Times Columnist Philip Potempa's Older Sisters Carol (left) and Pam

Times Columnist Philip Potempa's older sisters, Carol (left) and Pam, seen at February's Valentine's Day reader event at Teibel's, share same recipe favorites from their youth.

FROM the FARM: Chocolate Chip Muffins a heartfelt recipe

Phil Potempa's weekly farm column recipe.

OFFBEAT: Felicia Fields one-woman show entertains while looking for an audience

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Heart of the matter: VU sophomore Barrett Younghans healthy, happy after transplant

VALPARAISO | Barrett Younghans is celebrating a special anniversary this week.

Peeps Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Teddy Bears

New for Valentine's Day, Chocolate Flavored Mousse Teddy Bears are the latest, tasty addition, and just in time for today's romance. They are 99 cents in stores or visit marshmallowpeeps.com or peepsandcompany.com.

New Products for Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013

A little bubbly

Make a Valentine's Day at home special

Not planning to go out for Valentine's Day? Time to start planning a special menu for a romantic night in.

OFFBEAT: Felicia Fields one-night Munster show a perfect V-Day

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

VALENTINE'S DAY 5K: Crague captures another 5K title

VALPARAISO | Former Lake Central and Valparaiso University runner Aaron Crague has won so many local road races, he's almost lost count.

Send a veteran a heart this Valentine's Day

Bear Scout Christian Garcia displays his completed valentine for his veteran. Garcia used his hearts to thank the veterans for their service to our country.

Send a veteran a heart this Valentine's Day

CHICAGO | Cub Scouts of Pack 773, which meets at Annunciata Parish on the East Side, spent time at their recent meeting cutting, gluing and creating their individualized valentines as part of the Valentines For Veterans Program.

Valentine's Day craft available Monday in S'ville Town Hall

SCHERERVILLE | Children 7 to 11 years old can prepare a Valentine's Day treat and create a craft during a program at 4:15 p.m. Monday at the Town Hall community room, 10 E. Joliet St.

Fannie May Deluxe Strawberries for Valentine's Day

The Deluxe Strawberries devised by Fannie May are luscious strawberries dipped in delicious 100 percent real milk, dark and white chocolate and covered with almonds, chocolate chips, a sweet drizzle and toasted coconut. They are $34.99 for 6-count and $59.99 for 12-count at fanniemay.com.

New Products for Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013

Berry good

Valentine’s Day haters, lovers will enjoy these events

As a devoted fan of Valentine’s Day, I’ve faced my share of Valentine haters. I can’t imagine not loving a day devoted to hearts and the color pink and candy. That’s like not loving puppies or rainbows, but to each his own.

Valentine's event for seniors planned at M'ville Slovak Club

MERRILLVILLE | Merrillville Senior Services will host its St. Valentine's Day Tea from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Slovak Club, 6920 Broadway.

OFFBEAT: Few seats remain for my 'Hedda Hopper' Teibel's event

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Order a Singing Valentine from quartet

Calumet Corner Chorus, of Hammond, will send a woman’s barbershop quartet to a private home or place of business to surprise a special person for Valentine's Day.

Ty's Beanie Boo Pink Elephant with Wide Eyes

This adorable pink elephant, with heart patterned inner ears, is from Ty's new line of Beanie Boos, all with distinct cute wide-eye looks of endearment. An elephant with an uplifted trunk is an ages-old symbol of good luck, making this a perfect Valentine's Day gift find. He's $8 at Barnes a…

FTD Expressions of Love Bouquet

Developed by the FTD floral expert team, The FTD Expressions of Love Bouquet features romantic red roses, stunning Asiatic lilies, and pink and burgundy mini carnations. Not only is it delivered in a keepsake red glass vase, it also includes an attached dangling silver "Love" ornament as an …