Many people are often overwhelmed with what to do on Valentine’s Day. If you can’t afford to go out to a fancy restaurant, you may feel that there is no other choice for you. However, there are plenty of easy Valentine’s Day recipes that will let you show your sweetie that you care. Whether you want to just make a goodie to impress or are brave enough to cook an entire meal there are plenty of ideas for even the novice cook. Best of all these recipes can all be made ahead of time, with easy to find ingredients that will leave you stress free and ready to enjoy Valentine’s Day with that someone special. Here are some easy Valentine’s Day recipes-
- Easy Oreo Truffles-These delicious truffles would make a great gift on Valentine’s Day or make a spectacular dessert, to a Valentine’s Day dinner. The recipes yields about 3 -1/2 dozen.
Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 (8 ounce) package semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
Directions: Begin by crushing 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a re-sealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.
- Cranberry Sweetheart Scones-There is no reason to limit your Valentine’s Day cooking to only dinner or dessert. Why not let your sweetie feel your love with the delivery of these delicious scones, in bed? Be sure to add jam, flavored butters or cream cheese, to top the scones off. The recipe yields about 8 scones.
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tbsp butter
1 tsp. orange zest
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
Directions: Combine the 4 four ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Blend in the butter with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the zest and cranberries. In another bowl, beat the eggs well and then stir the milk into them. Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture and pour the wet ingredients into it. Stir just until blended. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead a few times. Pat the dough to a 1-inch thickness. Use a butter knife to cut heart shapes. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Heart Shaped Pizza-No matter if you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with the family, or just the two of you, this heart shaped pizza will be the best Valentine anyone has ever eaten. Remember that toppings and sauce can be varied endlessly to suit every taste. This recipe is for 2 12-inch pizzas.
Ingredients:
Pizza Dough-You can make your own, buy at the store, or from your favorite pizzeria.
Olive oil for coating or cornmeal for dusting
1 cup homemade or store-bought tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups grated Muenster cheese
Directions: Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Punch down the risen dough, knead it a few times to remove all the air, and divide it in two. On a lightly floured work surface, use a rolling pin to roll one portion into a 12-inch round and then shape into a heart. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the crust–not too much, or else your pizza will become soggy. (If you don’t have time for homemade, spruce up a 14-ounce jar of store-bought by adding 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 1/2 tbsp. of dry red wine and 1/2 tsp. of dried oregano.) Top your pizza with half of the mozzarella and Muenster cheeses and garnish with the toppings of your choice. Bake 12 to 15 minutes; subtract a few minutes if you’re using a pizza stone. When done, the crust will be golden underneath.
