February…..
The month in Canada that usually heralds the last, cold blast of winter. On the plus side, February is also the month of ♥ and Valentine’s Day! And what better way to celebrate than to make some oh so easy, homemade chocolates for you and those you love.
I have quite a collection of chocolate heart boxes from over the years. Some so beautifully decorated, they are like works of art. I find it hard to discard/recycle these. So much better to fill them up again, with yummy chocolates from the kitchen. 😉
The following is a recipe from my cookbook: Not Just for Vegetarians that was also featured in my craft book: A Year of Crafts, years ago as a Valentine’s project. They are very easy to make but still decadent and delish.
Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Clusters
vegetable oil cooking spray
60 whole shelled hazelnuts
6- 1 oz. squares or 6 oz.( in total ) semi-sweet dark chocolate (try to get organic, it is so worth it)
1 Tbs. unsalted butter
Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Arrange hazelnuts in clusters of 4, spacing evenly on the cookie sheet, allowing at least 1″ between each cluster.
Melt the chocolate and butter over very low heat, using a double boiler, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Drizzle melted chocolate over each nut cluster, coating each one completely.
Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
Place clusters in foil/paper candy cups or individually wrap in foil. Store in the refrigerator.
Makes 15 large clusters. Just right to fill a medium-sized Valentine’s box! :<)
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Photo courtesy of Flickr
Recipe from: Not Just for Vegetarians, Delicious, Homestyle Cooking the Meatless Way by Geraldine Hartman. All rights reserved.
VEGGIES, YARNS & TAILS 
oh my gosh totally forgot about tomorrow, I was just thinking of my Dr’s appt on Friday the 15th and wondering what I’ll say to him how weird that I skipped over Valentine’s day…
oh and what a romantic image, Happy Valentine’s day to you and Joe and Mr. Ched of course lol
These chocolates are better than any store bought ones and easy to make too. Nice to give to someone special. Like you.
smiles..happy valentines day geraldine…whether chocolates or not i hope you are surrounded by love today…smiles.
Hi Lorraine, And lots of hugs back to you my dear! 🙂
Hi Joe, We’ve got to make some more of these soon, don’t we? Yummmm…And you’re special too JJ.
Hi Brian, And back to you friend. Love…what it’s all about. What makes everything else worthwhile. I’m feeling the love right now. 😉
Happy Valentine’s Day, G
Sounds like a keeper recipe….am going to have to make some .
Jen