Show your loved ones that you care this Valentine’s Day with sweet and scrumptious homemade treats. From homemade chocolate truffles to heart-shaped cookies, there will always be something intangible and special about receiving a handmade gift. Your loved ones will feel spoiled with each savory and sweet bite.
Many local chocolate shops offer chocolate truffle making classes, mold classes, or other basic chocolate workshops. Even beginners can come out with beautiful truffles fresh from the kitchen. The advantage of making truffles in a shop setting is the wide variety of filling flavors they have onsite. You can pick and choose from flavored oils, fruit compotes, and exotic liquors as you mix your own fillings-without buying all the ingredients yourself. With so many options at your fingertips, the sky is the limit. Make a lime-chili-tequila truffle and decorate it with mardi-gras green and orange sparkles. Try mixing lavender and amaretto with white chocolate. Or create classic flavors like champagne or chocolate hazelnut topped with a little red heart. For something really special, bring in your own favorite cookie or a hard-to-find liquor you know your loved one likes. Homemade truffles let you mix the flavors to your own taste and create something truly unique. Put finished truffles in a small box or bag, and tie with a red ribbon.
Truffle-making classes are a wonderful to experience as a couple. Instead of giving your partner a box of goodies, you could give them a gift certificate for a class. The two of you could plan a date to make truffles together, bringing you closer together in the process.
If truffles aren’t your cup of tea, any homemade sweet treat can be transformed into a lovely Valentine’s Day gift. Heart-shaped sugar cookies are simple to make, and can be fun to decorate with kids. I have yet to meet someone that doesn’t melt when biting into a buttery, classic sugar cookie.
Homemade fudge, heart-shaped cakes, or cupcakes are other beautiful gift ideas. Decorate with red sprinkles, red-hot hearts, or make your own homemade cream cheese frosting and top with fresh strawberries. For a healthier option, choose fresh whipped cream and skip the sugar.
With a little creativity, you can show them you really love them with a personal and homemade treat.