Forget Flowers: Buy Your Woman Some Whiskey This Valentine's Day

And, specifically Laphroaig.  I have long been a whiskey fan and very loyal to Laphroaig due to its impeccable, consistent quality at a reasonable price point. Since the distillery in charming Islay has been in operation for over 200 years, I guess they know what they're doing by now.  Their PR will not confirm that leprechauns count among the magical employees but I have my suspicions.

Pineapple of My Eye

 However, it has come to my attention over the years that some gals unfortunately are intimidated or put off by this spirit as they associate it with old boys' clubs, i.e., not-so-safe-spaces for women. This stereotype is certainly based on some degree of truth as many ROWDs (Rich Old White Dudes) who frequent private societies do display a particular predilection for single malts, but as a proud Irish woman I know whiskey is the people's drink!  And, despite what this administration might have you believe, women are people, too. So, this February the 14th gift your female partner in crime a bottle of whiskey.  Laphroaig Select is a terrific for the whiskey newbie due to its subtle sweetness and mild smoky notes.  However, should your inamorata already be a whiskey lover, I recommend indulging in some Laphroaig 10 Year Old. Either way, enjoy the first round neat (Bridey's preferred preparation), then mix up some cocktails, like this terrific one created by Ivy Mix.

Pineapple of My Eye

• 1 & 1/2 parts Laphroaig 10 Year Old

• 1/2 part pineapple rum

• 3/4 part lime juice

• 3/4 part simple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon pomegranate molasses

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Foodies: Local Edition

Stumped as to what to give your foodie inamorata/o for Valentine's Day? Here are my five favorite locally-sourced foodie gifts.

Available now through February 16th at Central Market.

5. Banner Dark Chocolate Butter.  One of the many delicious  products featured in Central Market's Chocolate Festival, this cocoa butter goes well with crisp toasted baguette slices. Available now through February 16th.

4. Nice Winery Reserve Malbec. I would gladly sip most anything designed by Nice winemakers Ryan Levy and Ian Eastveld, but special props go to their Reserve Malbec, which recently received a rating of 92 points. Indulge for only $34 this Valentine's Day.

Criminally cute.

3. 3 Brothers Bakery Frosted Sugar Cookies. I've swooned over the baked goods at 3 Brothers Bakery in the past; indeed, I have yet to encounter a confection from their case I didn't like.  These sugar cookies not only boast a whimsical exterior design but also a terrific vanilla taste and flaky texture.

 2. The Brownie Bowl's Red Velvet Brownie (Bowls). As its name might suggest, The Brownie Bowl, in addition to offering luscious brownies in creative flavors such as peanut butter and bourbon Mississippi Mud, also vends edible bowls MADE OUT OF BROWNIES. Yes, you read right. Pick up a four-pack of the red velvet variety and a pint of Ben & Jerry's for the ultimate  Valentine's Day sundae.

1. Urban Eats' Jalapeno Bacon Jam. Although much of the fare at Urban Eats requires in-house dining (really the best way to enjoy their Cowgirl Sliders and Monkey Bread), if you must get something to go from this bistro that doubles as a gourmet market, bring home a container of their addictive jalapeno bacon jam to your beloved.  With a modest bite from the pepper, porcine notes from the bacon, and just a hint of sweetness, this jelly is wonderfully balanced and the perfect complement to, well, just about anything.