B 2 qftoeefs for the A Foolproof Way to Win Hearts this Valentine’s Day (fj 1/alenline’s Day is a day set aside to show the special ones in your life just how much you care What better way to show your affection than with homemade indulgent treats So decadent and delicious that your valentines will think your treats are from a premium chocolate shop, and more importantly, your special ones will know just how much they mean to you. Try one of these fun valentine ideas, and treat family, friends and/or coworkers to a special gift from the heart and hands. Treats so easy, even children can create them and be the cupids of their class Whether a heart-shaped brownie or cheesecake bar, decadent truffles, chocolate fondue or cappuccino frost, the object of your affection is sure to be charmed and impressed with these unique, homemade gifts that echo an early 1900 valentine’s sentiment, “My thoughts are all of thee ” Triple Chocolate Valentine Brownies Prep Time 15 minutes Makes 12 (3-mch) hearts 1 1/4 cups unsifted flour, 1 egg divided usage 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking 1/2 cup cold butter powder 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened I (8-ounce) milk chocolate condensed milk bar, broken into chunks (NOT evaporated milk) 3/4 cup chopped nuts 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa (optional) 1 Preheat oven to 350°F Line 13x9-mch baking pan with heavy foil, set aside. 2 In medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour and sugar, cut in butter until crumbly Press on bottom of baking pan. Bake 15 minutes 3 In large bowl, beat sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, egg, remaining 1/4 cup flour, vanilla and baking powder Mix in chocolate chunks and nuts Spread over prepared crust Bake 20 minutes or until set 4 Cool Use foil to lift out of pan For hearts, cut with heart-shaped cookie cutter, or with knife, cut around waxed paper heart shape Or cut into bars Store tightly covered Decorate bars with white icing or gels if desired. Chocolate Truffles Prep Time 10 minutes Makes about 6 dozen truffles 3cups (18 ounces) semi-sweet Finely chopped toasted nuts, chocolate chips flaked coconut, chocolate l(14-ounce) can original or sprinkles, colored sprinkles, creamy chocolate unsweetened cocoa, sweetened condensed milk confectioners’ sugar or (NOT evaporated milk) colored sugars 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 In saucepan, over low heat, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla 2 Chill 2 hours or until firm. Shape into 1-mch balls, roll in any of the listed coatings 3 Chill 1 hour or until firm. Store tightly covered. Marbled Cheesecake Hearts Prep Time: 20 minutes Makes about 12 (3-mch) hearts 2 cups finely crushed l(14-ounce) can sweetened cream- filled chocolate condensed milk sandwich cookies (about (NOT evaporated milk) 24 cookies) 3 eggs 3 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons vanilla extract melted 2 (I-ounce) squares 3(8-ounce) packages cream unsweetened cheese, softened chocolate, melted 1 Preheat oven to 300°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with heavy foil; set aside 2 Combine crumbs and butter; press firmly on bottom of foil-lined pan With mixer, beat cream cheese in large bowl until fluffy Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Pour half the batter evenly over prepared crust. 3 Stir melted chocolate into remaining batter, spoon over vanilla batter With table knife or metal spatula, gently swirl chocolate batter through vanilla batter to marble, 4 Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Cool Chill at least 1 hour. Use foil to lift out of pan For hearts, cut with heart-shaped cookie cutter, or with knife, cut around waxed paper heart shape. Or cut into bars. Store covered in refrigerator. il# Chocolate- Caramel Fondue Prep Time 5 minutes Makes 2 1/2 cups 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk) I (12 1/4-ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping 3 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped Dippers: Cookies, fruit slices, berries, pound cake squares, angel food cake pieces and/or dried apricots 1 In medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, caramel topping and chocolate 2 Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate melts. 3. Pour into serving bowl or individual cups. Serve with desired dippers. _ . (Turn to Pag* B 8) V V') -y I* ' r 1 * * Fun east To create a fun gift box to shdvp|i#youlr homemade treats, simply take any sripftlhfM or container, wrap with decorative jtojpGf or have kids decorate with crayons or stickers. Heart Shapes: To cut bars in a heart shape, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter, or simply cut around a wax paper heart shape with a knife. Dress Up Your Drinks: Top beverages like Cappuccino Frost with whipped topping. For additional delicious recipes visit the Best-Loved Desserts web site atwww.eaglebrand.com Prep Time: 5 minutes Make 5 servings 1 (14-ounce) can original or 2 cups cold water creamy chocolate 1 tablespoon instant coffee sweetened condensed crystals milk (NOT evaporated 1 cup ice cubes milk) 1 In blender container, combine sweetened condensed milk, water and coffee crystals. Add ice cubes. Cover and blend until smooth and frothy Almond Cappuccino Frost: Add 2 tablespoons amaretto or creme d’amande or 1/4 teaspoon almond extract. Proceed as above. Minty Cappuccino Frost: Add 2 tablespoons creme de menthe or 1/4 teaspoon mint extract. Proceed as above. meet ' " \ Cappuccino Frost