Valentine’s Day Treats: Marshmallows

 Valentine’s Day is finally here!

 If you are like me, you still may not have that gift for your special someone. To round off the Valentine’s Day treats, I have save the easiest for last. Marshmallows can signally be dipped as the strawberries were, or even the perfect accessory to a hot chocolate message. You can also shish kabob them on to a stick and drizzle melted chocolate. I found that red and dark chocolate was a cute color combination and so was pink and white. This project will require; marshmallows, chocolate for melting, extras such as sprinkles and sticks. For dipping the marshmallows I personally would attach them to a stick to make a marshmallow pop, but u can make them however you like. Secondly, follow the strawberries for how to melt chocolate and also the back and forth technique to make smooth lines. After you have dipper your marshmallow, try adding sprinkles, chopped nuts or whatever you desire. Let them cool on wax paper, then you can tie them together with ribbon to give as a bouquet.

                I recently came across the idea of combining a marshmallow with a card, and paired with a cute mug with an instant hot chocolate packet inside. This idea is an easy gift idea that you can throw together last minute. For this project you will need marshmallows, cake markers, ribbon or string, card or paper, a mug, and instant hot chocolate packet. In case my instructions get too mumbled, please look at the picture for clarification. Start this project by taking the marshmallow and pulling the string or ribbon about 6 inches long through the middle with a needle. I would only attach one to two marshmallows per card. This will be hard because the stickiness of the inside. Once through, tie a knot in the string and remove the needle. Now take you card and write a message for you special someone, punch or cut a small hole in a corner and tie the other end of the ribbon the card. In the picture, the cards were cut into heart with decorative scissors.  Now that the card and marshmallow have been attached, take your cake markers and draw a design, or make a sentimental note. The markers can be bought at the grocery store in the baking isle, there are located next to the icings. The markers are made for writing on frosting and are 100% edible.  Place your marshmallows and instant hot chocolate inside you mug and let your card hang out. There you go an easy, festive last minute gift.

Happy Valentine's Day

SG

Valentine’s Day Treats: Cookies

Chocolate chip, gingerbread, and sugar cookies all make a great holiday cookie. Gifting or receiving a big batch of homemade cookies will make surly make anyone smile. Chocolate chip and also pretzels are great for dipping, as we did with the strawberries yesterday. Or you could try shaping M-n-M’s into a heart.  With the gingerbread and sugar, there is more room for creativity.  The clean, blank surfaces of these cookies allows for frosting, writing and much more. The cookies can be decorated to resemble candy hearts, along with sweet messages. Start by letting the cookies completely cool, while this is happening you can die white frosting with food coloring to make your desired colors. On a side note, the more food coloring you add to your frosting, the runnier it will become and loss the soft fluffy appeal. With the dyed frosting, cover you cookies and then fill a small plastic bad with some frosting of your color choice and outline the shape for a clean look. I let the cookies sit for a bit for the frosting to harden, and then I wrote messages in a different color. To make the fine lines you can either buy small frostings at the store, or scoop some into a plastic bag, then cut a small whole and push the frosting through. If you would like to try more complicated cookies, try using different shaped cookie cutters and decoration the cookies with unique patterns.  Try using poke-a-dots, lines, shapes or combinations. By using different colors for the patters, you can acquire a lovely look. Use the pictures provides for decorating guides. The cookie cutters for the cookies  in the bottom picture can be purchased at Target.

SG

Valentine’s Day Treats: Strawberries





Chocolate dipped strawberries are a traditional gift to give on Valentine’s Day. This year I experimented with some new products and designs.  Everyone recognizes the simple black and white dipped look, this time around I used pink and red chocolate. You can find pre-died chocolate at baking stores, craft stores and also some party stores. The products can be more expensive but by going this direction, you can insure that you will be getting the desired color.  The colored chocolate comes in a bag filled with chocolate chunks, but make sure to follow the melting direction. You don’t want to burn your chocolate or add to much butter.  Different brands may or may not ask you to melt it with butter, just check the directions before you start.

                To make the dipped strawberries, you’ll have to take a trip to your grocery store and pick up a few items. Of course let’s start the list with strawberries, chocolate, and wax paper. You may also want to consider sprinkles, chopped nuts, coconut and other toppings.  Melt your chocolate as the package directs, then dip, decorate and enjoy.  To make a clean, edgeless dip, first melt enough chocolate to dunk the strawberry tip first. Then slowly spin the strawberry in small back n forth motion as you hold on to the leaves. Slow and steady continue the patter as you pull the strawberry out of the chocolate. This should give you a smooth even coat.  Now place it on wax paper to cool, or decorate as you please. By using the different color chocolate you can make many different designs. There is the drizzled, poke-a-dots, half and half, or you could try writing a special note.  I recommend using the smaller icing filled pens that you can pick up in the baking isle at you store.  If you would like to try something more unique, try using different fruits such as seedless cherries, apple and orange slices or even pineapples. This is a simple treat that you can make for yourself or someone special.         

                This year to try something new, I also made frosted covered strawberries. This treat is great for someone who may not be a fan of chocolate. I used white frosting and dipped the strawberries with the same technique as I did with the chocolate. Trying to spread frosting on a strawberry just came out messy and as a perfectionist, I found the dipping technique created not only a beautiful look but there was also no mess. Then I took the frosted strawberries and rolled them in sprinkles, I also make poke-a-dots ones with red sprinkles.  I would love to see your creations, post pictures of your project below.

SG