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!
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! :<)
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Photo courtesy of Flickr
Recipe from: Not Just for Vegetarians, Delicious, Homestyle Cooking the Meatless Way by Geraldine Hartman. All rights reserved.
