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Fun Valentine's Day Desserts

30-Jan-2008 by shantihhh

Modern Chocolate Desserts

You don't need to be a chef-in-training to create a spectacular dessert that will have your sweetheart smiling until next Valentine's Day. You can make a truly decadent creation by following this simple chocolate dessert recipe. I like to use the large stem berries as they look spectacular and have a built in handle.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

INGREDIENTS

6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon shortening
36 large strawberries, washed and dried

PREPARATION

Line baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. In 1/2-quart saucepan on MELT on Wolf electric or induction cooktop, place bittersweet chocolate. Heat about 12 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted, stirring occasionally. Dip strawberries halfway into chocolate and place on waxed paper. Chill in Sub-Zero refrigerator about 30 minutes, or until chocolate is set. In 1/2-quart saucepan on MELT, place white chocolate and shortening. Melt until smooth. Drizzle white chocolate over dark chocolate-covered strawberries. Chill about 30 minutes or until set. Strawberries can be refrigerated up to 6 hours.

Makes 3 dozen strawberries.

Chocolate Truffles

INGREDIENTS

1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup butter
1/3 cups water
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon flavored liqueur (raspberry, orange, mint, kirsch, or Grand Marnier)
¾ cup cocoa

*optional add a little chile powder for some fun heat

PREPARATION

Pour water in the basin of a bain de marie . Heat to 140ºF (60°C), covered with lid. In the porcelaine part, place chocolate chips, butter, water and liqueur. Place over water.

Heat about 10 minutes or until chocolate and butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Remove the porcelaine container of the bain de marie and gently whisk in egg yolk until just combined. Place pan in refrigerator for 1 hour or until firm. (Do not refrigerate overnight.)

When chilled, scoop chocolate by tablespoon and roll each into a ball. Roll balls into cocoa, chopped nuts, chcolate sprinkles, etc as you desire. Place balls on waxed paper lined baking sheet.

Repeat until all mixture is used.

Refrigerate until firm.

Store in refrigerator.

Alternate method: In 2-quart saucepan onlow, place chips, butter and water. Heat about 20 minutes or until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Gently whisk egg yolk and liqueur into mixture. Place pan in refrigerator for 1 hour. (Do not refrigerate overnight.) Continue as above.

Makes 3 dozen balls.

Example of a Bain de Marie

Comments

Comments: 4 | Add a Comment

Ganesh Dutta says :

Thanks for providing us delicious choices for Valentine's Day! Really a great efforts!

Posted on: 30 January 2008 - 2:32pm

Snigdha says :

Great recipes for a chocolaty valentines day.

Posted on: 30 January 2008 - 5:30pm

info says :

When I made chocolate covered strawberries, the chocolate did not stay on the strawberry completely. The chocolate just slide onto the tray. Am i doing something wrong? I even put the strawberries in the fridge, and that didn't really help.

Posted on: 19 February 2008 - 11:39am

Snigdha says :

Hi info, You need to make sure to melt the chocolate in a double broiler and not in a saucepan over direct heat. Heating chocolate directly separates its molecules. The best way you could probably do it is by bringing water to a rolling boil in a deep vessel and placing a glass bowl that fits perfectly over the deep vessel and melting chocolate in the glass vessel. Owing to the heat from underneath the chocolate melts beautifully. It is also important that you dip half the strawberry and holding it sideways/horizontally immediately place it on a waxed paper. Refrigerating it for at least 30-45 minutes will ensure that the chocolate sticks well/firmly to the strawberries.

Posted on: 19 February 2008 - 12:49pm