I’m not actually one for all the hoopla of consumption on Valentine’s Day — surprise, surprise, right? Usually Eric and I don’t have any special plans and it’s always pretty low-key. We try to celebrate each other and our relationship every day (or at least on a more regular regular basis than once a year). That being said, I do think a little something sweet and chocolatey is a nice thing for the middle of February. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that chocolate became a v-day staple — I mean, it’s February! Who doesn’t like to have some chocolate in the middle of February.
This past week or so I’ve been making myself some hot cocoa in the afternoons. Usually in the afternoons, I hit a wall in my work. I’ve been working since early morning, I’ve had lunch, and I get tired. My focus wanders. I used to get up at this hour and take Maizy on a long walk. We would wander the neighborhood for an hour and then return feeling a bit better. These days, since I’m taking the dogs out for walks every hour or two, this walk doesn’t quite have the same effect. Luckily hot cocoa hits the spot as a little pick me up. My friend Karen recommended Theo’s drinking chocolate, which is on Food Empowerment Project’s ‘recommended’ list of slavery-free chocolate. I’ve been making it with unsweeteed coconut milk drink (the coconut milk in the carton that doesn’t really taste like coconut). Delish! A wonderful treat for Valentine’s day (or any day)!
Other chocolatey treats that would be nice for Valentine’s Day are truffles. Truffles are surprisingly easier to make than you might think. These are two tried and true recipes for truffles that I love. The first is a salty/sweet pair, the salted kahlua truffles:
And the other is a spicy/sweet combo, the chile cardamom truffles:
Both of these truffles are great and if you’re really feeling ambitious, an assortment of both make for a nice contrast. Another nice chocolate treat might be these double-chocolate chip cookies. I just started wondering what they would be like dipped in a cup of hot cocoa. Too much? I think not.
What kind of treats do you enjoy for Valentine’s Day or, more generally, in the duldrums of winter?
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I vouch for those truffles!! Katie’s truffles are the bomb, YUM!
Thanks, Aunt Leigh!! 🙂
Hoke and I will be going to Cafe Flora on Valentine’s Day for our 20th anniversary. I know, it’s cheesy, we got married on Valentine’s Day! But I’m excited for the Price Fixe menu at Cafe Flora. Should be awesome!
Holly– That’s awesome. How sweet that you two got married on V-day! And 20 years together — what an inspiration!! The Cafe Flora meal sounds great…Let me know how it is! 🙂