In 1740 America, hand-made Valentines were sealed with red wax and left secretly on a loved one's doorstep or mailed. Mailing anything back then was expensive. So, if someone received a mailed Valentine, they could be considered "loved a lot."

And on these Valentines appeared verses that spoke of romance. Some verse was whimsical. Some messages were vinegar Valentines which were an insult to the receiver. And some Valentines included locks of hair or checks drawn against the "Bank of Love."

How romantic for earthly love. Along with beautiful bouquets of flowers. But I'm banking on heavenly love where there's a love that surpasses all understanding. A love that never runs out of cold hard cash because His currency doesn't operate with the need of copper or silver to pay for things-His streets are paved with gold.

I wonder if there will be chocolates in heaven. If not, I'll miss the dark chocolate with coconut filling. Or maybe not.

And should you get a vinegar Valentine this year, just make vinegar pie. And always bank on the "Bank of Love." For He says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness." Jeremiah 31:3

Happy Valentine's Day!

My mother used to make vinegar pie. I loved it! The pioneer women used to make a simple version without all of the spices when their supply of fruit was eaten.

VINEGAR PIE

2 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour

2 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. ground cloves

½ tsp. ground allspice

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 cup water

1 9" pie crust that had been briefly baked (about 3 minutes) at 450 degrees

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Sift together flour and spices then add to flour mixture, mix well. Beat in egg, vinegar and water. Pour into a double boiler and cook over boiling water until thick. Pour into the pie shell and bake about 30 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

Comments anyone?