It's been nearly a week since Valentines Day, and some people - especially parents - may find themselves still surrounded by uneaten valentine candy. You can also use your candy as a reason for another special night with a loved one or friends - such as by melting down any plain chocolate into fondue for a romantic dessert or just for an excuse to get together with friends and bond over something sweet. If you don't want your candy lasting through Easter, try using it towards one of these great recipes!
Chocolate Fondue
Have any plain leftover chocolate? Melt it down and have a fondue night with friends!
Ingredients:
- Chocolate (milk, dark, white – whatever you have)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- Bananas
- Marshmallows
- Graham crackers
- Sponge cake
Directions: Combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate has fully melted and it is well mixed. Transfer the mix to a fondue pot or serving bowl, and serve with sliced bananas, marshmallows, cut up sponge cake, and small pieces of graham crackers.
Conversation Heart Rice Crispies
Not sure what to do with all of those conversation hearts? Add them as décor to your rice crispies!
Ingredients:
- 1 package large marshmallows
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
- A handful of conversation hearts (or however much you desire)
- Melted white chocolate
Directions: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the large marshmallows and heat until they melt, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, mix cereal, mini marshmallows, and sprinkles. Pour the melted butter and marshmallows over the dry mix and stir until well combined. Take a 9x13 baking pan and spray it with vegetable oil, then pour the mix into the bowl, pressing it firmly to smooth out any lumps. Press conversation hearts into the rice krispies. Chill for about an hour, then use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes, or slice into squares and enjoy!
Hot Chocolate
DIY doesn’t get easier than this – melt that chocolate into a cup of super chocolatey hot cocoa!
Ingredients:
- Chocolate (milk or dark)
- 1 cup of milk
Directions: Heat up milk in a mug in the microwave for about one to one and a half minutes. Break up pieces of plain chocolate and drop them into the mug and stir until it melts. If it does not melt, heat up the mug for another 30 seconds and stir. Enjoy!
Candy-Stuffed Cookies
Give your sweetie something new to snack on by hiding their candy inside a cookie!
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 eggs
- Rolo candies (or small candy of your choice)
Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, oil, and eggs. Take a spoonful of dough and roll it into a ball. Place a Rolo in the center of the cookie dough, then fold the dough around the candy. Put on an ungreased cookie sheet about two inches apart, and repeat until finished. Bake 8-10 minutes, then cool for one minute and move to a cooling rack.