Tag: Valentine's Day

Say ‘happy Valentine’s Day’ with these 10 metro Phoenix dinners and deals

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As mid-February approaches, Phoenix restaurants are gearing up for everything romance. Whether brunch is your thing or a fine dining experience with a romantic ambiance sounds like the perfect date, there are plenty of choices. Check out these food and drinks deals at 10 metro Phoenix restaurants.

The Craftsman Kitchen & Cocktails

19580 W. Indian School Road, Litchfield Park

Couples have a chance to say cheers to their relationship with a bubbly toast at The Craftsman Kitchen and Cocktails on Valentine’s Day. Also, ladies will receive a rose upon arrival and the chef is serving a prix fixe menu which includes blood orange salad, crab cakes, a choice of steak with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, pan-fried sea bass with a lemon butter sauce or ratatouille topped with eggplant, squash and zucchini. Dessert includes a brulee bread pudding. The special is available at the Litchfield Park location from 5 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14 and costs $90 per couple. Make reservations by calling 602-429-0505.

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Enjoy an eight-course meal at Course Restaurant on Valentine’s Day.

Course Restaurant

Course Restaurant

7366 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale

If you and your significant other want to enjoy a culinary journey on Valentine’s Day, Course Restaurant will meet your needs. Chef Cory Oppold is serving an eight-course meal on Feb. 13, 14 and 15. The meal features oysters, a prawn dish, asparagus risotto, short rib tortellini and beef strip loin paired with gnocchi. Desert is honeycomb brittle with chamomile ice cream. The price per person is $175 and reservations can be made at 480-687-0491.

STK Steakhouse

7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale

Looking for good eats and plenty of glamorous Old Town ambiance? From Feb. 10 to 14, STK Steakhouse is featuring its six-ounce Australian Wagyu filet for $89. Imperial caviar Kaluga reserve is also available. Dessert includes a chocolate lava marshmallow cake to share for $24. Dom Perignon is available by the glass for $69 during dinner and $49 during happy hour and brunch. Reservations can be made by calling 480-581-5171.

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Ocean Prime is getting an early start on offering Valentine’s Day specials.

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime

5455 E. High St., #115

Want to start your Valentine’s Day celebration early? From Feb. 8 to 18, Ocean Prime is offering a special menu that includes broiled or seared Chilean Sea Bass with lobster ravioli, English peas and asparagus served with parmesan vin blanc and finished with chile oil. Regular menu items are also available to order. Diners can enjoy this special for $70 per person. To make reservations call 480-347-1313.

Carcara

340 N. Third St.

If you and your significant other are craving a chance to enjoy live music and dinner, Carcara is ready for you. On Feb. 14, from 5 to 10 p.m. the menu will feature a grass-fed filet and chocolate Chile sea scallops with grilled asparagus for $60 and a dessert special of your choice of dark chocolate mousse, New York Cheesecake or strawberry red velvet cake for $16. A red rose will be handed to each couple during dinner. Reservations at this downtown Phoenix restaurant are recommended and can be made by calling 602-262-2500.

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic brunch at SugarJam.

Tirion Boan

SugarJam The Southern Kitchen

15111 N. Hayden Road, #170, Scottsdale

Brunch anyone? SugarJam knows that some couples prefer to celebrate Cupid’s favorite day early. On Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., SugarJam is highlighting a special Valentine’s Day brunch which includes a cocktail featuring passionfruit, champagne with strawberries followed by the restaurant’s signature waffles and fried chicken dish. Dessert is a sweet cherry pie. Walk-ins are welcome or you can reserve your spot online.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Carefree

Carefree Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse is offering specials on a Valentine’s Day menu starting at 4 p.m. Options include a tomahawk featuring a 40-ounce bone-in ribeye with a choice of three sides for $179 per couple, a 24-ounce porterhouse with choice of three sides for $119 per couple or surf and turf that includes petite filet and lobster tail served with Yukon mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus for $59 per person. To cap the evening off, order a chocolate peanut butter cake for $16 or add an extra bonus to your evening with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne for two for $26. Reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784.

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Think pink at the Bread and Honey House this Valentine’s Day.

Javier Perez

The Bread and Honey House

4801 E. Indian School Road, #4

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with all things pink from The Bread and Honey House. The restaurant is making heart-shaped French toast with edible pink glitter, pink sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream and caramel sauce for $15. The rosey special is available from Feb. 8 to 18. The strawberry margarita, which is a fruity blend of Tres Amigo Tequila and strawberry puree extract, is served with a pink sugared rim for $12.

Phoenix City Grille

5816 N. 16th St.

Several specials will be available on Feb. 14 at Phoenix City Grille. If you’re looking for an upscale yet casual atmosphere with good eats, Phoenix City Grille helps set the mood. Start the meal with raspberry Champagne or a glass of rose with rose petals for $13. Follow a drink with New England clam chowder. Main entrees include dry-aged strip loin and lobster with radish sprouts for $65 or a pistachio-crusted seafood halibut with puree for $38. Finish off with an espresso with biscotti Chantilly cream, spiced Arizona pecans and chocolate-covered espresso beans for $12. These specials are available beginning with dinner service at 4 p.m.

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Enjoy a five-course menu at 32 Shea for $65 per person this Valentine’s Day.

32 Shea

32 Shea

10626 N. 32nd St.

At 32 Shea, couples can enjoy a five-course meal in an intimate dining room. On Feb. 14, executive chef Jordan Marshall will showcase his menu which includes a toasted heart-shaped English muffin with caviar, a winter salad, house-made lobster ravioli with ricotta and Calabrian chile, sirloin beef Wellington and a Basque cheesecake. Guests can also choose between a house red or white or a specialty cocktail. The price per person is $65 (including gratuity) and you can call 602- 867-7432 to make a reservation.

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Rudri Patel

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February 10, 2024
Orange County Animal Services hosts speed dating with a more reliably cuddly twist

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Photo courtesy OAS/Facebook

Pups like this little heartbreaker will be eager to meet you on Valentine’s Day

Roses are red, violets are blue, and this Valentine’s Day, Orange County Animal Services has a furry friend for you: The department is hosting a “speed dating” event to showcase shelter dogs that are ready to be adopted.

Attendees can have “first dates” with a number of dogs at the shelter’s play yard during Valentine’s Day afternoon, and those who find their perfect match can take them home the same day. Sounds like puppy love!

Adoption fees for the month of February are waived for “ready to go” animals, or those who have already been neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Currently, the shelter has 50 dogs who meet this criteria for eligible lovebirds.

“We love making the most of events and holidays to help our shelter pets,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services, in a press statement. “We couldn’t neglect Valentine’s Day as a chance to encourage people to unleash their love by taking in a shelter pet.”

The event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at the OCAS office on 2769 Conroy Road.

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Sarah Harwell

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February 9, 2024
Top 15 Best Valentine’s Day Food Gifts for Your Favorite Foodie

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Sure, you could grab a bouquet of flowers from the grocery store this Valentine’s Day — or you could get a gift your loved one will actually want and use! Not sure what that is? That’s where these Valentine’s Day food gifts come in.

We’ve done lots of research, and we’re confident we’ve found the best Valentine’s food gifts for everyone on your list this year, from friends and neighbors to boyfriends, girlfriends, and spouses. Check out our top 15 favorite picks below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: A Gift Inside Chocolate, Caramel, and Crunch Grand Gift Basket

Best for Cooking: Mantova Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Variety Pack

Best Honey: Bees Knees Honey Sampler Gift Box

Best for Coffee Lovers: Cooper’s Cask Coffee Gourmet Coffee Sampler Gift Box Set

Best for Chocoholics: Bonnie and Pop Chocolate Gift Basket

Best for Health Nuts: Dried Fruit Gift Basket

Best for Nut Lovers: Simple Orchards Valentine’s Day Gift Basket

Best Savory Gift: Jerky Gift Basket

Best for Home Chefs: Noble Made Organic Seasoning Variety Pack

Best for Vegans: Vegan Snack Box

Best for Movie Nights: Popcorn Movie Night Supplies

Best for Tea Lovers: Tearelae Blooming Tea Flowers

Best Coffee Companions: Cravings By Zoe Biscotti Cookies Chocolate Gift Basket

Best for Grill Masters: Smokehouse by Thoughtfully Ultimate Grilling Spice Set

Best for Snackers: Valentine’s Day Gift Care Package (50ct) Snacks

Key Specs

Vegetarian

2.5 pounds

Handmade treats

What We Love About It

This gift basket wins the overall spot on our list because it contains a little bit of everything. The basket includes 5 ounces of caramel gourmet popcorn, 5 ounces of chocolate drizzled caramel popcorn, 4 ounces of white chocolate caramel drizzled pretzels, 4 ounces of chocolate covered pretzels, 3 ounces of chocolate covered cashews, 3 ounces of peanut brittle, 3 ounces of chocolate almond bark, 3 Ghirardelli caramel-filled milk chocolate squares, and 3 Ghirardelli dark chocolate squares.

