"Sweet" Valentine's Treats

This past Saturday, February 9th, nine young ladies (9-18yrs) came
to make treats, tags, gift boxes to surprise their family or friends with
a homemade (from the heart) gift for Valentine's. We had a great
time visiting, laughing and creating...each young lady did an amazing
job...to the delight of all the recipients I'm sure. I wanted to share
a couple of the recipes with you, in case the urge to create
a "Sweet" Valentines treat hits you. Remember the best gifts
in life are homemade and from the heart. Enjoy!!!

Heart Cookies
(Hendtinky - Bohemian Harvest Cookie)

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter
2 flour
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Baking powder
Mix by hand and roll out 1/4 inch thick.
Cut into shapes and place on cookie sheets
with parchment paper. Bake at 325,
12-15 minutes, until lightly browned on edges.
This is a delicate cookie similar to shortbread.

Decorate - we dipped the edges in melted
chocolate, white on one side and dark on the other.
Another option: Drizzle with light glaze and
colored sugars or sprinkles.

Glaze - Powdered sugar 1-2 cups, half & half 1-2 Tbsp.
1/2 - 1 tsp. clear vanilla. Mix with fork until
smooth. Change portions according to quantity
needed...thin for glaze, thick for frosting cookies.


Chocolate Truffles Amazing!!!

3 Cups (18 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
(NOT evaporated milk)
1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract

1. In large saucepan, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk
over med. heart. Stir constantly until smooth. Remove from heat;
stir in vanilla. Pour into med-size container, cover and chill 2-3
hours or until firm enough to shape into balls.
2. Shape into small balls (approx. 1-inch); roll in toppings of choice.
Optional toppings - finely chopped toasted nuts (we used pecans),
flaked coconut, chocolate or colored sprinkles, colored sugars,
unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey).
3. Store covered in fridge until serving or wrapping for gifts.
Serve truffles in decorative paper cups. Fancy and delicious!

"Celebrating Love is a Lifelong Adventure!!!"