Some Advanced Prep for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is creeping up on us once again, and whether you’re a hardcore fan or violently opposed to this Hallmark holiday, it’s difficult to ignore the waves of pink stuffed animals and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate taking over storefronts all over the city.

Regardless of your feelings about Valentine’s Day, the chocolate component of it is one aspect most people can agree to support. And if you prefer your chocolate without those red ribbons and frilly velvet boxes, it’s pretty easy to make your own amazing chocolaty treats at home.

Here are some options:

Chocolate Truffles

These are about as basic as you can get when it comes to truffles.

You’ll need:

12 oz of chopped bittersweet chocolate

1/3 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)

1 tsp of vanilla

In a medium sized pot over medium heat, stir together your chopped chocolate and heavy cream until well-blended and smooth. Once the chocolate is fully melted and the cream is blended in, remove from the heat and stir in your vanilla. Pour the mixture into a dish and refrigerate until set, but not solid. This should take between 1.5 and 2 hours (don’t forget about it! If it oversets you’ll have a hard time making your truffles). When your mixture is set, take it out and roll tablespoon sized scoops into small balls. You can then roll these in whatever toppings you’d like (suggestions include icing sugar, coconut, or sprinkles). And that’s it, you’re done! Make sure to keep these in the fridge though, or else they’ll melt.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

I’ll assume no explanation is needed for these.

You’ll need:

16 oz of milk chocolate chips

2 tbsp of shortening

1 lb of strawberries

In a double boiler (aka. a heatproof bowl set over a pot of boiling water), melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Turn off the heat, and use toothpicks (or a fork) to dip each strawberry into the chocolate mixture. Rotate the strawberries to get any excess chocolate off. Set the strawberries on a sheet of waxed paper, and put them in the fridge to set. Done!

Chocolate Fudge

Rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make.

You’ll need:

3 cups of semisweet chocolate chips

1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk

¼ cup butter

Mix together your chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally (every minute or so) until the chocolate chips are completely melted. Pour into a greased 8×8 pan, and refrigerate until set. That’s it!

Enjoy your chocolate! Whether or not you enjoy your Valentine’s Day.