Let’s face it. February is a dark month in the dead of winter, so perhaps it’s no wonder that it’s become associated with a lively festival celebrating romantic love and sensuality. This month, we want to show you some sweet, sensuous ideas to help you appreciate a romantic cuddle by the fire…without resorting to chocolate.

There is some dispute about how this mid-winter holiday came to be. Some say Pope Galacius 1 ordained a day in February to replace the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, a bawdy celebration of fertility. As the years went on, the holiday grew sweeter. Chocolate treats and other candies, along with flowers and cards became lovers’ gifts. Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticized Valentine’s Day in their work, and it gained popularity throughout Britain and the rest of Europe.

Now we think chocolate is fine in its place, but on Valentine’s Day it’s become cliché. For a fresh take on the holiday, try Café con Miel. With only four ingredients — espresso or strong coffee, a single-source artisanal honey such as Buzz Savories, milk, and a spice of your choice – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, or nutmeg — café con miel has been widely enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or an evening dessert for generations of Spaniards.

With a crackling fire and a few bees wax candles, Café con Miel might go well with Honey Cake as a sweet treat. It’s easy to make, and the taste, crumb and texture bring out the sweet honey flavor.

For a spectacular finish to a romantic evening, how about rice pudding with fresh fruit and a swirl of Buzz Savories Artisanal Honey?  I especially like it because the fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or pears (choose the fruits or berries you like best) add color and a pleasantly sour flavor that balances the sweetness in the rice and honey swirl.

We hope you enjoy a sweet month. To help it along, let us suggest a Honey Gift Set with two jars of our artisanal honey, three beeswax candles, our “Recibees” cookbook and more.

Sweet eating.