Valentine’s Day may be for celebrating romance, but Galentine’s Day celebrates our mothers, sisters, and best gal pals that stand by us through all of our romantic ups and downs. Find a great list below of wonderful recipes you can share for a delicious brunch with your besties.
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What is Galentine’s Day?
For those not in the know, Galentine’s Day is a fictional holiday celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day (February 13th). It was created by the character Leslie Knope, portrayed by the incredible Amy Poehler, on the long running NBC favorite Parks and Recreation. Every year, she invites the ladies in her life out to an elaborate brunch where they celebrate their friendship.
If there is anyone in this life that I look to as a true role model, it’s likely Leslie Knope. I’m hyper organized, love to give gifts and celebrate every occasion I can, and have an odd obsession with waffles. I admire her enthusiasm and unadulterated optimism, and her ability to be so unerringly supportive of the people around her. Leslie Knope isn’t perfect – flaws make a character interesting after all – but I’m not ashamed admit that that I hold her as a paragon as I strive to be the best version of myself.
I love the idea behind Galentine’s Day, Honestly, my only issue with it is that its specific to lady friends (Pal-entine’s Day doesn’t have the same ring to it). Nevertheless. I’m all about a reason to celebrate the wonderful women that love and encourage me.
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Throwing a Galentine’s Day Brunch
Let’s face it. We can all use an excuse to brunch with our best friends. If you feel like staying in, I’ve gathered together an incredible list of 15 Galentine’s Day Recipes For The Perfect BFF Brunch.
And while February 13th is the “official” holiday, I say any day is a good one for a BFF celebration. Here are a few recipe highlights to get you started:
A Strawberry Daiquiri Bellini combines the fun of rum with the celebratory joy of bubbly. And it’s pretty pink!
Vintage Kitty serves up a batch of easy-to-make Galaxy Puff Pastry Donuts with Chocolate Starglazing that I am sure Leslie would love.
Little hand-held Rum Plum Cherry Pies are always a hit!
I haven’t seen many things much prettier than this Baked Blueberry French Toast Cake from Chef Sous Chef.
An easy egg dish like my recipe for Spiced Shakshuka with Bell Pepper and Spinach is filling and delicious.
The Fitchen’s Perfect Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Crumb Topping is gluten-free and vegan – because everyone deserves brunch!
This Pain Perdu (New Orleans-style French Toast) from Wanderspice captures my love of cinnamon and nostalgia for the south.
I could devour a whole Lemon Dutch Baby with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream myself, courtesy of The Schmidty Wife.
My sparkly and sweet Ginger Jungle Bird is fancy enough for any occasion.
Leslie Knope always carries the supplies for impromptu s’mores, so I think she’d appreciate my cookie version.
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And a little more inspiration for the road:
- Galentine’s Day Chocolate Waffles, Cream, and Chocolate Sauce from the queen of brunch, Joy the Baker.
- A Side of Sweet offers her own lovely suggestions for throwing a Galentine’s Day Fete, complete with candied rose petals. I’m not sure it gets much more decadently girly than that!
- Even Martha Stewart is planning an Epic Galentine’s Day Party.
- Dessert recipes abound with these sweets from The Kitchn and pink-themed desserts with Brit+Co. . Or, how about a whole lot of crave worthy waffle recipes?
Of course, I can’t forget Valentine’s Day! Here are 25 Romantic Recipes For Your Chocolate Loving Valentine. Don’t forget to celebrate love – in all its forms.
Cheers to a Happy February!