It's February, and we all know what that means. A dizzying array of hot pink and scarlet has exploded onto store shelves, dressing up sugar and chocolate in purportedly romantic packages.
The mostly appalling lack of taste that characterizes February's marketing frenzy does not, however, obscure the fact that there are some serious opportunities for indulgence this month. What's your favorite? Is there a particular V-Day treat you can't wait to get your hands on? Or do you mostly roll your eyes and ignore it all?
Forget the chocolates, I love the red juju hearts that are out every year for Valentines. They have to be the ones without the sugar crystals though.
i want maison du chocolat, every year. it's the best.
As someone who is allergic to chocolate (but once loved it dearly), I am always filled with envy this time of year! However, last year I discovered that a boxful of Laduree macarons more than made up for the absence of chocolate.
For years at the Sweet Factory type places they always had these sour gummy hearts called Tart Hearts. They were red and white and covered in sour sugar. I haven't been able to find them in about 5 years. I did notice that Jelly Belly is making something similar and I am on a hunt to find them. They are my absolute favorite Valentines candy
The only thing valentines day is good for is the increased availability of quality chocolates that I got tastes of at the Chocolate Show.
Just picked up a box of chocolates at Amish Market. Company is called Knipschildt. My favorite was a tall cone filled with a spicy tangerine creme.
I despise Valentine's Day, but I do oh so love the sudden abundance of tasty chocolates that pop up in the stores. For at least the last five years, I've treated myself to a box of decent chocolates. It doesn't even have to be top tier chocolate...just a solid, inexpensive brand like See's or Fannie May.
Call me white trash, but I love those chalky little conversation hearts!! (and you know that means I dig Necco Wafers too, especially the chocolate and licorice ones!) BE MINE, TRUE LOVE, LOVER BOY, FAX ME... what more do you want from Valentine's Day???
~Monica
I'm a huge fan of chocolate custard, pudding, pot de creme, etc. Mmmmm. Flavored with orange, or berry or something exotic -- or just deep and rich. Way to my heart.
I'm thinking oysters to start and then a steak for Valentine's Day.
Monica, I totally dig conversation hearts too and usually get a bag or two in the post-Valentine's Day sales to stash away. But then again, I also absolutely adore Necco Wafers (esp. the licorice ones!) and it's so much harder to find those around here.