Roll out the fun by making this whimsical bathroom tissue cat for your Valentine, then serve this melt-in-your-mouth meringue dessert to cap off your “love”-ly day. 

Whimsical Tissue Roll Cats

Supplies:

  • 1 roll bathroom tissue (white or pastel)

  • Black and red puff paint or markers

  • Posterboard or cardstock (for ears, tail, paws)

  • Blush or red paint (for cheeks)

  • Sponge

  • Ribbon or bow

  • Pipe cleaner (heart-shaped if possible)

  • Optional: yarn for fur

  • Toothpick + small paper heart

  • Valentine candy (to fill the center!)

With puff paint or marker, gently sponge or draw a cat (or lion) face on the tissue roll. Sponge on cheeks with blush or red puff paint, and other facial features with black puff paint or marker. Cut out ears, tail and paws from poster board and glue to roll, making sure the paws cover the bottom hole of the tissue roll. Add a bow and heart-shaped pipe cleaner.

Decorate with yarn “fur” if desired. Fill the roll’s center with candy hearts, kisses or other small candies. Glue a foil or paper heart with a love message (“You’re Purr-fect” or “No Lion’ I Love You”) to a toothpick and push into the top of the roll. 

Valentine Meringue Hearts

These elegant-looking heart-shaped meringues are light, fluffy, and filled with creamy strawberry love.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup egg whites (4 large eggs), room temp

  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar

  • Dash of salt

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Optional: few drops red food coloring

  • 1 quart strawberry ice cream

  • 1 (8 oz) jar strawberry topping

 Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 225°F.

  2. Line baking sheet with foil or brown paper.

  3. Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until foamy.

  4. Gradually add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.

  5. Fold in vanilla and optional coloring.

  6. Spoon into heart shapes on baking sheet. Make a small well in each center.

  7. Bake for 40–60 minutes until lightly browned.

  8. Let cool, then fill with strawberry ice cream and drizzle with topping.

Pro tip: These can be made ahead of time — just store meringues in an airtight container and assemble before serving.

Roughing It Easy

Take all of Dian’s tips & tricks with
you on your next outdoor adventure!