Valentine Treats-Chocolate-Laced Waffle Cones

Since Valentine’s Day is coming up, and I have 3 children, I am always trying to come up with something clever and sweet. Their school has Valentine class parties, and I have an easy idea that is sure to be a hit. Start with a large waffle cone that can be found in any grocery store and simply coat it in chocolate. Fill with your favorite candy for a colorful, fun presentation. These can be made up to 5 days ahead stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also fill these with your favorite ice cream topped with Valentine candy.

 

Chocolate-Laced Waffle Cones

For a simpler version of the chocolate mixture, use 1 (7-ounce) container microwavable Baker’s Dipping Chocolate.

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 2 minutes

Yield: 8 cones

Ingredients

6 to 8 large waffle cones

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet morsels

1 tablespoon milk

Milk chocolate pieces, solid white chocolate and milk chocolate pieces (kisses and hugs), candy hearts, chocolate hearts

Preparation

1. Place waffle cone, pointed end up on a baking sheet covered with wax paper. Combine chocolate and milk in top of  stove in a double boiler; bring water to a boil; reduce heat to low; cook until chocolate is melted, stirring frequently. (You can also microwave chocolate and milk in a microwave-safe dish 1 minute on HIGH or until melted.)

2. Slowly spoon chocolate over cone coating evenly. Let stand 20 minutes or until chocolate is set. Repeat with remaining cones. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, fill cones with your favorite Valentine Candy.

Easy Christmas Gift Ideas-Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

We love hot chocolate at my house! My kids consider it a real treat when I say, “Who wants hot chocolate?” They love it in the morning, after school, and sometimes, instead of dessert, after dinner. And my non-coffee friends will stop at Starbucks for hot chocolate as fast as I will get my latte (and for those who know me, that’s a lot). So, I thought what would be a simpler and better holiday gift than the gift of hot chocolate? This recipe is a breeze and tastes great. Feel free to give a large 1-quart container or several small 4-ounce jars. Whichever you choose, I know you and your friends will love this recipe. The only thing that is missing is the milk.

 

Hot Chocolate Mix

Prep: 5 minutes

Ingredients

13/4 cups powdered sugar

11/2 cups nonfat dry milk

11/4 cups unsweetened cocoa (I used Hershey’s)

4 cups miniature marshmallows

Preparation

1. Stir together all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Place in a large or small airtight jars and store at room temperature.

Gift Card Enclosure and instructions: Stir 1/2 cup  Hot Chocolate Mix into 1 cup warm milk, stirring well. Serve immediately.