Hi Bakers!
After what always feels like the longest month of the year, February is finally upon us. If we learned anything from the busy holiday season it’s that you can never get too ahead of schedule. So before you start planning your Valentine’s Day, consider adding these treats to the menu:
Berry Eton Mess
When I think of Valentine’s Day desserts, two different types of treats come to mind: decadent chocolate recipes or pink, berry-forward recipes. This Berry Eton Mess is more of the latter. Berries are layered with sweetened cream and crispy meringues. If you want something on the lighter side (especially after a big dinner), then this is it.
Before you do, review this visual guide to making French meringue:
Chocolate Cake for Two
Craving chocolate? This mini fudge cake serves just two. I scaled down my classic chocolate cake recipe to make this 6-inch version. Find a vanilla buttercream version and video here.
Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Pie
Can you imagine sinking your fork into that chocolate mouse filling?! It is so so good. The tart raspberries as well as the topping balance out the rich, decadent chocolate. This recipe has a few different components, but it is totally worth the effort.
Read more about this recipe from Pie Queen Erin McDowell and her book, The Book on Pie:
Giant Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies might be the size of your face, but the recipes makes just four perfectly decadent chocolate cookies. I can’t think of a better way to end a Valentine’s Day.
Next Level Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies
Nothing says “I love you” more than a platter of hand-piped sugar cookies. This dessert is a bit of a project, but sticking to just a few colors makes it more manageable. Run out of time to decorate Christmas cookies (like we did)? These edible Valentines would be fun to make as a family or group of friends too.
Get the full tutorial (with decorating videos!) here:
Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are my love language. They are my most favorite dessert. If that is the case for you or a loved one too, then try switching it up with these Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies by Elizabeth Van Lierde. The miso is mild and adds a subtle savory quality - similar to the way desserts usually taste ten-times better with a hint of salt.
Find out more about these cookies and author Elizabeth Van Lierde’s book, Everyday Entertaining, here:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Marble Cookies
Another twist on the the classic CCC? Try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Marble Cookies. They are half peanut butter and half chocolate, with chocolate chips folded in throughout. They are chewy in the center, crisp around the edges, and taste just like eating a peanut butter cup.
Earl Grey Tea Cake
Not everything has to be over-the-top chocolate or pink for Valentine’s Day. Sometimes all you need is a simple tea cake to make the afternoon special. My daughter has come to love tea time after preschool, and a slice of this Earl Grey Tea Cake would be perfect to share with my little Valentine.
Read more about this Earl Grey Tea Cake from Ruth Tam’s book, Baked to Order, here:
Definitely making the berry meringue dessert for this Valentines Day