Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A Sweet Valentine's Treat for Your Sweetie!



February.....

The month in Canada that usually heralds the last, cold blast of winter. On the plus side, February is also the month of love and Valentine's Day! And what better way to celebrate than to make some oh so easy, homemade chocolates for you and those you love.

I have quite a collection of chocolate heart boxes from over the years. Some so beautifully decorated, they are like works of art. I find it hard to discard/recycle these. So much better to fill them up  again, with yummy chocolates from the kitchen. ;<)

The following is a recipe from my cookbook: Not Just for Vegetarians that was also featured in my craft book: A Year of Crafts,  years ago as a Valentine's project. They are very easy to make but still decadent and delish.

Hope you give these a try.

And do share with your own sweeties!
                     


Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Clusters

vegetable oil cooking spray

60 whole shelled hazelnuts

6- 1 oz. squares or 6 oz.( in total ) semi-sweet dark chocolate (try to get organic, it is so worth it)

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

                                           
Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.

Arrange hazelnuts in clusters of 4, spacing evenly on the cookie sheet, allowing at least 1" between each cluster.
                      
Melt the chocolate and butter over very low heat, using a double boiler, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
                       
Drizzle melted chocolate over each nut cluster, coating each one completely.
                                
Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
                                        
Place clusters in foil/paper candy cups or individually wrap in foil. Store in the refrigerator.
                                                
Makes 15 large clusters. Just right to fill a medium-sized Valentine's box! :<)

***

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Recipe from: Not Just for Vegetarians, Delicious, Homestyle Cooking the Meatless Way by Geraldine Hartman. All rights reserved. 

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish I hadn't already bought candy! I will try it later, though.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Geraldine,
These sound wonderful, and quite easy to do as well!
Your background for February looks great, as well!
I always thought your book, "A Year of Crafts" turned out so well!
Have a wonderful week!
Brenda

SandyCarlson said...

That sounds so good! I will have to try it.

I have a hard time ditching those hearts, too!

God bless, friend.

Joseph said...

These chocolates are delicious and yes, easy to make too. So much better than store bought too.

Geraldine said...

Hi SandyL, There is no such thing as too much chocolate, ever!!!!

Hi Brenda, They are very easy to make but still very delish. And bulk organic chocolate is getting easier to find now. I've been reading about chocolate lately and from what I've noted, organic is the only way to go...Google and read more for a real eye opener. And thanks re: my craft book. It was another labour of love. I still have teachers mentioning how much they've enjoyed it!

Hi SandyC, Especially the ones that have a story attached to them,right? I love all things Valentine's!

Hi Joe, They are kind of fun to make too, aren't they? Eating them is fun too LOL.

Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by, G :<)

Geri said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! If I wasn't on Weight Watchers I'd give this candy a try! I haven't met too many Geraldines in my life, so it's nice to meet you.

Ed Pilolla said...

valentine's day really is right around the corner, ain't it??:)

Dianne said...

I will try these!

I love that you're so excited by Valentine's Day :)

Geraldine said...

Hi Geri, I know what you mean. Nice to meet Geraldine's along the way! Thanks for your visit too.

Hi Ed, Still plenty of time to make up a batch of these yummy treats! I know your sweetie would love them.:<)

Hi Dianne, What could be better than celebrating love for a day. I hope you like the treats!

Happy Weekend, G

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...