Valentine’s Day is coming up, which means chocolates, roses, cards and a lot of pink. But why not make Valentine’s Day a little bit more green as well? In the next couple posts I will be providing ideas for a traditional Valentine’s Day with an environmental twist.
First idea: homemade chocolates
Skip the store-bought candies to cut down on packaging and artificial ingredients. Plus, in my opinion, homemade treats are so much sweeter.
Here is a simple recipe for truffles.
Ingredients
3 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate (I used 72% dark chocolate, you can also use organic chocolate if you would like)
1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
1/3 cup butter or vegan butter
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
Ground nuts, sprinkles, or other favorite coating
Directions
Melt 3 chocolate squares in microwave.
Cream sugar and butter in mixing bowl. Add egg yolks one at a time; blend well after each addition. Stir in melted chocolate squares and vanilla. Chill mixture in refrigerator until firm enough to handle easily. Break off small pieces to form into 1/2 inch balls. Roll in a favorite coating. Allow finished truffles to dry and firm on baking sheet about an hour before storing in airtight container in very cool place.
These truffles keep about a week.
When giving these truffles as gifts, you can put them in one of those glass jars lying around in your kitchen. For a pretty pattern, you can alternate between a layer of truffles and a layer of marshmallows. Tie a ribbon around the jar for a finishing touch.
More green Valentine’s Day ideas coming soon!
Zhengyou said,
January 29, 2010 @ 11:04 PM
And it tasts great!