PANCAKE ART

Today's tip... Put your pancake mix in a squeeze bottle and make different shapes

VALENTINE'S DAY NANAIMO BARS

Bottom Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 1/4 cups graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup coconut

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8″ x 8″ pan.

Second Layer
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. and 2 Tsp. cream
2 Tbsp. vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
 
Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

Third Layer
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator. Slice with a warm knife when ready to serve.

Notes:
I simply added a little pink gel dye to the middle layer to make it pink.
I used the microwave for the bottom layer and the third layer; it worked beautifully.
Make sure you use a warm knife to slice the bars or the chocolate layer may separate.

STRAWBERRY FUDGE

 Just in time for Valentine's Day.  :))

 1 (16 oz) can of strawberry frosting
1 (12 oz) bag of white chocolate chips

Spray a 9x9 pan lightly with cooking spray.
Over a double boiler, or in the microwave, melt your white chocolate chips.
When chips are melted, remove from heat and stir in your strawberry frosting, evenly.
Spread in prepared pan and place in fridge to set for 30 minutes.
Cut into squares to serve. Yum!!! enjoy.

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

16 oz milk chocolate chips
2 tbsp shortening
1 pd fresh strawberries with leaves

Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.
In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.
Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.

****Turn the strawberries upside down and insert by the toothpicks into a piece of styrofoam for easy cooling, or simply place them on a sheet of wax paper. White chocolate may be drizzled over the milk chocolate for a fancier look.

CLASSIC CHOCOLATE FONDUE

 1 cup whipping cream
8 oz. premium chocolate, chopped (I used milk chocolate)
2 tsp. orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
Assorted fruits, sliced or dessert treats, for dipping

Over low flame, heat cream until warm, but do not bring to a boil. Pour in chocolate while stirring continuously. Mixture will become smooth. Stir in liqueur and transfer to a fondue pot. Dip with various fruits or dessert treats.

HOW TO MAKE HEART SHAPED HARD BOILED EGGS

VALENTINE'S DAY CUPCAKES

Heart shaped cupcakes are soooo simple. Tuck a marble between your liner and tin then bake.

HOW TO MAKE A HEART SHAPED CHOCOLATE CAKE