A reader from Arlington Heights wrote in to ask us what kinds of special Valentine’s Day treats notable bakeries around town will be cooking up for the holiday: “Frugal romantics … want to know … and, of course, we’ll walk it off!”
At Play answers: These kinds of sweet little gestures are a terrific idea for Valentine’s Day on a budget. And a good excuse to stay home with your honey, sharing a pot of tea, one plate and two forks.
We called around and found some tempting options for giving a sweet to your sweet.
Alliance Bakery (1736 W. Division St., 773-278-0366) is whipping up a batch of 3-inch heart-shaped strawberry and plain cheesecakes for Valentine’s Day. Each will be dipped in either dark or white chocolate and will sell for $3. Look for them about a week before the big day.
Pierre’s Bakery (2747 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-252-8888, and other locations) will offer corazoncitos, or little hearts made of chocolate cake, layered with crumbled Oreos, topped with whipped cream, more Oreo sprinkles and a little chocolate heart for $3.99.
And Lutz Continental Cafe & Pastry (2458 W. Montrose Ave., 773-478-7785) will have its year-round marzipan hearts, topped with a big jellied strawberry and filled with yellow cake and strawberry preserves for $3.
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Thinking about what to do here over spring break? Write to Ask At Play at atplay@tribune.com or send a letter to Ask At Play, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611.
