Melt Hearts with Handmade Chocolate Sweets — Comfort Food Feast
Whether you've got yourself a sweetie or you're going for a more "all my single ladies" approach, these chocolatey sweets are just what St. Valentine called for. Instead of swinging by the drugstore for a sorry box of chocolates, give your valentine handmade chocolate treats that are a sure-fire way to melt hearts.
It may be the go-to move, but there is something to be said for biting into plump, juicy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries (pictured above). Not only are these fruity treats romantic through and through, they're also completely effortless to make. Plus, rolling each melted chocolate-dipped strawberry in crushed pretzel sticks or almonds makes for a crunchy complement that proves that opposites attract.
Jim Franco
Before you stop at a pricey gourmet chocolatier, take matters into your own hands. Hand-rolling your very own Chocolate Truffles results in the same creamy, intense richness as the store-bought variety. Add a shot of brandy to add depth to the bittersweet chocolate base, and roll truffles in cocoa powder, shredded coconut or crushed nuts before gifting to a chocolate lover.
Marshall Troy Photography, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
If you're hoping to give a downright swoonworthy treat, Alton Brown's Chocolate Fudge loaded with roasted nuts is the way to go. Pack it up in a decorative tin so your valentine can snack on fudge even after the glow of Valentine's Day is behind us.
Tara Donne, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Your chocolatey treat doesn't need to be traditional. Bake a batch of quirky S'mores Brownies and your sweetie will surely become lovey-dovey. Either gift-wrap a few slices or hand over the whole tray. Hey, while you're at it, bake a batch for your office, your fam or your platonic "palentines." Everyone will appreciate these chocolatey squares of ooey-gooey goodness.
Get more chocolate recipes from family and friends:
The Heritage Cook: Gluten-Free Black & White Brownies with Orange Glaze
Virtually Homemade: Chocolate Covered Strawberries with Coconut
Creative Culinary: Raspberry Boccone Dolce (Pavlova with Chocolate and Raspberries)
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Chocolate-Coconut-Cashew Bark with Sea Salt
In Jennie's Kitchen: Fudgy, Chewy Brownies {dairy free}
Taste with the Eyes: Chocolate Mint Parfaits with Chocolate Hearts
Food for 7 Stages of Life: Everyday Chocolate Granola