Valentines day desserts
Very soon the Valentine?s Day will be upon us and once again there will be the frenzied action of scampering to stores and plush malls to pick something exclusive for the special someone of our life. That is routine for most lovers during this time of the year. But how about deviating from convention a tad bit and attempting something atypical that is far more expressive of love?s labor than store bought goodies? A candle-lit dinner at a restaurant is fun but what of a cozy dinner in the privacy of your domains that has tonnes of intimate appeal than restaurant food? Choose a simple menu for two that can be executed with confidence but do not skip on the sweet ending which makes a Valentine dinner menu all the more exhilarating. Speaking of desserts here are some easy to accomplish sweet suggestions that can be prepared or served up at home without any jitters, just for your valentine.
TRUFFLES, A CASE IN POINT:
Truffles are a sweet lover?s fantasy. Nothing exudes the romantic aura better than a morsel of chocolate. Truffles are in essence orbs of smooth chocolate whose overarching decadence is so sensuous that they are befitting enough for a Valentine dinner menu. As magnificent as truffles are it is easy to be intimidated by the thought of making one at home. In reality truffle making is easy. A typical recipe, calls for only few components - heavy cream and lots of chocolate. Depending on the choice of dip or garnish truffles may be tossed into cocoa powder or rolled on a bed of nuts, toasted coconut, or chocolate jimmies. Submerge them in a pool of melted chocolaty goodness and allow it to harden and the resultant is a decadent chocolate truffle.
Step by step guide to making Amaretto truffles:
Bring to a boil 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter until smooth. Pour the liquid over 6 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate and allow it to melt. Add 1 teaspoon Amaretto and stir until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until set. Shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls, rolling carefully between palms and set aside on waxed paper. Melt 4 ounces milk chocolate. Dip the chocolate balls into milk chocolate and promptly transfer onto a bed of unsweetened cocoa powder until completely coated. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or until the chocolate hardens. Home-made truffles are ready to be served.
Presentation:
Give your home-made truffles another helping of love by wrapping them in festive metallic candy wrappers or miniature muffin liners. Serve them up decoratively on a lined silver tray. Make it the centerpiece of your dinner table. Your mate or date will be blown by your creativity.
RED VELVET CAKE:
Often touted as a Southern feat, the moist red velvet cake is, as legend would have it a Manhattan creation. Regardless of its place of origin this cake has the color signifying love. On account of its taste and potential to look fancy and celebratory of love, the famous red velvet cake has traditionally been the oft-employed sweet finish to a romantic meal.
Preparation:
Begin with creaming 1/2 a cup shortening; beat in 1 1/2 cups sugar. Add 2 eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Make a paste of 2 tablespoons cocoa and 1 1/2 oz red food coloring; add to the creamed mixture. Whisk in 1 teaspoon salt, 2 1/2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla alternately with a cup of buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon soda over a tablespoonful of vinegar; pour it over batter. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Bake the cake-mix in 3, 8 inch pans or 2, 9 inch pans for 30 minutes at 350 Degrees.
Presentation: Spread sweetened cream cheese frosting between the three 8 inch cake rounds or two 9 inch rounds and let them sit atop another. Press gently until they seal together in one piece. Now cover the entire cake with remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with pecans or simply garnish with sprigs of mint.
MOLTEN LAVA CAKES:
This dessert is suitable for being served in individual portions. The core of this cake is filled with gooey chocolate that spills out once the spoon hits the centre. Molten lava cakes are pleasing to the palate and also add a dramatic appeal to the eating experience.
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 425 Degrees. Begin with greasing custard cups; set them aside. Melt 6 squares bittersweet chocolate and 2 squares semisweet chocolate with 1 ? sticks of butter in the microwave, or in a double boiler. Add ? a cup of all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar to chocolate mixture. Stir in 3 large eggs and egg-yolks until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur. Divide the batter evenly among the custard cups. Place in the oven and bake for 14 minutes. The edges should be firm but the center will be runny. Run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert onto dessert plates.
Presentation: Dust the cakes with powdered sugar for an added glow.
STRAWBERRIES DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE:
If you are pressed for time serve up some juicy, luscious strawberries dipped in chocolaty goodness. Simple to make, this dessert is fast, easy, delicious and romantic. It makes for a perfect last-minute recipe. The tart strawberries provide a suitable counterpoint to the sweetness of chocolate. Substitute strawberries with cubes of pound cake, pear or apple slices and the result is as delectable.
Preparation:
Rinse 1 quart fresh, large strawberries and dry them with a paper towel. Do not chop off the crown as they make a decorative statement. In a small microwaveable bowl melt a cup of milk chocolate chips and ? a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 3 tablespoonfuls of heavy cream. Put it in a microwave on high for 2 minutes. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals if necessary, until chocolate is melted and the mixture smooth. Dip strawberries into the chocolate mixture and serve decoratively on a serving platter.
Presentation:
To make the strawberries look more ornate melt some white chocolate in a microwave and set it on high for one minute. Dip a fork into the chocolate and drizzle it over dipped strawberries.
These recipes exude romantic appeal both by virtue of their taste and attractiveness. But remember no matter what is served to bring a meal to its sweet climax, presentation is everything. Let your imagination soar with these recipes and your sweetheart will be floored by your endeavors. Chocolate they say is the best aphrodisiac that makes love magical but remember, the best aphrodisiac that one can bring to a romantic dinner of two is a romantic attitude.
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