Ultimate Valentine's Day Chocolate Truffle
"On Valentine's day, profess your love with elegant decadence. Fine chocolate has long been considered the 'food of love.' The sublime chocolate truffle, known for it rarity and exquisiteness, is the epitome of erotic foods. Presented simply on a silver tray with a single red rose, it says, 'You're the one.' Add a 1/4 teaspoon of your favorite liqueur to this recipe for added zing!" Original recipe yield: 2 servings.
INGREDIENTS:
4 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 1/2 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
4 ounces sifted confectioners' sugar
3 ounces heavy cream
1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
powdered gold leaf
DIRECTIONS:
Melt 4.5 ounces of the semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler until just fluid. Using a whisk, incorporate softened butter, then egg yolk, sifted sugar and cream into the melted chocolate. Whisk until smooth.
Pour chocolate mixture in heart molds or any other molds (an egg poacher works well as a mold), and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.
Melt remaining 4 ounces of chocolate in a double boiler until just fluid.
Unmold chocolate truffles and dip them in the melted chocolate, shake off excess chocolate and leave to set on parchment paper. Trim excess chocolate.
In a small bowl, combine liqueur and gold dust to achieve a paint-like consistency. Using brushes, decorate hearts with gold "paint" A simple "I love You" is quite effective, or better still use an original romantic quote. If you are very artistic, birds, or a floral motif along the edges complete the effect.
White Chocolate Covered Pretzels
"Easy recipe, and fun to do with the kids! Top some of the pretzels with chopped peanuts for a treat!" Original recipe yield: 16 servings.
INGREDIENTS:
6 (1 ounce) squares white chocolate
1 (15 ounce) package mini twist pretzels
1/4 cup red and green candy sprinkles (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Melt white chocolate in the top of a double boiler, stirring constantly.
Dip pretzel halfway into the white chocolate, completely covering half of the pretzel. Roll in topping if desired, and lay on wax paper.
Continue the process until all of the white chocolate is finished. Place in refrigerator for 15 minutes to harden. Store in airtight container.
Aunt Teen's Creamy Chocolate Fudge
"This was my aunt's recipe for fudge, passed down through the family. It's better than any fudge I've ever had at the Jersey shore, and easy enough to whip up in 15 minutes or so." Original recipe yield: 3 pounds.
INGREDIENTS:
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.
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