At times, I tend to make things too complicated.  Too grand.  I put huge amounts of time and thought into things.  I plan and make lists and outlines for days, and it’s almost like I’m trying to make a simple situation, complicated.

I’m an over-thinker.

Case in point, my husband.  Sean is the love of my life and an amazing father.  He’s incredibly supportive and all that stuff, but truth be told, he appreciates a gourmet meal just at much as he appreciates Buffalo wings.  If I give him a gift that I planned out for months and went to several different stores to find, and I accompany that gift with a Charleston Chew, no doubt he will love the gift, but he will devour that Charleston Chew in a nanosecond.

So, after a few years of marriage and starting to catch on to my own over-thinking about gifts for my beloved, I stepped back and wrote down (naturally) Sean’s favorite things, and they came down to three:

Sports.

Beer.

Chocolate.

Three things that make giving at Valentine’s Day pretty easy.  The Super Bowl may be over, but there’s spring training going on somewhere.  The beer store is down the street(ish) and there’s chocolate in the pantry.

Ever since my little Epiphany, I started the tradition of making his Valentine’s Day as chocolatey as possible, with a little sports and beer on the side.  The Be Fed Brownie makes an appearance every single year.

This is his very favorite, by far.  And, naturally, I cut them into hearts, but I could just give him the pan and not cut them at all and he would be happy.  In all seriousness though, the Be Fed Brownie is the ultimate and a must make for anyone you know that loves chocolate.  Recipe found here.

Mini Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are on the platter.   Delicious goodness, totally cute and Valentine’s-y, these little cake sandwiches will not only please your husband, but teachers and friends alike.  Recipe for Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, found here.

I can’t let Valentine’s Day go without making chocolate covered strawberries.  This year, I dipped them in white chocolate and rolled them in themed sprinkles.  The sprinkles are completely for my amusement and for Pinterest.

And for the beer, yes, there is a such thing as chocolate flavored beer.  This chocolate beer is Sean’s favorite, and I have to admit, it is really delicious.

Do you find yourself to be an over-thinker like me?  Want to make your Valentine’s Day extra special?  Then make these delicious sweets and I guarantee, your sweetheart will be sweet on you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!