Want to do something sweet for your Valentine? I've got a few suggestions and they just could not be easier.
MAKE AN IMPRESSIVE (BUT OH SO EASY) DESSERT: STRAWBERRY NAPOLEONS
If he's taking you out for Valentine's Day, skip the dessert and have it at home with a lovely bottle of bubbly. There is something so special about a homemade dessert- especially when the dessert looks like it took hours to make. Use boxed puff pastry you find in the frozen food section of the store along with some fresh whipped cream and some berries infused in your favorite liqueur. Viola! You've got a pastry shop worthy treat that you can even shape into a heart if your heart desires. Get the recipe...
NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
Homemade treats are always a welcome gift-and chocolate always tops the list. These homemade chocolate truffles are better than most you find at the store and very easy to make. You can customize these chocolate truffles in your Valentine's favorite flavors and pack them in a tin or box lined with pretty cupcake or parchment paper. Get the recipe....
BAKE HER (or HIM) A MINI CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ
Soufflés are impressive- mainly because people think they are so difficult. Shhhh- they're not. But your technique and timing are both important. You can make this recipe up to 30 minutes before you pop them into the oven. I love chocolate Soufflés paired with a liqueur-infused cream Angalise (yes, you can cheat and use melted vanilla ice cream instead of making your own Anglaise) Get the recipe....
MAKE YOUR SWEETHEART A VALENTINE'S DAY BREAKFAST (MAYBE SERVED ON A TRAY IN BED WITH A FAVORITE BOOK OR MOVIE?)
This year, Valentine's Day (February 14th) falls on Saturday. The perfect way to start the day is to make your Valentine breakfast.
START WITH COFFEE...
Start with milk you froth in the microwave or with a whisk and create a symbol of love right in her coffee cup.... a coffee 'card" if you will. Even if you are not an artist like the baristas at your favorite coffee shop or you don't have a cappuccino machine or milk frother at home (I don't have one) you can still whip up this sweet treat with a Mason jar or a whisk. If your Valentine doesn't drink coffee, our friend Robin suggested to use the heart template to sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on bread for cinnamon toast. Get the how-to...
MAKE A PUFFY SKILLET PANCAKE
A big, puffed up skillet pancake- also called a Dutch Baby- is always a hit when you bring it to the table. When you go the extra step to decorate it with a powdered sugar heart or chocolate shavings, it is even more impressive!
For the heart decoration, simply cut a heart from some brown craft paper or tin foil. Place it over the pancake and dust over it with powdered sugar or cocoa from a mesh strainer. You've got an instant Valentine! Get the recipe...
FOR THE KIDS: STRAWBERRY NUTELLA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
Who are we kidding here? I'd love it if someone made me this decadent stuffed French Toast for Valentine's Day- or any other day, for that matter.
Stuffed with fresh strawberries, marscapone cheese, and Nutella, the chocolate hazelnut spreaed... do you need to know anything else? Get the recipe...
AND WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FORGOT THE CARD...
Make a DIY Valentine. You don't have to be super creative or have perfect penmanship like all the folks on Pinterest.I think it is perfectly okay just to write out your sentiments out like I did with this little flip book. Get the how-to...
Wishing you a sweet Valentine's Day!