Friday, January 18, 2013

A Chocolate Dipped Valentine's Day







We love chocolate in this household!  I think we have a special chocolate treat associated with almost every national holiday.  :0) At Christmas time each year, we splurge and buy a box of See's Candies (which we fell in love with when we lived in Southern California).   For Thanksgiving, I love to make some sort of chocolate pie.  Easter, well,  chocolate bunnies or eggs of course!   Valentine's Day is no different, chocolate once again makes a presence, but this time it's chocolate covered strawberries.  


One of my long time struggles has been keeping the dipping chocolate at the right temperature so that it was easy to work with.  A year or so ago my mom shared with me how she puts her melted chocolate bowl inside another bowl with warm water.  That seemed to really help, but I was always afraid I was going to get water in the chocolate.  Then I came across this idea on pinterest. You simply fill your crock pot with warm water and then set your canning jars, which are filled with the chocolate, in them.  The added beauty to it all, is that the water stays warm all day!  So, if you are constantly getting interrupted, your chocolate doesn't get hard.  You can just come back and work on it when you get the chance!

Ok, so a little 4-1-1.  Fill crock pot almost 3/4 full with hot water.  Turn crock pot on high.  Fill your canning jars with unmelted chocolate (I used chocolate chips).  Let sit about 1/2 hour.  Stir the chips.  If they are all melted, turn the crock pot to low, and you are ready to go.


Have some melting chocolate left over?  Using a spatula spread out the chocolate on your wax paper in the shape of a heart.  Or using a zip lock bag, pipe words onto the wax paper to use on other valentine treats!


What else can you dip in chocolate?  We'll I'd probably argue there isn't much that doesn't taste better dipped in chocolate!  Here are a few more great ideas...



Caramels by Inspired Taste




Potato Chips by Sunny Creek Farms




Cherries  by Our Share of the Harvest




Marshmallows by Casa de Lewis




Orange Slices by Megan's Cookin'




Cookie Dough Balls by Eat, Drink, Smile




Pretzels by Mrs. Fox's Sweets




16 comments:

  1. You've provided some great ideas for Valentine's Day sweets, Melissa... thank you! Your chocolate dipped strawberries are so beautiful and the crock pot tip was very helpful. I'll definitely try this when strawberries are back in season :)

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  2. What an adorable Valentines idea!! I'd really love it if you'd come and share it at my link up my link party tomorrow... http://www.whatscookingwithruthie.com! :) xoxo~ Ruthie

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  3. We have the same crock pot. :) The chocolate looks so yummy I kind of want to lick my screen.

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    1. Erin, you never fail to crack me up! :0) Enjoyed reading more of your blog today!

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  4. Love the crock pot tip! Those strawberries look delicious!

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  5. All of these ideas look so yummy! thanks for sharing my pretzels!

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  6. Love all the chocolate dipped treats. I'll have to try the crockpot idea. So handy Thanks for including my Chocolate Dipped Orange Slices!

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  7. I think I need chocolate now! Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Yum! Your strawberries look delicious! I live in Southern California, and I used to work at See's Candies!

    I'm your newest follower via GFC. Please come visit me at My Sesame Seed Buns sometime!

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  9. Thanks so much for linking up to my Show & Tell party today! I hope you'll come back again next week :) xoxo~ Ruthie

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  10. These are fabulous ideas! I have been looking for new Valentine projects and recipes, so I am glad I came across you! I have a new Pinterest Power party and would love to have you share this and any other projects you may have if you have a chance!!

    http://www.thetaylor-house.com/2013/01/17/pinterest-power-party-2.html

    Chrissy

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  11. Those look delicious!!! I'm featuring them in my "Best of" round-up post from this week's link party over at Project Inspire. I hope you'll stop by tomorrow and check it out! :) Thanks so much for linking up this week!!

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  12. Beautiful! I love your tip!! Thanks so much for sharing at One Creative Weekend!

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  13. Amazing look of chocolades My husband and kids going crazy about it. We have daily dose of chocolates. yummy yummy mmm awww very tasty.


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  14. Chocolate dipped treats are a delightful indulgence that never fails to satisfy our sweet tooth. Speaking of satisfying experiences, if you're a student in need of expert assistance, consider reaching out to the best dissertation writing service uk. Their dedicated team of writers.

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