Let's face it, Valentine's Day should include chocolate and lots of it. Forget the calories and make these fun hot chocolate heart stirrers to plonk in hot milk. The chocolate melts away from the spoon to make a delicious rich drink. Or pack the stirrers into pairs as a cute gift. If you don't have any chocolate moulds, it's OK to use an ice cube tray. I used a heart tray purchased from Ikea and you will need a digital thermometer to temper the chocolate. Believe me, it's worth the effort

Hot Chocolate Heart Stirrers

500 g (18 oz) dark chocolate buttons (couverture chocolate is best)
mould or ice cube tray
wooden spoons or tea spoons

Place approximately 60% of the chocolate in a stainless steel bowl. In a small saucepan fill with water to about one quarter full and heat until just boiling. Cover saucepan with bowl, melt chocolate slowly and stir with spatula. When the temperature reaches 45oC (113oF) take off heat, stir and add more chocolate buttons until temperature reduces to 35oC (95oF). Stop adding chocolate but keep stirring until temperature reduces to 30oC (86oF)

Fill a piping bag with the tempered chocolate and pipe or spoon mixture into mould. Place in refrigerator and set for a few minutes. When choclate has nearly set insert spoon and return to fridge

       
  
  

I'd realised that over the years I've built up a little collection of Valentine's Day diy and recipes. Here's a look back over the years at a few projects. I also have a compilation of this and more available in pdf format in my Go Make Me shop on Etsy:

From left to right: Heart stamp card, Printable 'For My Sweetheart' printable pillow box, Cupcake Paper flowers, Watermelon Granita, Cambord Champagne Cocktail, Raspberry Coulis Hearts, White Chocolate Heart cups, Raspberry Mocha Ganache Tarts

Bring on Valentine's Day. We all need a chocolate fix and a glass of champagne with a sprinkling of love on the side.  To make the card, use small stamps in the shape of a heart or X and O. Use various inks with shades of red through to pink. Cut out a heart template and stamp away. I hope the pics speak for themselves. Have fun! (wow, what a slack post. More words next time, I promise)

Our little family headed off to Bathers' Pavilion restaurant for a belated sweet Valentine's treat. Oh, how I love treats!

What's on the plate? Top: Rhubarb and apple trifle, rhubarb jelly, apple custard and almond sponge. Middle: Coconut cake, dark chocolate mousse, cherry compote, cherry ripple ice cream. Bottom: Mixed berry summer pudding, strawberry sauce and chantilly cream. Mmmm, it tasted as good as it looked

Now off for a walk to loose my love handles