Sweets for my Sweet & Sugar for my Honey: Valentine Recipes
with
CHOCOLATE!
Yes, it’s that time of year again, it’s the time of the year when thoughts turn to spring, warmer days, lighter nights (and mornings) and maybe even love! If you are an old sceptic, like me, than maybe Valentine’s Day doesn’t feature high on your list of events to participate in, but, I’ve had a renaissance lately, insofar as I think I’ve been a bit of a “kill joy” and why not embrace the 14th of February with love hearts, flowers, soppy cards, chocolate and cake? I’m definitely going to do something special this Valentine’s Day, and it may not be sending a soppy card, I’m just not a soppy card kinda gal’, but I’m going to make an effort to make something special for my “other ‘arf” this year.
So, what to make? Well, there’s cake and chocolates of course, and that’s why I’m sharing my recipes for Rose Scented Chocolate Truffles and “Chocolate Box” Chocolate Cakes today; but, there’s also some tasty sweet and savoury dishes on Lavender and Lovage too…….such as Romantic Welsh Griddle Cakes…..
…….or Pan-fried Scallops with Black Pudding and Warm Fennel Salad……
…..or maybe A Romantic Meal for Two – Pan-Fried Duck Breast Salad with Mixed Berries & Walnuts might fit the bill?
Whatever you decide to do, if you are cooking at home, then hopefully one of the recipes above may help some romantic inspiration. I was particularly pleased with my recipe for the Little Chocolate Box Chocolate Cakes, as they used up some surplus chocolates left over from Christmas – although I realise that lots of my readers may not have that happy problem to deal with!
The truffles are made with cake crumbs, another happy accident from the excess cake trimmings when I made the little chocolate box cakes. Scented with rose-water, they are easy to make and if you are not a lover of floral flavours in chocolates, then you can add a slug of your favourite liqueur such as Cognac, Rum, Grand Marnier or even Bailey’s Irish Cream.
If cooking isn’t your bag and a meal out has not been offered, then why not buy some of these FABULOUS heart-shaped crumpets for a bit of hot buttered crumpet on Valentine’s Day morning? I bought my romantic crumpets from Asda……
……but if you REALLY want to impress, then why not make your own crumpets at home with my recipe here: Hot Buttered Crumpets for a Snowy Day – Home-made Crumpet Recipe for a Tea Time Treat…..you could always use a heart-shaped mould to cook them in too!
Before I go, I’d like to share a romantic savoury recipe that is perfect for any vegetarian lovers…….Hot Chèvre & Beetroot Salad with Chocolate and Vanilla Balsamic Drizzle……a Simple and tasty seasonal salad of beetroot and Chèvre toasts with the unexpected twist of chocolate and vanilla Balsamic dressing.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all my readers, Karen
Links to my Great British Chefs recipes:
“Chocolate Box” Chocolate Cakes
Rose Scented Chocolate Truffles
Janice says
So glad to hear you are not a soppy Valentine kind of girl, neither am I! As we know, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach so those crumpets and chocolate cakes will be appreciated more than any soppy cards. Lovely looking food as always.
Karen Burns-Booth says
That’s the way to go Janice, I agree, no cards needed! Karen
Glamorous Glutton says
Fabulous selection of Valentine Recipes. I’m afraid I love a bit of schmaltz, a few flowers a nice meal, it’s all part of valentines day. GG
Karen Burns-Booth says
Ah, flowers and a nice meal I’m up for GG but no need for a card – just give me the flowers and the grub!!
Dominic says
such a great collection of recipes… anything with rose gets my vote so those chocolates would be perfect for me… now I just have to get The Viking to make / buy me some! Ha Ha!!
Karen Burns-Booth says
That’s the idea, get The Viking to buy or make some for you Dom! Karen