Valentine’s Sweet Treats

 

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year for love, romance, and of course – lots of chocolate and sweet treats! There are plenty of reasons to treat your loved ones and cook up a storm in the kitchen, but Valentine’s Day has to be one of the best.

From home-cooked romantic meals eaten by candlelight to delicious Valentine’s desserts, February 14^th is the ideal excuse to stay out of the bitter winter weather and have a night in with the people who mean the most to you.

It is also a great opportunity to get the kids trying their hand at baking with you. There are numerous fun and easy Valentine’s themed recipes out there, so pick a few your little ones will love and spend an afternoon baking with them.

Kid’s Creations

For people with a super sweet tooth or those wanting to add an extra dash of sugary sweetness to their Valentine’s Day, homemade marshmallows are a must. Tender and gooey, homemade marshmallows are worlds apart from their store-bought alternatives. Add flavourings to the mixture (raspberry is perfect for the occasion) to create some truly delicious treats.

Cake pops are a favourite with kids – and the best part is that they are completely customisable! The cake pop trend was massive a few years ago, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still a delicious alternative to the usual sponge or cupcakes. For a Valentine’s twist, dip your cake pops in pink frosting or adorn them with hearts and other cute decorations.

Rice Krispies treats are always popular, and quick and easy to make too. Jazz up the recipe by adding pink food colouring and using a heart cookie cutter to make heart-shaped Rice Krispies treats. Perfect for sharing!

Perfect Desserts

Valentine’s Day and chocolate go hand in hand like cookies and cream. Brownies are the perfect way to get your chocolate fix, and dependant on your choice of recipe, they can be light or rich and delicious. Check out the recipe for red velvet Valentine’s brownies for a delightful Valentine’s twist.

If you are a keen baker, red velvet cake is another Valentine’s staple. Rich and luxurious, add cream cheese frosting to really maximise the impact.

The ideal dessert to finish off a romantic meal is a frozen hot chocolate. Choose either smaller individual portions or go for one big dessert to share with your date. It’s quick and easy to make and tastes divine. What’s not to love?

 

The Healthy Option

Chocolate-dipped strawberries. It’s a classic, but some treats are just too good to pass up on. Make it a healthier option by reducing the amount of chocolate you use or going for semi-sweet chocolate instead.

Fruit doesn’t have to be boring – add some interest to your fruit bowl with a fresh fruit salad or fruit skewers. You could even go the extra mile and create heart-shaped goodies out of softer fruit like melon. Perfect for making sure the kids still get their five-a-day!

The Perfect Gift

Of course, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about tasty treats and romantic dinners. Don’t forget to pick out the perfect gift for your Valentine this year. Wow them with your culinary skills then go back to basics with a beautiful floral bouquet or box of chocolates to let them know how much you care.

Sometimes the simplest gestures can make the biggest statements – the timeless appeal of flowers and chocolate, delivery direct to your Valentine, and a romantic evening in can actually be better than an expensive dinner date.

This year, make an occasion out of Valentine’s Day and bake some delicious goodies for your family and loved ones.