Whether your loved one prefers sweet, salty, or a little of both, they’ll find everything they could possibly want in this basket, which is available with one-day Prime shipping!

Key Specs

Four flavors

USDA organic

Vegetarian

What We Love About It

If your Valentine loves to cook, they’ll appreciate this four-pack of flavored extra virgin olive oil bottles. Each 8.5-ounce bottle is certified USDA organic and flavored with high-quality ingredients, including garlic, basil, lemon, and chili peppers.

These olive oils work perfectly for salad dressings, sauces, roasting, sauteing, and more. They’re highly versatile and are made without any additives, fillers, or preservatives. As a bonus, your loved one will be thrilled that they won’t have to run to the grocery store for olive oil anytime soon!

Key Specs

Three bottles

Gluten-free

Paleo-friendly

What We Love About It

A drizzle of honey is the perfect sweetener for a cup of tea or a favorite dessert. With this honey sampler gift box, your loved one can shake things up a bit with sweet and savory bottles of honey — spicy honey, Meyer lemon honey, and salted honey!

We think this gift box makes a great Valentine’s Day food gift for bakers, home cooks, and anyone who enjoys honey. None of the bottles contain any added sugar, too, so they’re great for people on a Paleo diet who want to enjoy a little sweetness while still sticking to their meal plan.

Key Specs

Four bags

Single-origin coffee

.40 ounces/bag

What We Love About It

If there’s one thing coffee lovers will never turn their noses up at, it’s free coffee! If you have no idea what to get the coffee lover in your life (and know they don’t need another mug), give them this gourmet coffee sampler gift set from Cooper’s Cask Coffee.

This set includes 4 bags of single-origin coffee beans harvested from 4 distinct locations: Sumatra, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. We love that Cooper’s Cask Coffee only uses Grade 1 coffee beans, so you can rest easy knowing you’re gifting your loved one the highest-quality beans (you might not be able to tell the difference, but they sure can)!

Key Specs

Kosher dairy

Decorated tin

Three styles

What We Love About It

The first gift basket on this list is chocolate-heavy, but this one is for the true chocoholics. It features a wide range of chocolatey treats, including milk butter pecan patties, chocolate cashew clusters, pretzel clouds, pecan snappers, sea salt caramels, English toffee, peppermint patties, Bavarian pretzels, double silk truffles, coconut haystacks, and peanut clusters.

We love that these Kosher chocolates come in a tin specially decorated for Valentine’s Day (you can also pick a birthday-themed tin if you need them for a different event). We recommend buying one for every chocolate lover on your list (because we guarantee they won’t want to share with you or anyone else)!

Key Specs

Vegan

Kosher

Gluten-free

1.6 lbs

What We Love About It

Not everyone wants a chocolatey treat for Valentine’s Day (it’s shocking, but it’s true). Some people would rather have something a bit healthier, like this collection of dried fruit from Bonnie and Pop.

If you have a loved one who falls into this category, we can’t recommend this dried fruit basket enough. It features an array of fruit options, including mango slices, Mediterranean apricots, California yellow peaches, pears, apple wedges, dates, kiwi, plums, and prunes. It also comes with a reusable tray that folds out into a basket — they’ll think of you every time they use it!

Key Specs

Three varieties

0.78 kilograms

Kosher

What We Love About It

Here’s another great gift for the health nuts in your life. This Simple Orchards Valentine’s Day gift basket features a collection of mixed nuts — you can choose from 4, 6, or 7 varieties.

Nuts are a great snack that won’t cause a 3 pm sugar crash. If you want to send some extra love to someone this season, these roasted nuts are a tasty and unique way to show you care. We also love that it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if it’s not to your loved one’s liking, you can exchange it easily!

Key Specs

26/52-piece set

Multiple flavors

USA-made

What We Love About It

This Jerky gift basket from Jerky.com is the perfect gift for any carnivore in your life. If your loved one doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth or just needs help hitting their daily protein goal, the savory treats in this gift basket will help them satisfy their cravings.

We love that it comes in two sizes — a 26-piece and 52-piece set — so you can find an option that works for your loved one and fits your budget. In each basket, you’ll find an array of flavors as well, including sea salt, jalapeno, pineapple, garlic, bacon, and teriyaki.

Key Specs

USDA Organic

Four seasonings

What We Love About It

For those who love to cook, there’s nothing like a collection of seasonings to help them with their hobby! Give the gift of flavor this Valentine’s Day and surprise your loved one with a variety pack of USDA organic seasonings from Noble Made.

This variety pack features four of the brand’s bestselling spices: all-purpose seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, poultry seasoning, and steak seasoning. As soon as they open the box, their mind will be spinning with all the different dishes they can make!

Key Specs

Vegan

Gluten-free

Sustainable packaging

What We Love About It

This fun vegan-friendly and gluten-free snack box features 25 different snacks, from savory chips and popcorn to sweet fruit leather and gummy treats.

There’s something for everyone in this box, and your loved one will appreciate that you took the time to ensure they got a package full of items they can confidently eat! We also love that this gift comes in a recyclable cardboard box, so you don’t have to worry about packaging going to waste.

Key Specs

Gluten-free

Five flavors

Non-GMO kernels

What We Love About It

Treat that special someone to a fun movie night with a variety of different popcorn kernels.

This kit comes with everything you need for a memorable movie night, including five unique kernel flavors: Classic salted butter, cheesy garlic parmesan, white cheddar, chive, and hot pepper. It also includes extra seasonings for a burst of flavor in every handful (and trust us, you’ll be eating this popcorn by the handful!).

Key Specs

12 varieties

Blooming tea

Resealable bag

What We Love About It

Believe it or not, there are people in this world who prefer tea over coffee! If you happen to have someone on your list who fits this description, we recommend giving them this bag of TEARELAE Blooming Tea Flowers.

The bag features 12 varieties of blooming tea flowers, each individually wrapped for ultimate freshness and to prevent flavors from mixing. We love the range of flavors available in this bag and know that your tea-loving friend or partner will enjoy sampling every single one.

Key Specs

Three sizes

Five colors

Kosher

What We Love About It

Maybe your coffee-loving friend, coworker, or partner has plenty of coffee. What they likely don’t have on hand, though, is a variety of biscotti cookies they can dip in their coffee!

We love this box of chocolate-covered biscotti cookies, which comes in 3 different counts — 5, 12, and 18. Not only are the cookies exquisitely decorated, but they taste delicious and make the perfect afternoon treat. You can also choose from five different box colors to further personalize this gift.

Key Specs

Vegetarian

20 rubs

0.21-ounce bottles

What We Love About It

Smokehouse by Thoughtfully has done your grilling friends and loved ones the ultimate favor by packaging a variety of their best grilling spices and rubs for easy gifting.

It doesn’t matter if they’re experts at grilling steak or love to cook their veggies in the great outdoors. Your friend, partner, or family member will appreciate that you thought of them this Valentine’s Day and gifted them 20 different rubs to experiment with (they might even share their creations with you if you’re lucky!).

Key Specs

Three sizes

Neatly packed

Satisfaction guaranteed

What We Love About It

If your loved one is always reaching into their snack bin, make it easier for them to pull out something they love with this massive box of snacks from CraveBox.

We love that this Valentine’s Day Gift Care Package comes in 3 sizes — 50, 65, and 80-count — so you can decide how many snacks you want to shower them with this holiday. We’re also big fans of the variety of the snacks, which range from sweet to salty to crunchy to savory!

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Natalie Thongrit

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February 9, 2024
Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies – Simply Scratch

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Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies! Wine infused brownie batter is swirled with a decadent cabernet ganache for a rich and (boozy!) chocolaty dessert! Yields 12 to 16 servings.

It’s been a long time since I posted a chocolate recipe. Like too long. And it’s been even longer since I posted a brownie recipe. And I can’t think of better time to make a batch of brownies than the weekend. However, let’s be real, is there ever a wrong time for brownies?

Especially chocolate and wine brownies.

I blame this cookie recipe for kickstarting my love for wine infused chocolate desserts. In this brownie recipe, the wine is subtle and pairs perfectly with chocolate. My husband, who isn’t a wine drinker, even loves these.

Rich chocolaty brownies swirled with a fudgy cabernet ganache- what’s not to love?

To Make These Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies:

for the brownies:

unbleached all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the brownies.

baking powder – Will create lightness in the batter, which makes it rise.

baking soda – Creates a gas while baking which helps the brownies rise.

kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the brownies.

unsweetened chocolate – Using unsweetened chocolate allows you to have control over the sweetness.

unsalted butter – Adds moisture, richness and flavor.

granulated sugar – For sweetening and flavor.

eggs – Acts as a binding agent, helps the brownies rise and adds rich flavor.

cabernet sauvignon wine – Use a cabernet you enjoy sipping. I used Hess Select 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (not sponsored).

pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances all of the other flavors in this recipe.

for the ganache:

semi sweet chocolate – The brownies are sweet enough that milk chocolate would be overkill (in my opinion).

unsalted butter – Gives you that melt-in-your mouth texture.

cabernet sauvignon – Subtle enhances the wine flavor in the brownies.

