Valentine’s Day often inspires thoughts of love, connection, and enduring affection. Just like the sentiment echoed in Leonard Cohen’s timeless song, “Dance Me To The End Of Love,” we seek relationships that feel lasting and deeply meaningful. This feeling of love, in all its forms, is beautifully captured in a poem I recently rediscovered in my grandmother’s cherished poetry book. It’s a piece that resonates deeply, especially when thinking about expressing love on Valentine’s Day.
This poem, titled “Love” by Roy Croft, speaks volumes about the transformative power of love, not just for who the loved one is, but for who we become in their presence. It’s a reminder of the profound impact someone can have on our lives, simply by being themselves and bringing out the best in us. It’s the kind of love that builds temples, not taverns, from the everyday moments of life.
I LOVE you,
Not only for what you are,
But for what I am
When I am with you.I love you,
Not only for what
You have made of yourself,
But for what
You are making of me.I love you
For the part of me
That you bring out;
I love you
For putting your hand
Into my heaped-up heart
And passing over
All the foolish, weak things
That you can’t help
Dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out
Into the light
All the beautiful belongings
That no one else had looked
Quite far enough to find.I love you because you
Are helping to make
Of the lumber of my life
Not a tavern
But a temple;
Out of the works
Of my every day
Not a reproach
But a song.I love you
Because you have done
More than any creed
Could have done
To make me good,
And more than any fate
Could have done
To make me happy.You have done it
Without a touch,
Without a word,
Without a sign.
You have done it
By being yourself.
Perhaps that is what
Being a friend means,
After all.
—Roy Croft
This Valentine’s Day, as we consider the depth of such heartfelt words, it’s also a lovely time to indulge in simple pleasures that bring joy and sweetness to our celebrations. Speaking of sweet, I was reminded of a delightful and easy recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. It’s a no-bake treat that is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a moment of self-love. It’s also wonderfully adaptable, being vegan and gluten-free, ensuring everyone can partake in the indulgence.
A piece of eaten cake showing jam inside
The original post mentioned baking an “East Coast Coffee Cake,” and while that sounds delicious, this fudge recipe offers a quicker route to a satisfying dessert, especially if you are short on time but still want to create something special for Valentine’s Day. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic for a reason – it’s comforting, rich, and utterly delicious.
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
This recipe, adapted from Joann MacDonald, is incredibly simple and requires no baking.
Image: Close-up of chocolate peanut butter fudge squares, showcasing the texture and layers.
Ingredients:
- 6 Tbsp margarine (vegan, if desired)
- 3 1/2 cups icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar, powdered sugar)
- 1/2 cup sifted cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup soy milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions:
- Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with margarine.
- In a heat-proof mixing bowl or the top of a double boiler, combine the margarine, icing sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and soy milk.
- Place the bowl over simmering water and stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. If needed, add a tiny bit more soy milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Swirl in the peanut butter, ensuring it’s partially mixed but still creates ribbons throughout the chocolate mixture. Remove from the heat.
- Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
- For an extra touch, melt a bit more peanut butter and swirl it decoratively over the top of the fudge.
- Chill the fudge thoroughly in the refrigerator until it is firm.
- Once chilled, cut the fudge into slices or squares and serve.
This Valentine’s Day, consider sharing not only sweet treats but also heartfelt words and moments of connection. Just as “Dance Me to the End of Love” speaks to a lasting romantic commitment, and Roy Croft’s poem celebrates the beauty of being truly seen and loved, may your day be filled with genuine affection and the simple joys that make life sweet. Enjoy the fudge, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
