Saturday, February 12, 2011

Treat your valentine

Hot chocolate is a divine pleasure (and so simple to prepare). 

- For two servings, finely chop 3 ounces of your favorite bittersweet chocolate. I prefer a bar with 72 percent cacao. 
- Put it in a sauce pan with 1 1/2 cups of whole milk. 
- Bring to a simmer, whisking continuously until chocolate melts. 
- Turn off the heat. 
- Stir in sugar to taste and a splash of your favorite extract, such as vanilla, peppermint, or almond. 
- Serve.

Fine Cooking's recipe for pasta with tuna, lemon, and fried capers pairs well with a decadent dessert. I replaced the fettucine with heart-shaped pasta from Italy.  http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/fettucine-tuna-lemon-fried-capers.aspx.

For a unique twist, flavor buttercream frosting with a touch of rose water rather than vanilla and pipe a dozen roses.