Not jewelry, not video game systems, not $100 sweatpants or $200 boots. The most valuable gift to give is time, since it is a resource that can’t be renewed.
Rather than giving a box of chocolates, set aside time to make Marvelous Chocolate Truffles from Betty Crocker.
Kids can assist by measuring, dropping the mixture in teaspoons, forming balls, and adding nuts and sprinkles.
These truffles will make great gifts, and kids can decorate boxes and make cards for special Valentines (photos of you making the truffles make excellent art for cards). Be sure to enjoy a few together.
Marvelous Chocolate Truffles
Indulge in decadent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.
Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 1 hour 15 min
Makes: 15 candies
6 ounces semisweet baking chocolate or white baking bars (white chocolate), chopped
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
¼ cup whipping (heavy) cream
1 tablespoon shortening
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet or milk chocolate chips or white baking chips
Finely chopped nuts or candy decorations, if desired
1. Cover cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Melt baking chocolate in heavy 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted; stir in whipping cream. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, just until thick enough to hold a shape.
2. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Shape into balls. (If mixture is too sticky, refrigerate until firm enough to shape.) Freeze 30 minutes.
3. Heat shortening and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat. Dip truffles, one at a time, into chocolate. Place on aluminum foil-covered cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle some of the truffles with finely chopped nuts or decorating candies.
4. Refrigerate truffles about 10 minutes or until coating is set. Drizzle some of the truffles with mixture of 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon milk. Refrigerate just until set. Serve at room temperature. Store in airtight container.
Will you be giving gifts from the kitchen this Valentine’s Day? Tell us about it.