Tag Archive | Valentine’s Day

Chocolate Truffles

Feb11

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate Truffles

Sweeten your valentine’s day with gourmet-style confections made fresh in your kitchen. Quick and easy to prepare, these time-honored treats are the ultimate Valentine’s Day indulgence.

Made with minimal ingredients, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to serve, roll again in confectioners’ sugar, if desired. For the best flavor, allow truffles to come to room temperature before serving.

With rich chocolate goodies like these, Cupid is sure to strike. Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Here are more Easy Valentine’s Day Recipes.)

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

2/3 cup heavy (or whipping) cream
12 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
In a medium saucepan, bring heavy cream to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Drop 24 portions by tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. Shape into balls. Roll 12 of the balls in cocoa powder; place in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Roll the remaining 12 in confectioners’ sugar; place truffles in a container with a tight-fitting lid; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Makes 24 truffles.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Jan23
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

A cup of hot chocolate is a delightful indulgence on its own, but the addition of cinnamon makes it extra tasty.

Similar to Mexican-style hot chocolate, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a flavorful beverage with a spicy twist. And it makes good use of pantry staples so there’s no need for specialty shopping or exotic ingredients.

Top with light, freshly whipped cream and serve with cinnamon sticks, if desired. Whether it’s to enjoy on a snow day or anytime, this soothing sipper will warm you up from the inside out.

CINNAMON HOT CHOCOLATE

3 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream (optional)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
In a small saucepan, combine chocolate, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup milk. Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add the remaining 3 1/2 cups milk and sugar. Cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. (Do not boil). Whisk in melted chocolate mixture until well blended. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Ladle into mugs; top with whipped cream and serve with cinnamon sticks, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Come say hello!

February 7, 2015 at 12:30 to 4:30 ~ Meet and Greet ~ Representing the Observer Dispatch’s Entree Magazine ~ Turning Stone Resort and Casino Home Show, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona, NY 13478

Autographed copies of The Harried Housewife’s Cookbook: 125 Most Requested Recipes! will be available for purchase

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Hearts

Feb12

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, February 14, 2014

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Hearts

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Hearts

If your busy schedule has left you little time for planning a special treat for your sweetheart, you still can make a decadent dessert your valentine will love. Perfect for those who are short on time, these homemade confections will go straight to your loved one’s heart.

By embellishing packaged brownie mix with cream cheese, red food color, and a few pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up a moist and colorful chocolate treat swirled with the yummy taste of cheesecake. To make them extra special, set on decorative doilies and arrange on pretty platters like these Anchor Hocking Isabella Platters.

So go ahead and give it a whirl. After all, rich confections made fresh from your kitchen will guarantee you a sweet place in your valentine’s heart forever. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love chocolate? Here are a few more recipes with the decadent taste of chocolate: Molten Chocolate Cakes, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Hot Cocoa, and Mini Brownie Trifles

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE BROWNIE HEARTS

1 (18- to -21 ounce) package fudge brownie mix
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup brewed coffee
1 1/2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon red food color
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 eggs
1 (8-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 (3-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 egg white
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, letting ends extend beyond edges on 2 sides. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, coffee, 1 1/2 tablespoons food color, vinegar, and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed; spread in prepared pan.

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheeses, egg white, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Remove 1/2 of the batter to a small bowl; stir the remaining 1 teaspoon food color into this batter. Drop plain batter by tablespoons randomly onto brownie batter. Drop red batter in the same manner. Using a butter knife, swirl through the batters to create a marbled effect. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove brownies by lifting foil ends; place on a cutting board. Remove foil; use a cookie cutter to cut heart shapes. Makes 16 large heart-shaped brownies.

This recipe and a recipe for Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce can be found here.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing serveware

Molten Chocolate Cakes

Feb7

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, February 7, 2014

Molten Chocolate Cakes

Molten Chocolate Cakes

A miniature chocolate cake for two that oozes with melted goodness is a luscious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetie. And while it might seem like these lavish, restaurant-style cakes require a lot of time and effort to prepare, they actually can be made quickly and easily.

They also are an excellent choice to share with family and friends, and the batter can be made a day in advance. Just divide into prepared custard cups, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. When it’s time to bake the cakes, just remove the plastic wrap, place on a baking sheet, and bake as directed increasing the bake time by about 2 minutes.

A sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar and a dollop of whipped cream adds the final flourish. With an over-the-top dessert like this, it’s easy to create a memorable Valentine’s Day beginning in your own kitchen.

Here’s another easy recipe for your Valentine: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 ounces high-quality unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
Whipped cream (optional)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter 6 (6-ounce) custard cups. Place on a baking sheet. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate, and butter. Microwave on HIGH until butter has melted, about 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Add eggs, egg yolks, and coffee liqueur; whisk until well blended. Divide batter among prepared custard cups. Bake until cakes are firm around the edges but are soft in the centers, 13 to 14 minutes. Let stand 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edges; invert onto dessert plates. Top each cake with a sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar and/or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Makes 12 servings, 1/2 cake each.

Come say hello!

February 8, 2014 at 11:00 ~ Presentation and Book Signing ~ Sherrill Free Library, 543 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill, NY 13461

February 8, 2014 at 2:00 ~ Meet and Greet ~ Representing the Observer Dispatch’s Entree Magazine ~ Turning Stone Resort and Casino Home Show, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona, NY 13478

Hot Cocoa

Jan9

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Hot Cocoa

Hot Cocoa

Hot Cocoa

Plummeting temperatures and a nip in the air are constant reminders that winter is in full swing.

While many folks long for the hazy days of summer, why not make the most of what winter has to offer. Whether it’s sledding, skiing, or any frosty activity, now is the time to go outside and enjoy the season.

And when you come in from outdoors, treat yourself to a decadent drink that will warm you up from the inside out. Smooth and soothing, a steaming mug of old-fashioned hot cocoa is something to look forward to after spending time in the great outdoors.

So when chilly winds blow, curl up with a blanket and savor this seasonal sipper. After all, warmer months are sure to come.

HOT COCOA

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
3 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half or fat-free half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
Miniature marshmallows or whipped cream
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add water; bring to a boil, stirring continuously. Add milk and half-and-half. Cook until mixture is thoroughly heated, stirring frequently (do not boil). Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into mugs; top with miniature marshmallows or whipped cream. Makes 6 servings.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Feb12
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

If you would like to whip up a sweet treat for your Valentine but are short on time, then this quick to prepare recipe is for you.

By simply microwaving chocolate chips, stirring in a touch of shortening and then dipping strawberries into the melted goodness, a decadent dessert with a touch of elegance is ready to serve.

Make it extra special by pouring a couple glasses of champagne to share with your beloved. Classy flutes like these Oneida Compose Flutes are perfect for romantic occasions and make it easy to celebrate any time of the year.

So when it comes to wishing your sweetheart a Happy Valentine’s Day, it’s as simple as a glass of champagne and handmade chocolate covered strawberries. Cheers!

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

16 large strawberries
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Rinse strawberries; pat dry. Place chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup; microwave until melted. Stir in shortening. Dip strawberries in melted chocolate; place on prepared baking sheet. Let stand until set, 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing drinkware and serveware