Preheat your oven to 350° and line a 13×9 baking pan.

In a large bowl, measure and add 1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon fine salt and 1/4 baking soda.

Whisk to combine and set off to the side.

Into a sauce pan add 4 ounces chopped unsweetened chocolate and 3/4 cup of unsalted butter. Stir over low heat, slowly melting until smooth.

Once melted, remove off of the heat and add in 2 cups of granulated sugar.

Stir well to combine before adding in the 3 eggs, one at a time whisking well after each one.

Lastly, pour in a 1/2 cup of cabernet sauvignon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.

Switch to a rubber spatula and stir until the flour is just incorporated.

I wish you could smell this.

Transfer the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.

Make The Cabernet Ganache:

In a small saucepan, add 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons cabernet sauvignon. Stir over low heat until smooth.

Drizzle the ganache over top of the brownie batter.

Then using a dull knife, insert it straight down hitting the bottom of the pan. Drag the knife into the brownie batter and ganache to create swirls.

Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a tester comes back with a few crumbs attached after testing it in the middle of the brownies.

NOTE: Be sure to insert into a mostly brownie part as the ganache will coat the toothpick/tester.

Stunning.

Cool. Cut. Devour.

What’s The Best Way To Cut Brownies?

Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water. Wipe with a paper towel (or clean kitchen towel) and cut straight down, carefully lifting once cut through. Try not to drag the knife through. Repeat these steps until brownies have been cut (ie running it under hot water, wiping and cutting).

I think you’ll love these Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies as much as we do!

How To Serve Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies:

Serve as is. Maybe slightly warmed up 🤩

With a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Alongside a bowl of blackberries or raspberries.

And maybe a glass of Cabernet. obviously.

How To Store Homemade Brownies:

Store in an air-tight container or individually wrap in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature or refrigerate.

Can you Freeze Homemade Brownies?

Yes! Individually wrap brownies in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in a resealable bag or lidded container.

How Long Will Homemade Brownies Last?

If stored properly, homemade brownies can last at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week. Frozen brownies are good up to 3 months.

Enjoy! And if you give this Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

Yield: 12 servings

Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies

Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies! Wine infused brownie batter is swirled with a decadent cabernet ganache for a rich and (boozy!) chocolaty dessert! Yields 12 to 16 servings.

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 57 minutes

FOR THE BROWNIES:

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, evenly chopped

3/4 cup unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup cabernet sauvignon wine, use one you like to sip

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

MAKE THE GANACHE:

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons cabernet sauvignon wine, again, use one you like to sip

Make The Brownies:

Preheat your oven to 350℉ or 180℃. Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper and grease with either butter or a nonstick baking spray.

In a large bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and set aside.

In a medium size sauce pan over low heat, melt the the butter and unsweetened chocolate. Once melted, remove off of the heat and add in 2 cups of granulated sugar.

Next add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Lastly stir in the wine and vanilla.

Pour the chocolate/sugar mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stir until all the ingredients are incorporated.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

MAKE THE GANACHE:

In a small sauce pan combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter and cabernet. Heat over low and stir constantly until smooth and silky.

Drizzle the ganache over top.

Then using a dull knife, insert it straight down hitting the bottom of the pan. Drag the knife into the brownie batter and ganache to create swirls.

Place the pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a tester comes back with only a few crumbs attached when inserted.NOTE: Be sure to insert into a mostly brownie part as the ganache will coat the toothpick/tester.

Let cool completely before removing the brownies from the pan to cut and serve! (see blog post for tips for cutting and storing brownies)

Serving: 1piece, Calories: 436kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 85mg, Sodium: 113mg, Potassium: 176mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 515IU, Calcium: 40mg, Iron: 3mg

Author: Laurie McNamara

Course: Desserts & Sweet Treats

Cuisine: American

Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies was originally posted in November of 2012 and has recently been updated with photos and helpful information.

This post may contain affiliate links.

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Laurie McNamara

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February 8, 2024
The $40 Kit That Lets Me Whip Up Gourmet (and Giftable) Chocolate Truffles in Minutes

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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, my boyfriend and I decided to opt out of the traditional festivities this year. This is our fifth Valentine’s Day together, and neither of us felt like duking it out over Resy or OpenTable for a restaurant reservation on arguably the biggest date night of the year — been there, done that. But, we still wanted to do a little something, so when I got the opportunity to test the Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit from Uncommon Goods, I happily volunteered, and we celebrated early. We’re both millennials, so we love a slightly stressful activity.

Uncommon Goods is home to many DIY kits and unique gifts. Whenever I’ve bought a present from there, it’s a hit, so I had high hopes for this kit, which shoppers can combine with the Death by Chocolate: Truffles online experience on Uncommon Goods for a total of $75. Though I’m not always the most confident baker, I thought that together we could likely figure it out.

What Is the Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit?

The Uncommon Goods Chocolate Truffles Kit contains most of what you need to make a total of 36 truffles of various flavors, including a very essential thermometer. It comes with two 8-ounce bags of 55% dark chocolate chips, organic cocoa powder, organic coconut flakes, sea salt, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, along with very detailed instructions that you can peruse here.

But there are a few things that you’ll need to purchase: heavy whipping cream or coconut cream, butter, and parchment paper. You’ll also require a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan or three smaller pans if you plan on making all three flavors (regular, peppermint, and vanilla). It also would be beneficial to have a cookie scoop, so you can get perfectly round truffles. I used a small spoon, and the truffles varied in size.

Why I Love the Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit

I started this kit with some trepidation, because making a ganache and tempering chocolate sounds scary and like part of a challenge on The Great British Baking Show. I read some shopper reviews to see if they had any hacks for making this easier. The instructions called to freeze the various ganaches after you make them, and heat the chocolate, and then cool the chocolate to 90°F. When my boyfriend and I have made meals kits together, we often get the timing wrong and end up waiting for the side to finish cooking. I knew this would probably be a problem with the truffles. Several reviewers suggested getting the ganaches in the freezer, which takes 45 minutes total, before attempting to temper the chocolate. We made the ganaches, put them in the freezer, ate some takeout pizza while they froze, and then tempered the chocolate. This made the whole process relatively stress-free.

As a huge chocolate truffles fan, I was really impressed by how delicious they were, though the regular truffles were my favorite over the peppermint and vanilla. They didn’t last long in our house. So, if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day alternative plan, I highly recommend getting this kit — before it sells out!

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Alicia Kort

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February 8, 2024
This Oprah-Brand’s Adorable Baked Brie Board Makes the Cheesiest Valentine’s Day Gift (in the Best Way!)

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Haley Lyndes

Haley is your ultimate shopping authority, dedicated to bringing you the latest deals and the best product choices for Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn. With prior experience as a full-time commerce writer for POPSUGAR, she’s passionate about helping you discover the best places to shop for top-notch products without breaking the bank. Born in Vermont and based in Boston, she has a deep-rooted love for New England and enjoys her weekends exploring the charm of the region, hopping from one (very small) state to another.

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Haley Lyndes

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February 8, 2024
5 Fun Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Chicago Couples

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Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day has lost its’ fastball. The olden days of having a single date on the calendar that couples of all types circle for romance has largely been washed away in the hustle and pressures of work, family, and more. But there are still those of us that have that sliver of romance in them, and look to this Hallmark Holiday for a chance to show that special someone you care. For those looking to spend their evening with a special someone there are a handful of Valentine’s Day date ideas around Chicago to enjoy that precious time. Here are 5 Valentine’s Day date ideas that you can make into your own special evening.

Catch a Drag Show at The Greystone Tavern

BAM! Right out of the gates with a drag show. What a fun and unique way to spend this Valentine’s Day away from the traditional dinner and a movie. Don’t be lame. Head to the Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville for a special V-Day Drag Show. The show will feature live performances from Chicago-favorite, Merriam Levkowitz, music, and dancing, as well as Graystone Tavern’s entire food menu. Tickets are only $12 per person and can be purchased on Graystone Tavern’s website!

The Tanta Experience, a Love Story

Most Valentine’s Day plans include a dinner date. There’s nothing wrong with that. But rather than getting your usual pasta and wine or hitting your usual steakhouse, head to River North and enjoy a menu of Peruvian delights. This Valentine’s Day, Tanta is delivering a three-course prix fixe menu for $86/pp that’s sure to make you fall in love.

Dimo’s Pizza & Chill

Say you’re a couple that’s been at this for a while and in that state of “Valentine’s is a bit played out.” You can still make your night in with each other special by ordering Chicago’s very own Dimo’s and watching a dope movie that’s about Chicago, or has Chicago in it, or is definitely Chicago but they call it Gotha—The Dark Knight. I’m telling you to watch The Dark Knight and order a heart-shaped pizza from Dimo’s, get a cheap bottle of wine, and kill the lights to watch Heath Ledger be badass only to get sad about Heath Ledger and cry together. You know what I’m talking about. I’ll say nothing more.

