As Valentine's Day approaches, the quest for the ideal gift to express love and affection takes center stage. This year, consider a delightful and personalized gesture that captures the essence of romance – a small jar of chocolate hearts. I’m in the process of gearing up for my first chocolate pop-up of 2024 in Richmond, Virginia and I’m focusing on last minute gift ideas. Today’s blog is the PERFECT last minute Valentine idea.
What you'll need:
10 ounces high-quality chocolate
Plastic chocolate heart mold
Red or pink luster dust
Large fluffy brush
Small Glass Jar
Valentine’s ornament
Twine
Instructions:
Begin by selecting the type of chocolate you want to use for your hearts. Dark chocolate offers a rich and intense flavor, while milk and white chocolate provide a sweeter taste. You can also combine different types for a more diverse experience.
Set out the molds so that you can fill a few at a time and make sure they are clean and dry. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, ensuring a smooth and glossy consistency. If using the microwave, melt slowly in 15 second intervals stirring in between each one. Chocolate that has gotten too hot will "bloom" leaving white streaks once set. Once melted, spoon the chocolate into the molds. Tap the mold against the counter to eliminate air bubbles. Place in the refrigerator and allow to set until firm.
Once chocolate has hardened, release the hearts from their mold. If they don’t release easily, pop them back in the fridge for a few more minutes and try again.
Place the hearts on a piece of wax or parchment paper and paint with the luster dust. Allow to cure for a few hours, then place the hearts one by one into a pint size canning jar. Top with a lid (I love these decorative wooden ones by Ball but a simple metal one will also do the trick since you are going to be wrapping it with twine).
Wrap a length of twine through an ornament and then wrap around the edge of the jar lid, tying it off in a cute bow. You can also use a more colorful ribbon if twine isn’t your thing.
This gift, seriously, comes together in less than two hours. It’s quick and easy and a great last minute thought if you are struggling to come up with ideas like I usually do this time of year!
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