Sometimes it’s hard to pull off the ultimate Valentine’s, but if you follow these simple tricks you’ll be on your way to a night filled with love, romance, and of course, chocolate. To ensure a romantic evening, serve the fondue with a side of champagne in our flutes. You can even add a personal touch by making cookies prepared with love; because nothing says I Love You like homemade shortbread cookies in the shape of hearts (recipe below). But, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about the food, add some romantic décor to compliment the food, buy some flowers and place them in a pretty vase. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your special night!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (250 ml) ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cold water
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) almond extract (optional)
- 2 egg yolks
- Pink, purple, and white icing
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Wooden Spoon
- 2 Baking Sheets
- Rolling Pin
- Cutting Board
- Cooling Rack
- Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter
Directions
In a bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt and set aside. In another bowl, cream the butter with the sugar, water, vanilla, egg yolks, and almond extract using an electric mixer. At low speed or with a wooden spoon, stir in the dry ingredients.
On a work surface, place dough on a sheet of aluminum foil and shape into a flattened disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour or until the dough is firm to the touch.
With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap and place the dough on a floured surface and roll out until about 1/2-inch thick. Cut dough into heart shaped using a lightly floured heart shaped cookie cutter then place on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the dough to harden some more before baking.
Bake, one sheet at a time, for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden brown then allow them to cool on the cooling rack. Using an icing bag, decorate in personalized patterns then present them on our heart-two tier platter.
