Valentine’s Day can either be the worst or best day of the year. You’re either spending your time with the person you love, instagraming pictures of the roses you got…or you’re dressed head-to-toe in black and referring to the day as a “Hallmark-created nightmare.” Whether you’re single, taken, or something in between, the best way to deal with all your Valentine’s Day stress is chocolate. Whether you’re enjoying a fancy flowerless chocolate cake after a romantic dinner, or eating your feelings in bed crying while watching “Love Actually,” the common denominator of this controversial holiday is food. Chocolate can be an aphrodisiac or a comfort food, but every girl finds a place for chocolate somewhere February 14th. If you’re struggling to come up with the perfect dessert to get for that special someone or which chocolate will provide you with the most emotional support, Her Campus has got you covered…chocolate covered!
1.) Sprinkles
I’m sure you’ve seen this cute little cupcakes plastered all over social media lately- they are hitting Emory hard. Straight from NYC and LA, this high-end cupcake shop combines aesthetics and taste to create the perfect cupcake. You absolutely cannot go wrong with the classic red velvet cupcake. But to put a twist on it, try the cupcake Sunday. For Valentines Day, a perfect combination would be the milk chocolate cupcake with raspberry chocolate chip ice cream. This sweet combination is perfect to share with your BF or BFF! You can’t go wrong with any of the options!
2.) Cacao
Cacao gives you an indulgent experience into real rich chocolate. Located in Virginia Highlands and Buckhead, it is the perfect place to end a night out to dinner at the amazing restaurants they have in the area, like Noche or Murphy’s. They specialize in truffles in macaroons- YUM. It may be ridiculously expensive, but it’s absolutely worth it! For the truffles, try the Hazelnut Gianduja, which is dark chocolate coated with ground toasted hazelnuts. Or if you’re into chocolate-fruit combos, try lavender blueberry, which is dark chocolate ganache mixed with house made lavender blueberry jam and lavender flowers. Personally, I’m a big fan of their gelato! This adorable café is charming, luxurious, and everything a chocolate shop should be.
3.) Homemade Eats
Even though eating itself can be a great bonding activity, an even greater way to bond is through baking your own chocolate masterpiece! Here’s just one idea to get your started:
Cake Balls
- Make any flavored cake, as you normally would
- Wait for it to cool, then crumble it and mix it with the frosting
- Roll the crumbled cake and frosting into balls that are slightly smaller than golf balls and place them on a wax paper sheet
- Wait a few hours and let them sit
- Coat them in melting chocolate and place them on wax paper
- Wait for them to harden and you’re done!
4.) Nutella and Netflix
It’s time to take a break from your diet and just indulge! Sometimes the best way to celebrate the holiday is just taking time for yourself to sit in bed, eat Nutella, and watch your favorite RomComs on Netflix! No one’s judging!
5.) Yogurt Tap
Go on a date to Yogurt Tap in Decatur and try some of their chocolate flavors! This week they have:
- White Chocolate Raspberry
- Almond Joy (Dairy Free) [Replaced our beloved Almond Butter]
- Plain Old Chocolate
- Chocolate Covered Cherry
For one day, don’t worry about the calories and just enjoy! So no matter who you’re with or what your plans are for this Valentine’s Day, make sure that you include some of these chocolate ideas to make your day a little sweeter!