This post is devoted entirely to chocolate, because through thick and thin, sickness and health, great relationships and long dry spells—chocolate is a girl’s best friend. And with Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s the first time since the New Year that we’re officially allowed to surrender our diets and declare our undying love for chocolate once again.
So whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for your special someone or a dessert to eat with your girlfriends during the third chick flick of the evening, this is post is just for you!
Recipe 1: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These are, of course, a classic. Just melt down some chocolate chips over low heat (or in the microwave), and then dunk those strawberries! You can make them in advance, or with your valentine right before you eat them. The best part? Strawberries are not the only food that is improved when covered in chocolate. Mix things up by dunking bananas, marshmallows, or graham crackers.
Recipe 2: Oreo Truffles
These truffles are a hit with everyone! And they are really easy to make.
1 package regular Oreos
1 8oz stick cream cheese
chocolate chips
Just take a package of regular Oreos and crush them into fine crumbs. Then set about ¼ cup of the crumbs aside, and mix the rest with a softened 8oz stick of cream cheese. Rolls the mixture into balls, place on wax paper, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. While the truffles are in the freezer, melt some chocolate over low heat. Then dunk your truffles in the chocolate, and sprinkle with the extra crumbs. Place them back on the wax paper and stick them back in the fridge. When the chocolate coating is set, you can eat them!
Recipe 3: Easy Chocolate Mousse
Spenser ’13 calls this recipe “the best chocolate mousse I’ve ever tasted.” I recommend you make it a couple of days in advance, to allow the chocolate flavor to intensify.
2 cups heavy cream
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teas. vanilla
¼ cup confectioner’s sugar
Simmer ½ cup of the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Add the chocolate chips, and stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted. Remove from heat, and let stand 10 minutes. Then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, use an electric mixer to whip together the remaining 1½ cups of cream, the confectioner’s sugar, and the vanilla. (If you don’t have an electric mixer, this step can be done by hand, but it might take a while). When the cream forms stiff peaks, add in the chocolate and continue mixing until the cream and chocolate are well blended. Then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe 4: Sweet & Salty Bites
These pretzel-Rolo-M&M bites are delicious, so check out this great recipe if you like your chocolate on the salty side.
Recipe 5: Three-Ingredient Nutella Brownies
I haven’t actually made these yet, but they look so yummy and simple that I couldn’t resist including them in this article. I’ll be trying them later this week. Hopefully we’ll all love them!
So go forth, ladies. Where Valentine’s Day is concerned, my only advice is to keep calm and eat chocolate!