancer Society, plus all of the proceeds from his program launch video.

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Watch fouseyTUBE launch Fighting Cancer Together.

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Already feeling the love from legions of Erakat's fans, Badran posted his very first video on his own YouTube page — and while he doesn't yet have the fancy equipment Erakat is helping him get, he made do with his iPhone.

Meet Mahmoud Badran.

The teen is well on his way to becoming a star in his own right, as his first video garnered over 120,000 views in its first two days online.

We know we're rooting for Badran and we can't wait to see where this adventure takes him.

"I am so grateful that I have an incredibly supportive husband, mom and sister and I am surrounded by friends in the area who really pitched in. My husband definitely bore the brunt of it." To learn more, visit Gotta Make Lemonade.

What does coffee taste like? "Cow poop"!

Salmon? "No, I would not eat fish in the morning."

Century egg? "This doesn't look like a breakfast to me."

Chocolate sprinkles on toast from the Netherlands, though? Yeah, surprise, surprise, pretty much everyone was on board.

And I hate to play favorites, but can we be real for a minute and say that the little boy in the blue blazer is pretty much the cutest thing ever?

Check out all their priceless reactions below.

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