You've given so many flowers, the local FTD merchant has you on speed-dial. You've bought enough red satin hearts full of chocolate to build a tower to that romantic moon overhead. If you buy ONE more Teddy bear, the stuffed-animal collection will be designated a fire hazard.

In short, it's time for Valentine's Day and you're plumb out of ideas, Bunky.

Before you start getting the couch ready for a couple of weeks of sleeping, hearken unto me, for I bring glad tidings that just might save your relationship and keep your significant other from starting to reminisce seriously about high school sweethearts.

If you're reading this column, chances are you're a foodie. And, because that is the way of the universe, you are quite likely paired with a fellow foodie.

Lucky you!

Because here I come, like a cross between Cupid and Santa Claus, to bring you a bag full of ideas for making this Valentine's Day something to remember.

Spice It Up

I've just recently rediscovered one of my favorite spice sources: Pepper Passion.

Now, this is no ordinary spice house. Bruce Morgan has combined his love of hot spices and woodworking to not only market the finest Talamanca del Caribe and other peppercorns and sea salt around, but the most attractive line of peppermills I've ever seen. Handmade with a variety of exotic woods, there are shapes and colors to fit any decor and please even the most picky of aesthetes.

Don't take my word for it. Check out their gallery for yourself!

Oh, and if you needed more convincing, one of the models is called Aphrodite. What better for an artful Valentine's gift?

Express shipping is available. If you get your order in by early in the week, you'll have your mill and spices in time for the big day.

Drinks For Two

Annie DuBois is a French-Canadian, and lest she betray that romance-laden heritage, she's got the perfect gift for those of you in a south-of-the-border mood this Valentine's Day: the Tex Mex To Go Margaritas For Two kit. It comes with mixer, glasses and a hand-lettered card with your message.

And don't worry about shipping. Our Ms. Annie will use trained eagles, if need be, to get your delivery where it's going in plenty of time for Valentine's Day.

If you need some other fixings to go with your kit, anything from the best salsa around to tortilla presses and accoutrements, look around the rest of the site and enjoy.

Best Of The Best

OK, so I mildly disparaged chocolate at our outset, but there's no need to worry if what you're giving is truly unique and delicious.

The good folks at Fat Witch Brownies make what are quite simply the best brownies in the known universe. I am a brownie snob, and have turned my nose up at mail-order and bakery brownies from all over the country.

That said, I am now considering moving to New York so I can have a daily supply of Fat Witches, as they call their confections. Whether you're a brownie purist and go with the original Fat Witch, or you get more adventurous and go for the Red Witch, the Java Witch or one of the others, there's not a bad one in the bunch.

They even have Brownie Babies, described as "three bites of perfect decadence," for smaller-scale snacking.

Trust me: with a plate of these and a bottle of wine, you're in for the night.

I hope that's given you some ideas.

But, remember, just BUYING things is not the soul of Valentine's Day. Grate some of the fine Talamanca pepper over a homemade dish of Spaghetti Puttanesca or drink those margaritas along with a bowl of tasty Tortilla Soup

The point is: you don't show love and affection with your wallet, but with your hands and heart. Use them to create a meal, an occasion, that will show the one you love how important they are!

Join me here every Friday for explorations of the nuts and bolts of cooking, food oddities and other items of general culinary interest. Drop me a line anytime!