Treat Yourself to the Perfect Staycation

Chicago has no shortage of cute boutique hotels downtown to get away for a single night. Whether you’re in need of a night in the city away from the drawl of the suburbs or you just want to enjoy an evening of intimacy that isn’t in your stale three-flat then check out a hotel in the city and parlay it with anything else on this list for a perfect evening “away.”

Aire Ancient Bathe Your Stress From the Kids Away

Those who have kids know. Whether it’s five minutes of peace or a fancy ancient Turkish bath, mom and dad need their space to breathe. Why settle for five minutes in the middle of the day when you should be treating yourself to the ultimate in self-care and relaxation. Call grandma and grandpa or a babysitter or someone to watch the kids for a bit and recharge for Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect exercise in, “we deserve this.”

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Brian Lendino

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February 8, 2024
Valentine’s Day: A Timeless Dance of Love and Tradition

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“Alexander, don’t forget Valentine’s,” my friend’s words echoed as the call ended.

In the chaos of long workdays, these words faded into the back of my mind. My partner at the time, who was French, was expecting a celebration I had overlooked.

Caught in my routines, I had let Valentine’s Day slip my mind, leading to a day that started bad and quickly went downhill from there. My glaring rookie error as a young man made me realize the depth and importance of a tradition I had so casually overlooked.

From Ancient Rites to Modern Delights: The History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, often seen as a symbol of romantic love, is much more than its modern commercial appearance suggests. Underneath lies a rich history, weaving together tradition, rebellion, and the changing nature of love.

The Martyrdom of Saint Valentine

The origins of Valentine’s Day intertwine the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia with the martyrdom of Saint Valentine. These origins form a holiday that transcends time and culture, often overshadowed by the modern-day flurry of gift exchanges, but it is much more than chocolate and roses. Valentine’s Day is a timeless dance of love and tradition.

Ancient Love Letters

In the 15th century, Charles d’Orléans, imprisoned in the Tower of London, and Margery Brews, with her letters to John Paston (“my right well-beloved Valentine”, Margery writes), were among the first to intertwine Valentine’s Day with romantic love. Their words blend romantic idealism with the era’s realities, offering a timeless yet era-bound view of love.

The French Court of Love

The medieval “Court of Love,” especially under Charles VI (King of France – b. 1368-d. 1422), emphasized respectful treatment of women in courtship. This early form of romantic “code of behavior” highlights the timeless importance of treating women well, of respect and equality in relationships.

Valentine’s Day Today: A Celebration or a Contradiction?

Today, Valentine’s Day is a blend of history and commercialism, and it often feels like it raises questions about the authenticity of our expressions of love.

Do we feel connected right now this month of February? What if the relationship isn’t working so well right now, what do we do with Valentine’s day? Do we express heartfelt sentiments or just participate in ritualized affection?

Celebration and contradiction also reflect the changing nature of relationships and love. In a world where digital communication often takes over from face-to-face interactions, Valentine’s Day serves as a rare opportunity to rekindle the art of personal, heartfelt expression.

Rediscovering the Essence of Valentine’s Day

Rediscovering Valentine’s Day, to me, meant delving into its rich history and varied expressions of love. It was about appreciating the tradition with a personal touch, celebrating love as both a universal experience and a deeply personal journey – what John Gottman calls – “The Story of Us”. There is room for the heartfelt and its contradictions, both the highs and lows. That is, to me, the essence of Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day: A Reflection of Our Own Love Stories

Each Valentine’s Day might invite us to reflect on our love stories, the challenges and triumphs we have shared, the affection and admiration for each other, and our shared meaning.

Are they also reflections of Saint Valentine’s defiance, Charles d’Orléans’ poetry, or Margery Brews’ tender letters? For me, this rich tapestry of romantic love, interlaced with enduring traditions, ignites an additional spark, breathing vibrant life into the narrative of our personal love stories.

Fuel might also be found in the joys of rom-coms, our favorite music, and the rich experiences of culture and nature. It resides in the closeness or absence we feel, and in the wisdom we seek from experts in love and relationships.

Valentine’s Day remains a testament to love’s enduring power, a force that has shaped history and defied norms, evolving as we do. As we navigate the complexities of modern love, this day reminds us of the simplicity and depth of genuine affection, guiding us through the changing landscape of human relationships.

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Alexander Elguren

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February 8, 2024
Valentine’s Day Music Specials to Fall in Love with This Month

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This Valentine’s Day, we’re spreading the love across the genres and across the decades with romantic channels, countdowns, soundtracks, mixes, and more. Whether your heart is full or you can’t stand the schmaltz, you’ll find something to celebrate here.

Hear Tate McRae host a listener-voted countdown, visit Margaritaville with Mac McAnally, and enjoy specially-curated mixes from artists like Carrie Underwood, Shaggy, and D-Nice. Love is in the air and on the air at SiriusXM (with even more to explore on our app)!

Stream Now: Valentine’s Day music specials on the app

❤️ SiriusXM Hits 1 — Flirty 30 Countdown

Tate McRae counts down the 30 biggest pop love songs — as voted by you! Hear songs from Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, and more.

Stream the Flirty 30 Countdown now →

❤️ Kelly Clarkson Connection — Couples’ Skate Valentine’s Day Playlist

Kelly Clarkson brings you hand-picked throwback tracks heard during “couples’ skate” at roller rinks in the ’90s.

Stream Kelly Clarkson’s Couples Skate Valentine’s Day Playlist now →

❤️ 90s on 9 — Valentine’s Mix with Mr. Lover Lover

Shaggy, aka Mr. Lover Lover, hosts an hour of his favorite ’90s love songs for 90s on 9.

Stream the Valentine’s Mix with Mr. Lover Lover now →

❤️ Symphony Hall — Valentine’s Movie Date: Romantic Film Music

Symphony Hall brings you a captivating showcase of the most unforgettable music from beloved romantic films.

Stream Valentine’s Movie Date now →

❤️ Road Trip Radio — Lover’s Road Trip Mixtape

If you’ve got many miles between you and your boo, we’ll make the time fly by with love-themed driving jams and singalongs.

Stream Lover’s Road Trip now →

❤️ 80s on 8 — Totally Rad ’80s Love Songs

Enjoy a block of nonstop rad love songs from the curation team at 80s on 8.

Stream Totally Rad ’80s Love Songs now →

❤️ FACTION PUNK: Loveless Anthems

Loves bites, but these tracks from Blink-182, The Misfits, and more bite harder.

Stream Loveless Anthems now →

Tune In: Valentine’s Day music specials on the air

❤️ Mac McAnally’s Key West Strings & Stories

Escape to the Conch Republic with an intimate performance from 10-time CMA Musician of the Year, Coral Reefer Mac McAnally. Listen in as Mac shares heartwarming stories, classics from his musical catalog, and plenty of Jimmy Buffett songs from the Key West Theater, exclusively on Radio Margaritaville.

Broadcast Schedule:
February 9 at 12pm and 6pm ET
February 10 at 8am and 8pm ET
February 11 at 8pm ET
February 12 at 6am and 8pm ET
February 13 at 1pm and 8pm ET
February 14 at 4pm and 8pm ET
February 15 at 8pm ET
February 16 at 5pm ET

Stream Radio Margaritaville now →

❤️ Carrie’s Love ‘Em Or Leave ‘Em Countdown

Carrie Underwood hosts her very own monthly show, Carrie’s Countdown, on her own channel, CARRIE’S COUNTRY! This month, Carrie’s got the perfect playlist for celebrating Valentine’s Day… AND the perfect tracks for your anti-Valentine’s Day celebrations! The Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em Countdown features Carrie’s favorite love songs and breakup anthems, for whatever your Valentine’s Day entails.

Broadcast Schedule:
February 13 at 3pm and 10pm ET
February 14 at 7am, 1pm, 6pm, and 11pm ET
February 15 at 12pm and 9pm ET
February 16 at 2pm ET
February 17 at 8am, 1pm, and 7pm ET

Stream CARRIE’S COUNTRY now →

❤️ D-Nice’s Special Valentines Mix

Superstar DJ D-Nice makes his debut on Rock The Bells Radio with a special Valentine’s Day mix to help set the right vibe on Cupid’s special day.

Broadcast Schedule:
February 14 at 6pm ET
February 15 at 3am ET
February 17 at 4pm ET

Stream Rock The Bells Radio now →

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Jackie Kolgraf

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February 8, 2024
Quick & Easy Cake Mix Valentine Cookies (No Eggs)

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By: Oriana Romero / Published: February 8, 2024 / Leave a comment

These vibrant Quick & Easy Cake Mix Valentine Red Velvet Cookies (No Eggs) adorned with sparkling sanding sugar and topped with adorable chocolate hearts are ready to steal the show at any gathering. Whip up a batch today and spread the love with every bite!

Love at First Bite: Quick & Easy Red Velvet Cookie Bliss!

Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Quick & Easy Cake Mix Valentine Red Velvet Cookies – the ultimate shortcut to spreading love, one delicious bite at a time. If you’re craving a homemade treat but are short on time, look no further. These cookies are a game-changer, offering all the charm of classic red velvet with none of the hassle, and they are eggless!

With just five simple ingredients and a handful of easy steps, these cookies couldn’t be easier to whip up. Whether you’re surprising your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, treating your coworkers to a mid-week pick-me-up, or simply indulging in a well-deserved snack, these little delights are sure to brighten your day.

These Quick & Easy Cake Mix Valentine Red Velvet Cookies are both delicious and allergy-friendly, making them perfect for sharing with classmates, friends, and family members who have dietary restrictions. They are egg-free, but with simple adjustments they can be made dairy and/or gluten free too!.

Once again, we’re using a cake mix as our base, but if you prefer to bake from scratch, check out my Eggless Red Velvet Cookies recipe.

So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking – because life’s too short not to enjoy a freshly baked cookie, especially when it’s this quick and easy!

What To Love About This Recipe

Easy and quick to make: These cookies are a breeze to whip up with just five simple ingredients and minimal prep time. No need to spend hours in the kitchen – they’re ready in a flash!

Only five ingredients: Speaking of ingredients, you won’t need a laundry list to make these delightful treats. Just grab a box of red velvet cake mix, butter, cream cheese, sanding sugar, and chocolate hearts, and you’re all set!

The perfect recipe to get the little ones involved: Looking for a fun activity to do with the kids? This recipe is perfect for getting little hands involved in the kitchen. Let them help with mixing, rolling, and decorating – they’ll love it!

Cute and festive: Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a special anniversary, or just a craving for something sweet to share with loved ones, these cookies are the perfect way to add a touch of charm to any occasion. With their vibrant red color and adorable chocolate heart toppings, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

They are eggless: What’s more, with simple substitutions, they can easily be adapted to be dairy-free and gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. So whether you’re planning a classroom celebration or a sweet surprise for your little one’s friends, these cookies are a thoughtful and inclusive choice that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

One cake mix box: This is the base of our cookie dough, giving it that classic red velvet flavor and color. Feel free to use your favorite brand of cake mix for best results. I used red velvet flavor.

Butter: You’ll need some melted butter to bind the cookie dough together and add richness to the flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable or canola oil for the butter.

Full-fat cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the cookies, making them extra delicious. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.

Sanding sugar: This sparkling sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch to the cookies’ exteriors. You can find sanding sugar in most grocery stores’ baking aisle or substitute regular granulated sugar if needed.

Chocolate hearts: Top each cookie with a festive chocolate heart for the finishing touch. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also make these cookies extra indulgent and irresistible.

Process Overview: How To Make Cake Mix Valentine Cookies Step-by-Step

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

Step 1 – Make The Dough

Combine the cake mix, butter, and cream cheese in a medium bowl; you can do that by hand or with your electric mixer. Mix together until well combined.

Step 2 – Scoop and Roll

Scoop out 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Then, roll each ball in the sanding sugar to coat. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.

Step 3 – Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until very lightly colored on top and around the edges.

Step 4 – Top with The Chocolate Heart

Remove from the oven and then immediately place on the white chocolate heart. The heat from the cookies should melt the bottom of the heart into the cookie. Let cool for about 20 – 30 minutes to set the white chocolate. If desired, let the chocolate be set in the freezer/refrigerator to speed up the process.

Recipe Tips

Be sure not to overmix the cookie dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix just until all the ingredients are combined for the perfect texture.

To ensure evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough before rolling it into balls.

For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

If the cookie dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. However, I did not refrigerate the dough and rolled them easily.

Keep Your Cookies Soft! No one likes a hard, dry cookie (especially not Santa). Store them in a container with a slice of white bread to ensure cookie freshness. The cookies will absorb that moisture, keeping them softer for longer.

Make Cake Mix Cookies Dairy-Free

Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking.

Cream Cheese: Use your favorite dairy-free cream cheese. My favorite is Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original.

Make Cake Mix Cookies Gluten-Free

You can easily adapt the Quick & Easy Cake Mix Valentine Red Velvet Cookies recipe to be gluten-free with a few simple swaps. Use a Gluten-Free Cake Mix! Start by selecting a gluten-free cake mix. Many brands offer gluten-free cake mixes that are readily available in grocery stores or online. Just make sure to check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free. Check out my faves below!

Favorite Gluten-Free Cake Mixes

Variations & Additions

Want to mix things up? Try using different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, for a fun twist on this recipe.

Get creative with your toppings! Instead of chocolate hearts, try using Valentine’s sprinkles.

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Add some white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

To freeze, let the cookies cool completely after baking. Then place on a cookie sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes. Once they’re hard, place the cookies in a freezer container or bag and freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, remove them from the freezer about 2 hours before enjoying and let them thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the cookies.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix to customize these cookies to your liking. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color may vary depending on the type of cake mix you use.

How should I store leftover cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If storing in the refrigerator, let the cookies come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

More Valentine’s Day Recipes You’ll Love!

Recipe Card 📖

Quick & Easy Cake Mix Valentine Cookies (No Eggs)

Oriana Romero

These vibrant Quick & Easy Cake Mix ValentineRed Velvet Cookies (No Eggs) adorned with sparkling sanding sugar and topped with adorable chocolate hearts are ready to steal the show at any gathering. Whip up a batch today and spread the love with every bite!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 12 cookies

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180º C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Set aside.

Combine the cake mix, butter, and cream cheese in a medium bowl, you can do that by hand or with your electric mixer. Mix together until well combined.

Scoop out 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Then roll each ball in the sanding sugar to coat. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until very lightly colored on top and around the edges. Remove from the oven and then immediately place on the white chocolate heart. The heat from the cookies should melt the bottom of the heart into the cookie. Let cool for about 20 – 30 minutes to set the white chocolate. If desired, you can also let the chocolate set in the freezer/refrigerator to speed up the process.

Chocolate Hearts: I used white chocolate hearts I found in my local baking store, but you can Dove Chocolate Hearts or other brands like Hershey’s. You’ll find many chocolate heart candies available around Valentine’s Day. Sanding Sugar: I use white sanding sugar. You can find sanding sugar sprinkles in the baking aisle at your regular grocery store. I like the Wilton brand. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze: Let the cookies cool completely after baking. Then place on a cookie sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes. Once they’re hard, place the cookies in a freezer container or bag and freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, remove them from the freezer about 2 hours before enjoying and let them thaw at room temperature. Recipe Tips:

Be sure not to overmix the cookie dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix just until all the ingredients are combined for the perfect texture.

To ensure evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough before rolling it into balls.

For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

If the cookie dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. However, I did not refrigerate the dough and rolled them easily.

Keep Your Cookies Soft! No one likes a hard, dry cookie (especially not Santa). Store them in a container with a slice of white bread to ensure cookie freshness. The cookies will absorb that moisture, keeping them softer for longer.

Variations & Additions:

Want to mix things up? Try using different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, for a fun twist on this recipe.

Get creative with your toppings! Instead of chocolate hearts, try using sprinkles.

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Add some white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor.

Read the whole post for more tips and tricks, variations, step-by-step photos, and more. ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below! Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate, and it can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 395mgPotassium: 57mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 368IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe? I want to see your yummy photos!Tag @mommyshomecooking on Instagram and hashtag it #mommyshomecooking or Join my Private Facebook Group

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Calories 292

Keyword cookies recipe

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Oriana Romero
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February 7, 2024
The best sex toys for couples that you’ll want to use with your partner pronto

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While the jury is still out on which of the best sex toys for couples takes the ultimate crown, one thing’s for certain. All of the couples’ sex toys that we’ve tested, tried and reviewed are guaranteed to transform good sex into something astronomically great. If you’ve already got a bedside table packed full of the best vibrators, you’ll know that a new toy can have sparks flying in the bedroom – but that’s just the beginning for partnered play. These sex toys for couples allow you explore new sensations, fantasies and positions with your partner in tow.

Why do we care? Self-care has never been prioritised more than it is right now, for obvious reason, and heightened intimacy between yourself and your partner – as well as more regular orgasms – can improve your wellbeing in almost all cases.

Luckily, the couples’ sex toy market is a burgeoning one, and the number of new releases have skyrocketed over the past five years. As has been the case with sex toys for women and sex toys for men, specifically. In the run up to Valentine’s Day, it feels about time to spice things up again – not that you need an excuse. So, we’ve been busy testing sex toys for couples so you don’t waste your money.

SKIP TO: How we tested the best sex toys for couples | What are the benefits of using sex toys for couples? | What makes couples’ sex toys different to those you use for solo pleasure?

Meet the experts:

Laura Wood, Sales Executive and Sexpert So Divine.

