Winter 2024

RECIPES
chocolate
decadence
By Ann Cipperly
On Valentine’s Day, what better way to express
love than with a decadent homemade chocolate
confection. Whether it is creamy chocolate
truffles, luscious molten cakes, yummy brownies
or chocolate-dipped strawberries, treat someone
special with a scrumptious homemade token of
affection.
Historians believe Valentine’s Day originated
in ancient Rome, and the custom of exchanging
valentines evolved over centuries from several
ancient customs. Valentine’s Day has been linked
to St. Valentine, “Valentinus,” an ancient priest
who was executed for aiding Christians. While in
prison, he became friends with the jailer’s blind
daughter and restored her sight. He wrote a farewell
note to her, signing it “from your Valentine.”
He was executed Feb. 14, 270 A.D.
The custom of giving chocolates on Valentine’s
Day began in 1861 when Richard Cadbury had the
idea of putting his chocolates in heart boxes for
a romantic gift. They were so popular that other
companies began putting their chocolates in
heart-shaped boxes for Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate is still the most popular confection
for the sweetest day of the year. Chocolate truffles
can be expensive to purchase, but the rich, flavorful
morsels are easy to create at home. French chefs
named the rich chocolate candy “truffles” since
the cocoa-coated confection resembles the earthy
mushroom. Commercially made truffles have a
rounded appearance and are generally dipped in
chocolate for a smooth finish.
This Valentine’s Day create a yummy selection
of truffles by rolling them in a variety of coatings.
Have some of the truffles rolled in just cocoa, a few
dipped in melted dark and white chocolate for a
smooth finish and others rolled in finely chopped
nuts or confectioners’ sugar.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are also a welcomed
treat and can be prepared in a few minutes.
If you are in a hurry, you can place the chocolatedipped
strawberries in the refrigerator to set.
You don’t need a pastry bag to decorate the
dipped strawberries. Simply melt white chocolate
(or dark if the strawberries are dipped in white
chocolate) in the microwave. Place in a plastic
bag, cut the end of one corner, and quickly drizzle
over dipped berries. Let the chocolate set before
serving.
For an elegant dessert, serve Chef Scott Simpson’s
Chocolate-Espresso Pots de Crème. Another option
is Pastry Chef Sarah Jones’ Strawberry Mousse in
a Chocolate Shell topped with chocolate curls or
chocolate covered strawberries.
Don’t forget something special for children
and let them help. Pastry Chef Dallas Kee and her
daughter enjoy being in the kitchen making a
quick and easy Mississippi “Mug” Cake.
If you have don’t much time to bake or need an
assortment of chocolate desserts for a Valentine’s
party, attend the annual Taste of Chocolate event
scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 5:30 p.m. until
7 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Trinity Church in
Opelika. Ladies of the Beta Xi Chapter of Alpha
Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority have been making
chocolate desserts for many years. Proceeds go to
their scholarship program for local students.
A Valentine’s dessert party can be fun, and
plenty of décor can be found for decorating the
table, along with flowers. Plan ahead and freeze
some of the desserts to avoid having to spend a lot
of time in the kitchen close to the party.
Make this Valentine’s Day memorable with
a delicious chocolate indulgence for dessert.
Garnish with a red rose or surround the dish with
rose petals for an added touch that says you care.
48 EAST ALABAMA LIVING