food, crochet, merriment
Looking for an easy Valentine?
Try these simple origami envelopes.
Just perfect for that spicy love note…
or a simple “I adore you my dah-ling,” among friends.
They’re pretty wonderful at hiding the coveted gift card…to maybe…ahhh….See’s Chocolates.
Hint hint.
Just a thought…
For the easy directions on folding your own Valentine Envelopes just click here.
Now it’s your responsibility to fill it with something fabulous.
Go forth.
Make us proud.
If your sweetheart is a Krispy Treat fan–they’re going to love these triple-decker Valentine hearts.
The bottom layer is chocolatey Coco Krispies with a chocolate chip “boost.” The middle layer is regular Krispie Treats and the top is a Strawberry jam treat concoction. Add them all up and you’ll find the only thing missing is a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you have a heart cupcake pan–these would make a wonderful classroom treat too.
Soooo yummy!
1 package (10 ounces) large marshmallows, divided
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 cups chocolate-flavored crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
4 cups crisp rice cereal, divided
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
In a large saucepan, combine a third of the marshmallows (about 2 cups) and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until melted. Remove from the heat; stir in chocolate-flavored cereal and chocolate chips. Press into a greased 11-in. x 7-in. dish.
In a large saucepan, combine a third of the marshmallows and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until melted. Remove from the heat; stir in 2 cups rice cereal. Press into dish over chocolate layer.
In a large saucepan, combine remaining marshmallows and butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until melted. Remove from the heat; stir in preserves and food coloring if desired. Stir in remaining cereal. Press into the dish. Cool. Cut into bars. Yield: 1 dozen.
That one chick #4
When I was a kid we were in a cub scout Indian Village program out in some field somewhere–and because my mom was the Den Queen we all got to be involved. I don’t remember too much about it except that my brother was chosen to do some fancy dance wearing an eagle’s head (relax- it was fake) and big old wings. He looked really great. I didn’t understand why I was suppose to sit with the other girls and just do nothing–while the guys got to dance around and play the drums and screech like wild things. My mom said it was because we weren’t cub scouts and that we were suppose to be the lovely scenery in the background. I wasn’t satisfied with that answer and had to keep being told to “go sit back down.”
Finally, I must have gotten in my brother’s space because he turned to me and said, “You can’t be by us because you are NOT a brave. You are just a SQUAW and squaws just sit!”
I remember being positively crushed. The way I interpreted what he said was that because I wasn’t brave, I had to just sit down. Being the baby of the family had pointed out many times to me that in fact, I wasn’t particularly brave.
I couldn’t really argue with the facts, so I went back to the teepee…
and sat down.
Oh yes. It was a sad day in the wigwam.
I’m over it.
Not any braver, but over it.
Do you love our little Taffy Valentine?
Alas, Chompy was more interested in staring at it than wearing it.
That is, until she figured out what it was.
Do you feel it coming?
Yeeah…we’ll be re-doing a couple of these ones.
You really shouldn’t give away nibbled on Valentines.
Ok, that’s it. This one’s all her’s.
Happy Valentine’s Day EARLYÂ little Chompy.
Simple to make and pretty darn quick too. Start with Valentine taffy or other red and pink twisted end candy.
Cut some curly ribbon or cotton thread pieces about 6 or 7 inches long.
Lay out the candy on a flat surface.
Scoot two candies close together and tie them together at the twists.
You can tie knots or bows….I like bows because they are entirely more girly and Valentine-ish.
You know it’s true.
Keep going until you have enough to go around your neck…or someone you love’s neck…or like a lot’s neck–then connect them together. I’m pretty sure I didn’t need to tell you that last part.
Just wanted to be sure…you know…that you got it.
You’re done baby!
These little lovelies remind me of those fabulous Devil’s Food cookies that my mama used to buy and….
hide from us. What?! Too good to share with the kids? Aparently so.
Well fine then.
I’ll make my own.
Ooooh baby.
Do brace yourself.
I triple-dog-dare you to make these incredible little devils and NOT sneak six of them in your purse.
Ha!
I’ll win.
Ingredients:
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
24 large marshmallows, cut in half horizontally or 4 small marshmallows
Chocolate Frosting for Surprise Cookies
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add reserved flour mixture; mix on low speed until combined.
3. Using a tablespoon or 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop, drop dough onto ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies begin to spread and become firm, 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Remove baking sheets from oven, and place a marshmallow, cut-side down, in the center of each cookie, pressing down slightly. Return to oven, and continue baking until marshmallows begins to melt, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
5. Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting over each marshmallow, starting in the center and continuing outward until marshmallow is covered.
Devil’s Food Frosting
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Stir ingredients together till creamy.
Â
