By Laura Davis —
Valentine’s Day is just a week away. For me, it’s never been a big romantic holiday. Sure, just like any gal, I enjoy pretty red roses and rich, indulgent chocolates. However, I honestly look forward to checking off the names on the class valentine’s lists with my little ones, and making sweet treats to share with them all.
Growing up, my family always had a Valentine’s box. It was a banker’s box (or something similar) with a slot cut on the top. My mom covered it in a wrapping paper that we then embellished with hearts and decorations. It usually came out the first week in February and the whole family added treats for everyone.
On Valentine’s Day we all opened it together and enjoyed our goodies. I’ve carried this tradition on to my boys and they always really look forward to it. I love it being a family-friendly holiday, and it seems like they do too. I opt to stay home and make a heart-shaped meatloaf, another Valentine tradition I’ve carried on from my mom.
If you’re looking for something special to share with the sweet friends in your life, look no further than these fun marshmallow heart pops. They’re easy, not too much of a mess, and wrapped in a plastic sleeve (usually available in the baking aisle in the craft department) and tied with a pretty piece of twine or ribbon – they make such a memorable little gift.
Look for marshmallow shaped hearts in the holiday section of the store, but if you can’t find them regular marshmallows would work in a pinch.
Happy Valentine’s Day, ESVA!
Recipe –
2 packages marshmallow hearts
1 cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or semi-sweet chips)
2 teaspoons vegetable shortening
lollipop sticks
colored Valentine sprinkles
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or wax paper, set aside.
Place chocolate and shortening in a glass bowl, and place over a bowl of simmering water to create a double boiler. Carefully stir until chocolate has completely melted
Place each Peep heart on a lollipop stick, and carefully dip half of the heart into the chocolate mixture. Let excess chocolate drip off, and place on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with 4 or 5 lollipops, then apply the sprinkles and let cool and chocolate harden
Repeat process with remaining lollipops
Peep lollipops fit perfectly in standard size lollipop bags, if giving as gifts. The bags can be found in the cake decorating section of most grocery stores. Tie closed with a pretty ribbon or baker’s twine.
Laura Davis is a food writer/photographer based on Chincoteague Island. Her work has been featured in publications such as Chesapeake Bay Magazine, Taste of Home, and Savor Virginia. She blogs about food, drinks, and new recipes at tideandthyme.com.
