Easy to love

Chocolate Truffle Cookies

Ingredients

• 4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. In the microwave or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt unsweetened chocolate, 1 cup of the chocolate chips, and the butter stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, whip eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and the chocolate mixture until well mixed. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually stir into the chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining 1 cup chocolate chips. Cover dough and chill for at least an hour or overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll chilled dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets so they are 2 inches apart.

3. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Valentine Night Strawberries

Ingredients

• 20 fresh strawberries

• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (can also substitute pecans, or use no nuts at all)

• 1 1/2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Dice two strawberries and set aside. Cut the stems off of each of the remaining strawberries, forming a base for strawberries to stand on. Starting at the pointed ends and cutting most of the way, but not completely through the stem end, slice each strawberry into four wedges.

2. Beat the cream cheese until fluffy; stir in the diced strawberries, walnuts, and powdered sugar. Spoon or pipe about a teaspoon of mix into each strawberry.

Cake Balls

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix

• 1 (16 ounce) container prepared chocolate frosting

• 1 (3 ounce) bar chocolate flavored confectioners coating

Directions

1. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.

2. Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.

3. Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.