The Best Valentine Treats

It's time for extra LOVE again!  Valentine's: a day to say "I love you" to as many people as possible and spread gratitude and thanks for those that enhance your life.  Here's an update on two of my favorite ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day.

1. Make a Play List for YOU:  It is so nice to have your favorite songs on hand for a rainy day or yucky chores.  Any time you hear a great song, keep a running list in your bag, your car, or beside your radio.  When you have 7-10 songs, download them and burn a cd.  Here’s my list this month:
 

2. Chocolate Shaped Gifts: Use the super easy recipe below to make and deliver your own box of treats and KNOW what it is made of.  Kids love to help make this very fast and simple recipe.  Make heart shapes for happy days and other shapes for special occasions: bunnies or eggs for Easter, flags or balls for summer, diplomas or caps for graduates, baby bottles for new moms, leaves and pumpkins for fall…  This year we went solid chocolate and added some sweet sprinkles, YUM!
 

Roast fresh nuts to enhance flavor in a single layer on a cookie sheet at 375 F for 5-10 minutes. Remove and cool on the sheet. Meanwhile, put a small pot on the stove at med-low. Add chocolate pieces and 1 tsp Crisco; stir occasionally until melted, then remove from heat.  If desired, stir in nuts and dried fruit.
 

Place filled chocolate shapes into the fridge 1-2 hours to set, then pop out of molds and bag for gifts. Keep in the fridge until ready to eat or share, set out in advance for easy cutting and biting into.