ALONG COMES MARY

Valentine’s Day is upon us! Yes, I know the flack it gets for being a “Greeting Card Holiday” but to me, what’s better than an excuse to tell people you love them? And better yet, with food and candy? Although I’ll be busy being a new mom this year, that doesn’t mean I won’t be celebrating the loves in my life. This is where my old reliable, Melissa’s Produce, comes in.

When I asked Mike what we should do for the 14th this year, his reply? “I think Mabel will decide that one.” Very true, but the past ten months have been nothing short of insanity, and it’s important to me to remember him. I was so thrilled when Melissa’s invited me to check out one of their beautiful gift baskets to give my valentine.

In addition to being a top produce distributor and specializing in rare and exotic fruits, Melissa’s knows a thing or two about gift baskets. As I searched through their array of gorgeous options, the Royal Treatment caught my eye. A gift fit for a King or Queen, it features a robust red wine with palette-pleasing treats. Think apples and pears, dried cranberries, Pumpkin Seed Clean Snax, summer sausage, crackers, mixed nuts, and cheese.

Before me, Mike was pretty clueless about wine. These days? He loves a bold red to accompany cured meats and cheese. You could say I’ve made him a charcuterie board snob. He’s already eager to enjoy his basket and “approves” of the contents.

Along with the Royal Treatment basket, here are a few others that will perfectly say “Be Mine” to your valentine thanks to Melissa’s:

For the Wine Lover

One of the best things about Melissa’s is their selection of elegant wines. If your Valentine is all about the vino, consider the A Dream Come True Wine basket. Contents, depending on availability, will feature exotic beauties like Mango, Papaya, Feijoa, Kiwi, and/or Kumquats. Local favorites like Grapefruit, Oranges, and Apples will round out the fresh sweets. Savory snacks to entice your honey will include sausage, crackers, chocolates, assorted nuts, and a nutcracker. Much like the Royal Treatment basket, a bottle of Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast completes this gorgeous set.

For the Worldly Connoisseur

You know the type. If your Valentine loves to explore all around and enjoy the world-class side of things, check out the Grande Medley. An opportunity to sample cuisines from around the globe, the Grande Medley is under a hundred dollars. Your goodies arrive in a gorgeous (and sturdy) woven basket and boast surprises like crepes, a tamale kit, salsa, and more. Think it’s all on the spicier side? Think again. You’ll also receive dried fruits like Bing cherries and blueberries.

For the Traditional Valentine

In need of a gift that’s all pretty in pink? Celebrating Melissa’s Pinkglow™ Pineapple, the Pinkglow Rosé Gift Basket is another exquisite option and under 95 dollars. With Tropical origins in Costa Rica, the Pinkglow Pineapple is like biting into a piece of fresh candy. It pairs expertly well with the treats accompanied in the basket. Your special someone will adore the Chocolate Bridge Mix of nuts, caramels, and dried fruit. An award-winning 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir by Sonoma-Cutrer completes the basket.

For the Grilling Valentine

Since we have a beautiful patio now, I was tempted to get the Grilling Basket for Mike. Ideal for those valentines eager for the summer, this basket features a collection of in-season vegetables perfect for lighting up the BBQ. Depending on availability, the Grilling Basket may have Plantains, Portobello Mushrooms, Asian Eggplant, Fennel, Elephant Garlic, or Anaheim Peppers. Rounding out the gift is a set of four circle kabobs.

Let Melissa’s Produce Help You Say Be Mine

Check out all of the selections Melissa’s has for Valentine’s Day and any other occasion HERE. Place your order this week to ensure your loved ones get their baskets in time for the 14th! Xo

(*Disclosure: Special thanks to Melissa’s Produce for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.)