If you happen to be single on Valentine’s Day, there is no reason to feel blue. After all, it’s only one day a year that the media lets us know that we are really supposed to be part of a couple. It’s worse if you’re a woman, of course. The message to men seems to be to celebrate the fact that they’re not “obligated” to take someone of to dinner and ply her with chocolates and flowers. Women, on the other hand, are expected to eat ice cream and chips by the pound and cry while watching sappy movies.

Single or not, a sappy movie from time to time is not a bad thing, but I definitely take issue with the ice cream and chips side of the equation. If you want to meet someone, eating ice cream in front of the television is not the way to go about it. And besides, there are much better things that you can be eating, even if you’re alone, whether you are a guy or a gal.

First of all, there is no rule that says you cannot buy yourself a box of chocolates, so make sure to pick some up for yourself. Virtually all chocolatiers sell small boxes of the chocolates, or sell them by the piece.

Going out for dinner is probably not the best idea. Restaurants will be packed, since it is such a busy night, and the vast majority of patrons will be couples. Family-friendly restaurants are likely to be full of moms and dads accompanied by their small children, and it might get a bit rowdy for an individual diner. Making dinner at home or getting a take-away meal is a good alternative, but don't skimp on dessert just because you're alone. When you pick up dinner, pick up a copy of the book Small Batch Baking, which is chock full of recipes for sweets that don’t leave you with 5 dozen cookies sitting around your kitchen. And, once again, food bloggers can step in and recommend some delicious sweets made for one, so you can treat yourself to something other than greasy fingers and an ice cream headache.

• Kiss me I'm Irish Coffee serves 1
• Strawberries with Molasses Sour Cream serves 1
• Big Blast Oatmeal Cookies makes 2, originally from Small Batch Baking
• Individual Molten Chocolate Cake (directions here) makes 1