The best sex toys for couples in 2024, at a glance:

Best Overall: Tiani™ 3 Remote-Controlled Couples’ Massager, £129

Best Bundle: Lovehoney Rock My World Sex Toy Kit (6 Piece), £79.99

Best Vibrator: We-Vibe Sync 2, £149

Best Remote-Control: We-Vibe X Lovehoney Jive, £99.99

Best Sex Game: Lovehoney Position of the Week Cards, £7.99

Tiani™ 3 Remote-Controlled Couples’ Massager

We-Vibe X Lovehoney Jive App Controlled Rechargeable Vibrating G-Spot Love Egg

How we tested the best sex toys for couples:

At GLAMOUR UK, it is of utmost importance that we provide our readers with independent, honest and trustworthy reviews. In fact, nothing else is a greater priority. We test the best sex toys for couples – from those for first-time anal sex explorers to massage wands and app-controlled vibrators – thoroughly before featuring them in our guide.

When we test a sex toy for couples, we do so during sex, looking at each from every angle in an effort to best serve you. For our sex toy edits, we consider each product’s performance across five primary categories: efficacy, battery life, design and feel against the body, ease of use, whether it’s waterproof and whether it comes in discrete packaging. We also spoke to experts, scoured customer reviews and spoke to retailers about their bestselling models.

How can sex toys for couples improve your sex life?

Sex toys for couples can improve your sex life in a multitude of ways; if you’re already using a couples’ sex toy, you’ll know. Remember: introducing a sex toy for couples is not a sign that you or your partner feels dissatisfied – in fact, the opposite.

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Sophie Cockett, Lucy Smith

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February 7, 2024
Make a Sweet and Succulent Valentine’s Box – Garden Therapy

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If you have a plant lover in your life, trust me when I say this is THE gift to win them over. Show them how much you understand their plant love with this cutie succulent valentines. And hey, if you want to make one all for yourself, no one is stopping you from being your own secret valentine!

This sweet and succulent valentines is just what Dr. Love ordered for the winter blues. It’s a thoughtful and unique way to brighten up someone’s day.

A colourful collection of succulent cuttings set in a heart-shaped candy box will surprise and delight your lucky loved one, and it’s also just the right size to root a collection of cuttings.

Make your own DIY succulent cutting propagation tray for Valentine’s Day, and these beauties will be ready to head out to the garden by the time the frost has passed.

Here’s how I made this adorable heart-shaped plant valentine using succulents.

Sedum, Sempervivum, Echeveria, Aeonium, Haworthia, and Crassula are all great succulents to include in your valentine.

The Perfect Plant Valentine

It wasn’t easy, but I gave up sugar years ago to help reduce the inflammation that was causing me to have Fibromyalgia flare-ups. By “gave up sugar,” I mean that I stopped eating all sugar, honey, maple syrup, and fruit.

When I say, “It wasn’t easy,” it wasn’t just the cravings that were hard. I missed the celebrations that come with eating sugar. Two years’ worth of birthdays without even a bite of cake. Christmas cookies, pumpkin pie, and even cranberry sauce were left off my party plates. Since I love to celebrate, it has taught me to look for other ways to treat myself.

It’s a good thing I’m a gardener because there is no end to the treats found at a garden center! It’s hard to think beyond candy for decadent Valentine’s Day goodies. Of course, there are flowers and cards. I won’t turn down either of those.

I love turning little succulent propagations into the perfect Valentine’s Day plants. Just in case you are looking for the perfect gift for me this February, let me show you the way to my heart with this succulent valentines.

A metal tin works best for this project since water will drain into it.

DIY Succulent Valentines

You might be surprised how easy this valentine is to make. Around Valentine’s Day, it’s pretty easy to find heart-shaped boxes. You can then head to the garden centre and get some small succulents or propagate your own to use as Valentine’s Day plants.

Materials

Make It!

If you don’t have cuttings available, purchase already small succulents or ones you can divide.

You can make a succulent valentines with either small succulents in pots or with cuttings (my preferred method). If you have some overwintering succulents or overgrown succulents in need of dividing, those will work well.

When shopping for succulents, look for ones that are growing pups or have multiple stems. You can divide them up and root them for summer projects.

Remove all of the candy from the box and give it away. I won’t judge you if you eat it yourself!

Don’t skip this step! Your plants need drainage to survive.

Use the bamboo skewer to poke a hole in each one of the candy cells to provide some drainage.

Fill the candy tray with cactus and succulent soil mix and water it to give the water time to absorb before planting.

You don’t need much soil to fill the heart.

If you have potted plants, remove them from the pots and shake the soil off the roots. If the roots are long, give them a trim.

See how many succulents you can get out of “one” plant!

Any fresh cuts will need a few days to dry before being stuck in soil.

If you have plant divisions, remove them from the parent plant. Remove a few of the lower leaves to get a good stem to set into the soil. Allow these to dry for a few days before planting.

Play around with shapes and sizes for the best effect.

Arrange the succulents in the tray by varying the colour, shape, and size of the plants. Use a paintbrush to dust excess soil off of the leaves.

Fill in the spaces around the plants with reindeer moss to give the arrangement a finished look.

You can use dried or fresh reindeer moss for this project.

Care Instructions

Your succulent valentines is a great way to root and grow new succulents until they are ready to move to larger pots. Rooting them in the house around Valentine’s Day will mean they will have strong roots by May, when they can be used for a variety of projects.

Until then, water them sparingly and keep them somewhere sunny.

FAQ About Succulent Valentines

What does giving someone a succulent mean?

If you’re interested in the symbolism behind your gift, you will be happy to hear that succulents represent tenacity and endurance due to their ability to survive with little water. So if you want to represent your strong, enduring love, this is a good choice!

How do I care for a succulent?

While drought tolerant, succulents still need regular watering. Water your succulents when the soil has gone completely dry, watering until the soil is damp. Succulents prefer lots of sun, so place them on a sunny windowsill.

Ensure they’re potted in soil designed for succulents and cacti and in a pot with drainage holes.

What succulent has heart-shaped leaves?

There are a few succulents with heart-shaped leaves. A hoya heart is on large heart-shaped leaf. String of hearts is another popular one, with trailing often variegated heart-shaped leaves.

Hoya heart

More Plant Love Projects to Try

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Stephanie Rose

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February 7, 2024
27 Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts They’ll Think You Pondered for Weeks

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Valentine’s Day is one week away, so needless to say, it’s crunch time. Not to stress you out or anything, but the time to order those last-minute gifts is now. I know we’ve all barely recovered from holiday gift shopping, but time marches on. The deadline has already passed on some retailers’ sites but there are still plenty of options that will arrive before February 14—from the likes of Shopbop, Nordstrom, and Net-a-Porter, to name a few excellent ones.

Valentine’s Day gift shopping is a little tricky as stereotypical “cutesy” gifts can be difficult to avoid, but I think I did a great job of finding cool gifts for the holiday, if I do say so myself. So scroll on while there’s still time to get something good for your loved ones—or treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day gift of your own choosing. You deserve it.

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Allyson Payer

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February 6, 2024
Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes – Oh Sweet Basil

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If an 8 year old can make Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes, you certainly can do it! Moist chocolate cupcakes are a must for Valentine’s Day!

Are you familiar with how cooking happens in our house? It’s not just a mom thing, and it’s certainly not just an adult thing, the whole family is involved. I’ll tell you all about how our family created the tradition of kids cooking, plus a few tips for making it work in your home, but first, let’s chat about these Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes, very similar to our Milk Chocolate Cupcakes.

Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes

I love the look of chocolate and fluffy, pink anything, yes, even pink pancakes. I’m not really a pink girl, I think I have one or two pink shirts in my closet and that’s probably it. Now don’t panic, I have nothing against pink, I’m just not drawn to it like I am blue or white for example. I should move to Santorini, Greece. That seems like a good choice.

Ahhh but chocolate and pink, there’s something about that just makes me want to take a big ol’ bite. And these Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect example.

A moist chocolate cupcake, stuffed with totally lickable Nutella and topped off with strawberry buttercream that is silky like those old school 90’s silk pajamas. Nothing short of a dream.

Why Coffee in Chocolate Cake

You all know us well enough by now to know that we don’t drink alcohol, coffee or tea and while yes, alcohol usually cooks out of things, we don’t keep it in the house so it just doesn’t happen.

When it comes to chocolate cake I’ve had to embrace that it does in fact make a difference. I bought this, Espresso Powder  used for baking and I merely add a little to any liquid in chocolate baking and it enhances the chocolate flavor without adding any coffee flavor. I honestly still skip it all the time, but really, it does make a difference and you’re probably eating it most of the time you buy a chocolate anything out and about.

Boiling Water in Chocolate Cake

Have you noticed how many chocolate recipes include boiling water? Especially a chocolate cake or cupcake. So what’s the deal with boiling water in chocolate cake?

It seems like it would be something with the hot water making the cake more moist or tender, but it’s actually about the cocoa. When making anything chocolate you should mix cocoa with hot water then let it sit for a few minutes. What you’re actually doing is blooming the chocolate, or in other words, the cocoa dissolves and the flavor particles are released leading to a more powerful chocolate flavor.

