Print Article for : Desserts For Valentines Day

Your Online Guide » Guide to Health » Dinner For Two Recipes

[D224]Desserts For Valentines Day

by Mary Anne Durkee, Mar

You don't need to be a chef-in-training to create a spectacular dessert that will have your sweetheart smiling until next Valentine's Day. You can make a truly decadent creation by following this simple chocolate dessert recipe. I like to use the large stem berries as they look spectacular and have a built in handle. Here are a couple of recipes that are guaranteed to make your Valentines a lot more interesting!

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
INGREDIENTS

6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon shortening
36 large strawberries, washed and dried

PREPARATION

Line baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. In 1/2-quart saucepan on MELT on Wolf electric or induction cooktop, place bittersweet chocolate. Heat about 12 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted, stirring occasionally. Dip strawberries halfway into chocolate and place on waxed paper. Chill in Sub-Zero refrigerator about 30 minutes, or until chocolate is set. In 1/2-quart saucepan on MELT, place white chocolate and shortening. Melt until smooth. Drizzle white chocolate over dark chocolate-covered strawberries. Chill about 30 minutes or until set. Strawberries can be refrigerated up to 6 hours.

Makes 3 dozen strawberries.

Chocolate Truffles: The word truffle has several meanings in the world of candy because of their different countries of origin. It was invented in France as a small, rich chocolate made of ganache, often flavored and usually shaped into a ball. The original recipe, rolled in cocoa, was named after the black truffle fungus because of its physical resemblance.

INGREDIENTS
1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
Half cup butter
1/3 cups water
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon flavored liqueur (raspberry, orange, mint, kirsch, or Grand Marnier)
Three Fourth cup cocoa
*optional: add a little chile powder for some fun heat

PREPARATION
Pour water in the basin of a bain de marie . Heat to 140F (60C), covered with lid. In the porcelaine part, place chocolate chips, butter, water and liqueur. Place over water.

Heat about 10 minutes or until chocolate and butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Remove the porcelaine container of the bain de marie and gently whisk in egg yolk until just combined. Place pan in refrigerator for 1 hour or until firm. (Do not refrigerate overnight.)
When chilled, scoop chocolate by tablespoon and roll each into a ball. Roll balls into cocoa, chopped nuts, chcolate sprinkles, etc as you desire. Place balls on waxed paper lined baking sheet. Repeat until all mixture is used. Refrigerate until firm. Store in refrigerator.

Alternate method: In 2-quart saucepan onlow, place chips, butter and water. Heat about 20 minutes or until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Gently whisk egg yolk and liqueur into mixture. Place pan in refrigerator for 1 hour. (Do not refrigerate overnight.) Continue as above.

Makes 3 dozen balls.

There are many couples who enjoy celebrating Valentines Day but are often annoyed or stressed out when they try to celebrate this holiday on February 14th. This is because one of the most popular ways to celebrate is by going out to dinner. This can lead to overcrowding and long waits to be seated. Some restaurants do not take reservations and even the ones that do often have difficulty honoring these reservations when there are huge crowds on Valentines Day. As a result there are many couples who opt to celebrate by going out to dinner a day or two late or even a day or two early. There is nothing wrong with this and it can often result in a much more relaxing celebration simply because it is taking place on the 13th or the 15th of February instead of the 14th. This article will provide some information on celebrating Valentines Day a day late.

If you are planning to take your partner out to dinner to celebrate Valentines Day but are having trouble making reservations you might consider making your reservations for the day after Valentines Day or for the first weekend after Valentines Day. This will give you many additional options and will help to make your planning easier. However, if this is what you are planning you should probably also consult your partner to make sure celebrating a day late or even a few days late will not be disappointing to your partner. This is an important factor to consider because there are many who are very adamant about going out to celebrate on Valentines Day and may be extremely disappointed if plans are made for a day late.

If your partner will be extremely disappointed about celebrating Valentines Day, it might be a good idea to alter the plans rather than delaying them. For example if you want to avoid having to wait more than an hour for a table at a fancy restaurant, try cooking a great meal for your partner instead. You will still be celebrating in a really fun way but you won't have the stress of dealing with a crowded restaurant.

Sometimes it is not merely a matter of convenience which makes it necessary to celebrate this romantic a day or two late. You or your partner may have an unusual work schedule which would make getting together on Valentines Day extremely difficult. For example doctors often work a few long shifts per week which can interfere with Valentines Day plans. If you or your partner is in this type of situation it is best to discuss Valentines Day ahead of time and figure out what will work best for the two of you. You might decide it would be a good idea to celebrate few days late or you may even agree to just exchange cards for Valentines Day. Whatever you decide you should make sure it is a decision which makes you both happy.

Finally, if you and your partner are planning to celebrate Valentines Day a day or two late it is important to remember that you should still treat your celebration with all of the excitement and enthusiasm as you would if you were celebrating on the 14th of February. For example if you would buy a new dress, get your nails done or get your hair done for Valentines Day you should still go ahead and do these things even if you are celebrating Valentines Day late. It will help to make the celebration feel more fun and exciting.

Article Source : Healthy Recipes For Dinner

About Author

Both Mary Anne Durkee & Ryan Smith are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Mary Anne Durkee has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food And Drink, Recipes and Goji. Mary-Anne is a featured member and regular contributor at iFood.tv, featuring recipes from all over the world. Other popular Valentines Day dessert recipe. Mary Anne Durkee's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.

Ryan Smith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Valentines Day, Dating and Romance and SEO Articles. Ryan Smith is the owner of Lovers First Kiss, one of the Net's hottest dating sites! Post your free profile today at http://www.loversfirstkiss.com/. Ryan Smith's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.