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Handmade paper Valentines were being exchanged in various parts of Europe in the early to mid-15th century, and were generally hand delivered. By the mid-1800s, because of advances in printing, mechanization, and a reduction in postal rates, more and more people began sending cards.

Why not make this Valentine’s Day more meaningful by making the card and gift yourself that you give to your sweetheart. Here are two simple recipes you could easily make.

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Try these simple, yet elegant chocolate covered cherries.

Ingredients:

20 oz. maraschino cherries with stems

12 oz. semi-sweet brown or white chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Drain cherries well; place on paper towels to finish absorbing liquid.
2. Melt chocolate according to package directions; keep warm.
3. Holding each cherry by the stem, dip one by one into melted chocolate, swirling to coat completely.
4. Place each cherry on wax paper-lined baking sheet.
5. Let stand at room temperature (or refrigerate), 30 minutes to set.
6. Store in refrigerator up to 2 days.

Yields: Approximately 4 dozen cherries.

Chocolate Kiss

This is a fun treat to make for Valentine’s Day, and you can personalize it by what you write on the white paper strip sealed inside the foil wrapper.

Ingredients:

chocolate

round funnel

coffee mug

double boiler or microwave and microwave-safe bowl

nonstick cooking spray

white paper strip to write a message on

foil

Directions:

1. In double boiler or microwave, melt chocolate, watching carefully and stirring occasionally.
2. Put some tinfoil over the small end of the funnel, closing it off.
3. Spray a little nonstick spray into the funnel.
4. Place the funnel into the coffee mug to hold it upright.
5. Pour the melted chocolate in, and put into the freezer for 45 minutes to harden.
6. Take a strip of white paper and write your Valentine message on it.
7. Remove the “kiss” from the funnel, and wrap it in tinfoil, tucking the message in it near the point.
8. Leave some of the white paper strip sticking out.

These and many other Valentine recipes are found in Valentine Delights Cookbook, A Collection of Valentine Recipes by Karen Jean Matsko Hood.  To order your copy today, Click Here!