Chocolate brownies are a little different, you’ll want to bloom the chocolate in hot oil. Not like, fry you up some fried chicken oil, just warmed up so that it will activate those particles.

When is National Chocolate Cupcake Day?

I was meaning to write this post but I got distracted and wondered if there was a National Chocolate Cupcake Day because there seems to be a national everything you could imagine day and sure enough, October 18th! That’s my little sister’s birthday, so I’m going to have to send her a chocolate cupcake come October. “Hey here’s a cupcake in the mail, happy blasted birthday, xoxo! 😉 ”

Why Chocolate Cake is Dry

It seems to me that chocolate cake has the most issues when it comes to being perfectly moist and tender. If you’ve made cake before you you might notice that while your white cake comes out perfect your chocolate cake ends up dry and crumbly and you KNOW you’ve followed the exact directions.

Here’s a few reasons your chocolate cake is dry.

You’ve used a hot liquid which cooled and evaporated some of the liquid. You know that boiling coffee or water that you cooled back down to room temperature? While cooling the liquid begins to evaporate and you can end up losing up to 2 ounces purely from evaporation!

You didn’t properly measure your flour. Remember, there’s an actual science to baking and this one tip on measuring flour is LIFE CHANGING.

Too many holes leading to a dry cake. This happens most often because you over-mixed or mixed improperly. Cookies can handle more mixing, cakes and quick breads need to be gently handled.

Over baking is a huge culprit. We tend to worry about a gooey middle and therefore push the cake until it’s been over baked. A cake should be pulling away from the edges, have a bright spring when you tap the middle and when you insert a cake tester or toothpick into the very center it should come out clean.

What Makes Chocolate Cake Moist

We now understand what can ruin a chocolate cake, leading to something as dry as stale bread, but what makes chocolate cake moist?

Butter not Margarine: Margarine has extra water in it which will dry out your cake.

Has the butter been brought to room temperature? Butter that is too cold or too warm will absolutely change how the ingredients combine and bake up.

Try adding part or all oil instead of butter. Water evaporates from butter in the baking process while oil maintains moisture.

Place plastic wrap over a hot liquid as it cools before adding it to the cake. This will keep moisture from evaporating.

Which Frosting for Chocolate Cake?

Chocolate cake is such a classic. It’s a perfect cake to really play around with the frosting as so many go well with chocolate. If you’re like me and love the brightness and fresh taste of berries you’ll love a buttercream flavored with your favorite fruit or jam. That’s why these chocolate cupcakes have a strawberry buttercream on top!

Strawberry Buttercream

A strawberry buttercream is one of the best frosting recipes to keep on hand no matter what time of year it is. It’s simple, fresh and has great color to brighten up any day or holiday.

How to make strawberry buttercream with jam

Ahhhh now that’s the question isn’t it. I mean, who has time to bust out their own strawberry preserves just to make frosting? It’s much easier to use jam. But are all strawberry jam buttercream recipes equal?

When making a fruit buttercream it’s important to look for a high quality seedless jam. The seeds not only get obnoxious in a frosting, but they also can separate the frosting as it mixes.

Unfortunately the best answer is to buy a few preserves in the store and sample them at home as it all depends on your tastes.

How Long Will Chocolate Cake Last?

Chocolate cake (have you tried ours that is legit the Matilda Chocolate Cake?!) can be stored a few ways to keep it fresh and tasty.

Store chocolate cake or cupcakes at room temperature for a day or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Cupcakes can be wrapped in plastic wrap, placed in freezer bags and stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Oh, but what about frosting and buttercream? Can you freeze frosting? You can store it in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days or in th freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure when you defrost the frosting you do so in the refrigerator versus just sticking it on the counter.

How to Stuff Cupcakes with Nutella or Other Fillings

I’ve watched so many people use a piping tip to squirt a filling into a sealed cupcake but I’m here to beg you to stop. Forcing a filling into a space that has no hole demands that space be forced into creation. This breaks the cupcake and generally under-fills it.

The best way to stuff a cupcake with nutella is to use an apple corer or serrated steak knife to cut a core out of the cupcake and fill it using a spoon or piping bag.

I prefer to keep the cake that has been removed, carefully slice off the top lid of the removed piece of cake and gently place it back on top of the cupcake. This helps to keep the filling moist and and you get more cake. The cake is actually my favorite part?

Frosting or Cake?

In fact, I’m curious, if given a cupcake do you savor the cake or the frosting? And how do you eat the cupcake? Take a big ol’ bite or create a cupcake sandwich? Ahhhh or are you a fork person?

Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes

Cupcake RECIPES

Looking for more cupcake recipes?  Raspberry Lime Cupcakes, Milk Chocolate Cupcakes, Apple Cider Cupcakes, Carrot Cake Cupcakes or Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!

Valentine’s Day RECIPES

Looking for more Valentine’s recipes to share with the ones you love?

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Servings: 17

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Description

If an 8 year old can make Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes, you certainly can do it! Moist chocolate cupcakes are a must for Valentine’s Day!

For the Strawberry Buttercream

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Place the chocolate and cocoa powder in a medium glass bowl.

In a measuring cup, add the hot water and espresso powder, stirring to combine and bloom.

Pour the hot coffee over the chocolate mixture, whisking gently until smooth then cover in plastic wrap and set aside to cool completely.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line 2 standard 12-cup muffin tins with foil or paper liners.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.

Whisk the oil, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla into the cooled chocolate mixture until smooth.

Pour the chocolate into the flour mixture, stirring until smooth. Using a spring-loaded scoop, divide the batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling 3/4 full.

Bake until cupcakes are set and firm when you press on the tops, about 17 to 19 minutes.

Remove from the oven to cool. Using an apple corer or pairing knife, slice a small section out of the center of the cupcake. Make sure you do not pierce to the bottom. Fill each hole with 1 heaping tablespoon of Nutella.

We like to pop the very top of the cupcake core we removed back onto the top of the cupcake before frosting.

For the Strawberry Buttercream

In the bowl of an electric mixer beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla, strawberry jam and powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed.

Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fit with a decorative piping tip (I used this one). Frost and serve!

cupcakes will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
Substitute for cake flour- 1 cup flour minus 2 tablespoons and then add back 2 tablespoons corn starch and whisk to combine.

Serving: 1gCalories: 894kcalCarbohydrates: 135gProtein: 6gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 411mgPotassium: 265mgFiber: 5gSugar: 116gVitamin A: 723IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 2mg

Author: Sweet Basil

Course: Over 400 Baby Shower Food Ideas that Taste Amazing

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Sweet Basil

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February 6, 2024
I Tried Momofuku’s Limited-Edition Dinner for Two Bundle, and It’s the Most Delicious Way to Spend Valentine’s Day at Home (Bonus: It’s on Sale!)

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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

It’s February, people, and that means Valentine’s Day is only a few short weeks away! The romantic holiday can be stressful for a lot of people, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re just now looking for reservations at your favorite restaurant, and your heart is sinking since it’s fully booked, don’t panic: There are still plenty of ways to make Valentine’s Day extra special. Our recommendation? Having a cozy evening at home with your special someone and whipping up a delicious dinner for two. (And maybe cracking open a bottle of wine, of course.)

Now, menu planning for the big night can be tricky, which is why I think you should snag Momofuku’s Dinner for Two bundle — especially while it’s still on sale. You can’t beat a warming bowl of ramen on a cold winter night, and the versatility of the noodles will let you and your Valentine customize your bowls with whichever add-ons you’d like and share a fun cooking experience. I recently got to try the bundle early, and can vouch that it’ll be a surefire hit on the 14th.

What Is the Momofuku Dinner for Two Bundle?

From the team behind Momofuku Noodle Bar and many more incredible restaurants, Momofuku’s website is full of high-quality pantry staples that we here at The Kitchn can’t get enough of. This bundle contains five packs of Soy & Scallion Noodles and Sweet & Spicy Noodles for 10 total servings of noodles. It also comes with Restaurant-Grade Soy Sauce, Chili Crunch, Chili Crunch Hot Honey, and two pairs of Momofuku Chopsticks — basically, everything you need to bring the noodle bar into your home for Valentine’s Day. Oh, and they have dessert covered with three bars from Raaka Chocolate — a New York-based chocolate maker known for transparently traded, single-origin unroasted dark chocolate — that are infused with the classic Momofuku flavors.

Why I Love the Momofuku Dinner for Two Bundle

I’ve already been a big fan of Momofuku’s high-quality products, so I was sure this bundle was going to be a hit — and I was right. It comes with everything you need to set up a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner, and while the noodles are great on their own, they can also serve as a blank canvas for whichever add-ons you’d like. You can go as simple as sesame seeds and furikake or as involved as a soy-brined 6-minute egg, sliced pork or chicken, bamboo, scallions, fried onions, and peppers — this list is endless. We filled our bowls with scallions, chicken, peppers, mushrooms, and some more delicious, pretty simple toppings. (And, of course, the Momofuku Chili Crunch.) The chocolate was a huge hit with my GF, too, her favorite being the Miso Potato Chip flavor.

