Entertaining

Treats from the Heart

Whether you're taking treats to the classroom or making goodies for family and friends, here are 10 sweet treats that say, "I love you".

Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Shortbread Hearts

Who can resist a heart-shaped shortbread cookie that's dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with nuts? The bonus is that you can make the dough ahead and freeze until you're ready to make the cookies.

Recipe: Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Shortbread Hearts

Sweetheart Jamwiches

Make heart-shaped pastries using refrigerated pie crust dough, then assemble sweet sandwiches by spreading a sweet cream cheese mixture and jam between the hearts. Top with a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Recipe: Sweetheart Jamwiches

Chocolate-Almond Hearts

You need only two ingredients to make these nutty, heart-shaped candies.

Recipe: Chocolate-Almond Hearts

Crispy Chocolate Hearts

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a chocolate version of classic crispy rice cereal treats. This one is extra-special because, in addition to the cereal, it has chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallows.

Recipe: Crispy Chocolate Hearts

Raspberry Strippers

Make a basic butter cookie and fill with preserves for a colorful cookie that's great for Valentine's Day parties. Vary the color and flavor by using a different kind of fruit preserves.

Recipe: Raspberry Strippers

Chocolate Truffles

These cognac-kissed truffles are the ultimate Valentine's Day indulgence. Who can resist a cream-filled, liqueur-flavored chocolate candy that's lightly rolled in cocoa?

Recipe: Chocolate Truffles

Cream Cheese Mints

Red, pink, and white party mints are a must for your Valentine's Day parties. You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze.

Recipe: Cream Cheese Mints

Cherry Pistachio Bark

A mixture of white chocolate morsels and vanilla candy coating is the base for this colorful, crunchy candy.

Recipe: Cherry Pistachio Bark

Raspberry Fudge Truffles

Add a double dose of raspberry to these chocolate candies with raspberry preserves and raspberry liqueur.

Recipe: Raspberry Fudge Truffles

Berry Hearts with Chocolate-Orange Cream

Make a Valentine version of strawberry shortcakes by cutting a cream puff dough into heart shapes. Fill the hearts with an orange-scented cream cheese mixture that's speckled with bits of chocolate.

Recipe: Berry Hearts with Chocolate-Orange Cream

Cordial Cherries

Soak maraschino cherries in brandy, and then dip them in melted chocolate for a special treat for your sweetie. If you prefer a non-alcohol version, just leave out the soaking step.

Recipe: Cordial Cherries

Chocolate-Hazelnut Meringue Kisses

Give your sweetie a chocolate kiss. A meringue kiss, that is. These kisses feature heart-healthy bittersweet chocolate and egg whites and have less than 3 grams of fat per cookie.

Recipe: Chocolate-Hazelnut Meringue Kisses