Valentine’s Day shouldn’t just be about red roses and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. This year, look to your kitchen as the source of your Valentine’s Day gifts. Spread the love with delicious homemade treats that all the special people in your life will enjoy. Whether your family is full of chocolate lovers or your special someone is a tea connoisseur, these six recipes are all you need to show loved ones your appreciation this Valentine’s Day.
Photo by James Ransom
Recipe: Chocolate-Covered Cherry Valentines opens in a new tab
These cookies hit that chocolate, cherry and boozy craving that comes around each February. Soak tart cherries in Cointreau, then work them into a chocolate-y dough. Chill, cut, bake and dip. The end result is reminiscent of those oozing store-bought cherry cordials -- but oh, so much better.
Photo by James Ransom
Recipe: Loaded with Good Stuff Loaf opens in a new tab
This is the kind of quick bread you can make with your eyes closed -- but your gift recipients will never know it. Just cream your butter, sugar, and ricotta cheese, fold in your wet and dry ingredients, mix in cranberries and bake until golden. A loaf makes the perfect edible gift – just wrap in red cellophane and tie the recipe on with a string.
Photo by James Ransom
Recipe: Sage Candied Walnuts opens in a new tab
This is the kind of adult confection that should be served at your favorite cocktail bar. The nuts are a little bit sweet, a little bit salty, a little bit sage-y, and, above all, highly addictive. Package them up in little tins for your office mates and let them guess at who the saint might be.
Photo by Sarah Shatz
Recipe: Ancho Chili-Cinnamon Chocolate Bark opens in a new tab
Waves of smooth dark chocolate are spiced with smoky Ancho chili, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper, and studded with dried cherries, cashews and pistachios. The finished product looks lovely, packs easily, and takes a total of about 20 minutes to put together. Note: We like the look of rustic, uneven pieces, but if you score the chocolate slab before it dries, you can achieve more squared-off edges.
Photo by James Ransom
Recipe: Chocolate-Pomegranate Truffles opens in a new tab
The chocolate center has a slightly fruity tang and reddish hue from the ruby pomegranate. Dip the truffles in melted chocolate and roll in chopped pistachios, or simply leave them plain. Either way, these candies present beautifully.
Photo by James Ransom
Recipe: Chamomile-Lemon Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Frosting opens in a new tab
With flavors akin to the perfect cup of tea, these cupcakes rise like a dream and are perfectly soft and moist. The chamomile isn't particularly strong, but provides a lovely backdrop to these lemony, pillowy cakes. And, let’s face it: Nothing says “I love you” like homemade buttercream.
Tell us: What are you making for Valentine’s Day to share with sweethearts and chocolate-loving office mates alike? Share your comments below!