As a final touch, they throw in a couple of sets of chopsticks, which really add some elegance to your meal — and are a lot more fancy than the takeout chopsticks you collect in your junk drawer. Plus, your pantry is now stocked with tons of delicious food, which is really the best Valentine’s Day gift of all! (And, if you order this bundle by Feb. 5, you’ll receive it by Valentine’s Day.) So, if you’re unsure of what you want to do for V-Day this year — or if you’re just looking to stock your shelves with delicious pantry staples — pick up the Momofuku Dinner for Two Bundle ASAP, while it’s still on sale.

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Ian Burke

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February 2, 2024
Your Valentine’s Day Underwear Can Affect Your Romantic Luck in 2024

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While some call it superstition, the color of your underwear on Valentine’s Day can at least usher in the type of romantic luck you hope to cultivate in the year ahead. Renowned fashion psychologist Dr. Dawnn Karen, Professor at FIT, conducted a study on the power of red, surveying 115 people who were viewed differently based on their backgrounds and where on their body (or in their outfit) they wore the shade. While Dr. Karen didn’t incorporate underwear specifically, she found the effect of red to be astounding, significantly impacting how passersby interpret someone’s levels of promiscuity and attractiveness.

When asked about applying her findings to popular Valentine’s Day lingerie colors — including red, pink, black, and white — Dr. Karen calls it a twofold street. “Wearing your underwear as an individual can have the same effects generating self-love as it can generating outwards love towards another,” she tells POPSUGAR. Since choosing your bra, briefs, or bodysuit is a personal decision, we asked Dr. Karen to weigh in on the meaning behind all four hues so you can determine your mindset while selecting your underthings on Feb. 14, whether you wish to send a message to yourself or to a partner.

To put it simply, red is the most stimulating and seductive choice, pink is a reflection of kindness, black errs on the side of mystery, and white symbolizes purity in your relationships. But Dr. Karen breaks it down even further, unpacking the rationale behind carefully curating your intimates for the hallmark holiday. Ahead, we’ve applied her outlook to a shopping roundup of lingerie sets, arranged by color. Whether you’re seeking a sporty boy short and bralette combination, a delicate lace teddy, a strappy garter and tights, or a whimsical, floor-length nightgown, there’s sure to be a silhouette that speaks to both your intention and plans this Valentine’s Day.

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Sarah Wasilak

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February 2, 2024
Le Creuset’s Pretty, Heart-Shaped Salt and Pepper Shakers Make a Lovely Gift for a Home Cook or Yourself

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We’re obsessed!
READ MORE…

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Morgan Pryor

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February 2, 2024
This singles event lets friends use PowerPoint presentions to ‘pitch’ their single friends

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ByAmanda Brady

Friday, February 2, 2024 6:13PM

Got a single friend? Got 5 mins of evidence why they are a catch? Well, Pitch-a-friend will help you be the ultimate wingperson.Philly Pitch-a-Friend is curating events for people to create PowerPoint presentations to let other singles know why they should date thier friend.

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PHILADELPHIA — Got a single friend?

Philly Friend Pitch is looking to change that with its curated Pitch-a-Friend events held in breweries around Philadelphia.

Creators Melissa Schipke and Ariana Brogan got the idea from TikTok and brought the idea to their local watering hole, Punch Buggy Brewery.

The concept is simple: People ‘pitch’ their friend to other singles as a unique way to find them a date.

Each presenter has 3-5 minutes to present a PowerPoint presentation explaining why they should date their friend.

For more information about upcoming events check out the Pitch-a-Friend website.

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CCG

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February 2, 2024
Cheesecake Filled Strawberries – Simply Scratch

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These Cheesecake Filled Strawberries are a simple sweet treat that everyone will love! Strawberries are hollowed out and filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs. Yields 16 to 18 strawberries.

When given the option, I’ll choose cheesecake every time. That’s not completely true, it’s cheesecake or something lemon. I love the smooth texture, simple vanilla flavor and graham cracker crust.

These filled strawberries have all that.

Hollowed out strawberries are filled with a homemade vanilla cheesecake filling and are sprinkled with brown butter graham cracker crumbs. They’re pretty simple to make and are light yet decadent at the same time.

To Make These Cheesecake Filled Strawberries You Will Need:

strawberries – Use medium to large size strawberries.

graham crackers – I used a 2 ounce package. I had some leftovers but plan to use them for something else.

sugar – Lends sweetness to the graham cracker crumbs.

cinnamon (ground) – Lends a distinct warm and woodsy flavor.

nutmeg (ground) – Warm, aromatic with subtle hints of clove.

butter (salted) – Quickly browned in a skillet for subtle nutty flavor.

heavy cream – Helps thin the cheesecake filling.

pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances all of the other flavors in this recipe.

cream cheese (softened) – Set out 1 hour ahead of making. Otherwise follow package directions for softening.

powdered sugar – Lends sweetness to the cheesecake filling.

Prep the Strawberries:

Hollow out 16 to 18 medium to large strawberries and set aside.

Make The Graham Cracker Crumbs:

In the bowl of a mini food processor, break up 2 ounces graham crackers. Secure the lid and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Transfer them to a bowl and add in 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon each ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Whisk to combine.

Meanwhile melt butter in a small skillet over medium to medium-low heat, stirring often until fragrant and golden brown.

Remove iff of the heat and add in the graham cracker crumbs and stir to combine.

Make The Cheesecake Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, measure and add 1 tablespoon heavy cream, 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 8 ounces (softened) cream cheese and 1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar.

Blend until smooth. Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag or resealable bag.

You can use a bag with a piping tip, however just snipping the corner of the bag is fine too.

Grab a hollowed out strawberry.

Fill with cheesecake filling. I fill them all up and then go back and add more if needed.

Lastly, sprinkle on the brown butter graham cracker crumbs.

That’s it my friends! These are SO easy and taste incredible!

Make In Advance:

Hollow out the strawberries and fill with cheesecake filling. Make crumb mixture and save it to sprinkle right before serving.

Enjoy! And if you give this Cheesecake Filled Strawberries recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

Yield: 16 servings

Cheesecake Filled Strawberries

These Cheesecake Filled Strawberries are a simple sweet treat that everyone will love! Strawberries are hollowed out and filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs. Yields 16 to 18 strawberries.

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

16 to 18 medium to large strawberries, washed and patted dry

2 ounces graham crackers

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon salted butter

1 tablespoon heavy cream

1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Hollow out the strawberries and set aside.

In the bowl of a mini food processor, break up the graham crackers. Secure the lid and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Transfer them to a bowl and add in sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir to combine.

Meanwhile melt butter in a small skillet over medium to medium-low heat, stirring often until fragrant and golden brown. Remove iff of the heat and add in the graham cracker crumbs and stir to combine.

In a large mixing bowl, measure and add heavy cream, vanilla, (softened) cream cheese and sift in the powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer and blend until smooth. Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag or resealable bag.You can use a bag with a piping tip, however just snipping the corner of the bag is fine too.

Fill each hollowed strawberry with cheesecake filling. I fill them all up and then go back and add more if needed.

Lastly, sprinkle on the brown butter graham cracker crumbs.

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Serving: 1strawberry, Calories: 86kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 74mg, Potassium: 28mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 226IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Author: Laurie McNamara

Course: Desserts & Sweet Treats

Cuisine: American

This post may contain affiliate links.

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Laurie McNamara

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February 1, 2024
No Eggs, All Love: Eggless Valentine’s Day Treats

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By: Oriana Romero / Published: February 1, 2024 / Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with your significant other or your friends or indulging in some self-love, we’ve got the perfect roundup of delicious treats that even those with egg allergies can enjoy!

💕 Whisking Up Love in Every Bite 💕

Creating these eggless Valentine’s Day treats isn’t just about delicious desserts; it’s about making your loved ones feel cherished and extra special.

Imagine the smiles and joy that will light up your loved one’s face as they indulge in these scrumptious treats made with care. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the effort, the creativity, and the personal touch that transforms these recipes into heartfelt gestures. Each eggless dessert becomes a sweet representation of your love and consideration, turning a simple treat into a symbol of affection.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the aroma of love-filled, eggless delights fill your kitchen as you create memorable moments and delicious experiences for your special someone this Valentine’s Day. After all, nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade, allergy-friendly treat made with pure devotion.

Here are my favorite Eggless Valentine’s Day Treats!

Eggless Red Velvet Delights

Let’s kick things off with a classic – Red Velvet!

More Eggless Valentine’s Day Treats

But wait, there’s more! Check out these eggless wonders that are also perfect to celebrate love.

Exclusive Baking Club Treats

And for those of you in the exclusive baking club, we’ve got some top-secret, members-only recipes that will make your Valentine’s Day extra special:

So there you have it, a Valentine’s Day treat extravaganza that won’t let egg allergies cramp your style. Share the love, share the treats, and enjoy a sweet and eggless celebration! 🎂💕

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Oriana Romero

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February 1, 2024

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