-
Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette
While this chocolate balsamic vinaigrette is enjoyable all year, I’m sharing it in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day since I consider this chocolate season. Make it as a decadent touch to greens with berries, pecans, cherries and any ingredient you think could use a kiss of chocolate. Pretty much any fruit plays well as do toasted nuts, seeds, brioche croutons, and a variety of cheeses. With a Valentine’s menu that doesn’t include salad, drizzle it over roasted carrots or winter squash. Serve this chocolate tart or truffle-like brownies for dessert. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be anticipating the sweetness of Valentine’s Day along with the…
-
Jam Swirl Brownies
Valentine’s Day has always been my favorite holiday for the meaningful and sweet ways we can celebrate. Below you’ll find a list of my favorites from volunteer efforts to sending beautiful language into the world. Maybe you’ll share a little love with the pollinators who keep our gardens plentiful by planning a spring garden full of their favorite perennials. Perhaps you’ll gift a packet of flower seeds to a friend. There are so many ways to enjoy the day, including chocolate indulgences such as these jam swirl brownies that can be made with berry jam or even cherry preserves. If you’ve participated in my Sweet and Savory Sides of Chocolate…
-
Chocolate Tart with Biscoff Crust
Decadent chocolate ganache fills a press-in crust with deep caramel flavor, making this tart a delicious alternative to a box of chocolates for your loves, yourself, and everyone else you will be treating on Valentine’s Day. While this tart can be made any time of year, we find ourselves in midwinter, when citrus practically demands to be included in sweets. The richness of the ganache pairs perfectly with candied blood orange and mandarin slices, plus a few pieces of pizzelles, though the choice of topping is completely up to you. The combination of chocolate, caramel notes, and citrus I find absolutely irresistible. Making ganache involves pouring hot cream over plenty…
-
Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
With rustic texture, white chocolate chips, and sweet-tart fresh raspberries, these cookies have so many reasons to be loved. I was inspired to create them as a seasonal Valentine’s Day update to my traditional chocolate chip cookies. Admittedly, I indulge in a deep dark chocolate brownie on a regular basis, but I also appreciate the sweetness and texture of white chocolate, which melts perfectly in a cookie. I even drizzle some on my heart-shaped pistachio cookies. The raspberries add brightness to the brown sugar and oat flavors already laced throughout the cookie for a downright delicious way to celebrate the season of love and loveliness. Each day leading up to…
-
Pistachio Cookies with Chocolate and Strawberry
Dressed up with white and dark chocolate drizzles plus crushed dried strawberries, these pistachio cookies incorporate the classic trio of Neapolitan dessert flavors. The cookies are delicious on their own, but if you’re in the mood for pistachio plus a little extra, consider adding the drizzle and the naturally bright and tangy bits of strawberry. The melted chocolate helps the strawberries adhere and lend their vibrant color while keeping the ingredients natural. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day ideas, offer a plate of festive homemade cookies instead of traditional chocolates. Cut them into hearts as seen here or pick another shape that speaks to you or your loved ones on…
cooking classes + wholesome recipes + mindful living
