For this Valentine’s Day, make it extra special by surprising the one you love with a homemade treat that tops off your romantic night. With this Valentine’s Day plan, you are sure to please, and maybe even get something sweet in return.
When love is in the air, it’s not necessary to be fancy; it really is the thought that counts. Sharing a cozy evening together, focusing solely on each other, is what’s always most appreciated in any loving relationship.
These recipes are simple and will create a treat that will make your Valentine’s Day especially sweet!
Ingredients:
4 Servings
2 tablespoons raspberry jam
1 slice angel food cake (vanilla, crumbled)
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup whipped cream
4 mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- In four (2-ounce) shooter glasses, layer jam, cake, raspberries and whipped cream.
- Garnish with mint leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.
Made With Love
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Now don’t get me wrong, I like a good brand of boxed chocolates and wouldn’t think of complaining if I was to be given one on Valentine’s Day, or any day, for that matter. But to really impress me with something I love, homemade chocolate covered strawberries will definitely do the trick. My personal favorite type is made with milk chocolate, but to satisfy your partner, you can easily switch it up with dark or even white chocolate, and make them even more special with swirls or drizzles and Valentine’s Day sprinkles.
TIPS FOR MELTING CHOCOLATE PERFECTLY
There are a few ways to melt your chocolate; both are easy, but you may find that you prefer one way over the other.
Melt chocolate in the microwave. This method works just fine; the key is to zap the chocolate in short increments of about 10 seconds on high in a microwave-safe bowl. After each 10-second blast of heat, stir the chocolate. (Another option: Use 50% power as in the recipe below.) Stop heating it when it’s smooth and ready for dipping. Pro Tip: Make sure the bowl is deep so your strawberries get a good dunk.
Melt chocolate on the stovetop. You’ll want to make a double boiler for this method. Sounds complicated, but it’s not: Just put a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (some people add a dishcloth between the bowl and the pan). Set your chopped chocolate in the bowl and when it begins to melt, stir. The goal of the simmering water is to keep the heat even and low, so that your chocolate doesn’t burn.
Dry thoroughly: Once you wash your strawberries make sure to rinse them and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
Any moisture left behind will get between the strawberry and the chocolate which could either hasten the decomposition of the strawberry or cause a gap in the chocolate.
Dipping and setting: Before you dip strawberries in the chocolate, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper, where you’ll place the chocolate strawberries to cool. Once the chocolate sets, the strawberries will release much more easily from the paper. Try to avoid refrigerating the strawberries. When they’re refrigerated, they tend to sweat because they collect condensation.
Ingredients:
- 18 strawberries (large fresh, about a pound, cleaned and patted dry)
- 4 ounces chocolate melting wafers (I used Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers *yum*, but there are plenty of other brands, as well.
- 1 teaspoon sprinkles or tiny hear flat candies (red and white for Valentine’s Day)
- 1 oz white melting wafers (optional)
- 1 oz. dark chocolate melting wafers (optional)
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place chocolate wafers in a microwave safe cup, bowl or ramekin and microwave them on half power for 30 seconds (or according to package directions. Check progress and continue to heat in 15 second intervals until heated and smooth when stirred. Be careful not to overcook.
- Dip each strawberry one at a time into the chocolate and then lift and swirl to release any excess chocolate back into the cup.
- Place the covered berry on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle a few sprinkles on before the chocolate sets. Add a drizzle of white or dark chocolate to make the strawberries a little more festive and repeat with remaining berries.
*** If the chocolate in your cup starts to thicken, place it back in the microwave for another 10 seconds or so.
- Allow berries to sit at room temperature or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until chocolate hardens.
White Russian Hot Cocoa Recipe:
Impress your sweetheart with this festive hot cocoa recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole milk or half-n-half
- 5 ounces high quality milk or bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces
- 5 ounces high quality while chocolate, chopped into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon Kahlua or coffee liquor or to taste
- 1 teaspoon of quality vodka or to taste
- A couple of large marshmallows, cut into heart shapes
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until very warm.
- Meanwhile, place the Kahlua and vodka into the New Wave Caffe mugs.
- Add the chocolate pieces to the milk and continually whisk until the chocolate is melted and the milk is steaming.
- Top with marshmallows and get cozy by the fire.
To create heart-shaped marshmallows: Take a few large pre-made marshmallows (jet puffed is the most popular) and cut them in half horizontally. Take one half, place it flat side down and flatten with your hand or a mallet by applying firm pressure. Using a small heart cookie cutter, cut out the heart shape and then repeat with the remaining piece of marshmallow. To make the red marshmallow, top with Wilton red cookie icing.
Valentine’s Day Pink Hot Chocolate
Tickle your partner pink with this fun after dinner drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz. (60ml) White Chocolate Liqueur
2 oz. (60ml) Vanilla Vodka
1 Packet White Hot Chocolate
8 oz. (120ml) Hot Milk
Drop Red Food Coloring
Whipped Cream/Heart Sprinkles/Marshmallows
Directions:
- In a mason jar or any clear drinking vessel add hot milk and white hot chocolate.
- Stir.
- Add white chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, and red food coloring.
- Stir.
5. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and heart sprinkles.
