If you need a little nudge to bring some romance back into your life, then Valentine's Day is here as a reminder. It's a time to celebrate the loved ones in your life or, if you're feeling daring, to reach out to someone you've fancied from afar.
Some may prefer an invitation to an elaborate restaurant dinner, but I think something home-made reflects a generosity of time and thoughtfulness. This white rocky road is an easy chocolate treat to whip up and give as a romantic gift. Traditionally, marshmallows make up the bulk of this slice and I have added hazelnuts, which give a feeling of indulgence and add a wonderful crunch.
Mix in other favourite dried fruits and nuts, but don't overdo it. Simple is best.
After living in America for a year as an exchange student, my cousin came home with a recipe for peanut butter balls. As teenagers we thought they were so cool.
I will never forget the mess we made in the kitchen as we rolled, dipped and ate them as fast as we could.
She used chunky peanut butter, to which we added icing sugar, before rolling and freezing. Here I have used home-made peanut butter - it's less sweet and has an easier texture to work with. The finishing touch? Dipping them into dark chocolate. True decadence.
If you are looking for a dessert to impress your Valentine, try making your own churros - soft choux pastry, deep-fried and rolled in cinnamon before being dipped into warm chocolate sauce. What could be more romantic? Churros are eaten for breakfast in Spain, so these could be a decadent way to start the day.
Don't feel the churros all need to be a perfect shape. There is no rule about their size - long and twisted is fun. You can prepare the churros ahead of time and freeze, ready to drop straight into your deep fryer just before serving, or pipe the mix straight into the oil. Use a deep frying pan if you don't have a fryer, and turn the churros half-way through to ensure even cooking. This is a finger-licking fun dessert.
Recipes:
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