I guess I'm getting into the mood... Even though I don't craft pretty Valentines, nor can I eat chocolate any more. But, an email from 'Mary Engelbreit Home Companion" this morning, got me in the mood. :-)With recipes, and a 'Did you know?' about Valentine's Day Insights. Here's one, of the latter...
The use of the letter "X" to signify a kiss when signing a card or note is rooted in historical fact. In the Middle Ages, people who could not write would sign documents with an X to show sincerity.
And here is the recipe for her Valentine Cookie Pops....
Store-bought cookies dipped in microwave-melted chocolate, create the canvas for Valentine sentiments. If you can’t find popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks, you can break thin wooden skewers in half.
Ingredients:
Makes one dozen pops
2 dozen gingersnaps or vanilla wafers
8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
8 oz. white chocolate chips
1 jar peanut butter
1 jar ready-made chocolate frosting (optional)
Red, white and pink cake-writing gel tubes
Red food coloring
Decorative colored sugars or sprinkles (optional)
1 dozen popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks
1. Spread peanut butter or chocolate frosting on the flat side of each cookie. Push the top of a lollipop stick into the frosting on 12 of the cookies and top with the rest of the cookies to make 12 sandwich cookie pops.
2. Put the semisweet chocolate chips into a small microwave-safe bowl or mug. Divide the white chocolate chips between two other small bowls. Microwave all on high for 1-1/2 minutes. Stir. If not fully melted, continue in 15-second increments until melted. Add a couple of drops of red food coloring to one bowl of melted white chocolate to make it pink.
3. Cover several paper plates with waxed paper. One by one, dip each cookie pop into your choice of coating; then dip edges in colored sugar if desired. Place pops on waxed paper and chill until coating hardens.
4. Write or draw Valentine messages or pictures on the hardened chocolate surface. Chill to set.
.
