VALENTINE’S DAY: Valrhona, France’s Favorite Chocolate

A French spin on Valentine chocolate. Photo courtesy Valrhona.   Speak to French chocolatiers and pastry chefs—or anyone trained in the world’s leading culinary schools—and odds are that their chocolate of choice is Valrhona. It’s one of our favorites, whether for baking or for snacking. Nestled in the middle of the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage…
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VALENTINE’S DAY: Make Pie Pops In A Pie Pop Maker

We try not to acquire gadgets and appliances that have only one function. But in the case of this Babycakes bite-size pie maker, we might make an exception. We see it as a family activity, a start to teach kids (and non-cook adults) the fun of baking. Kids can easily make pie pops for friends,…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Make Chocolate Chile Fudge Valentine Gifts

Chocolate and heat: perfect for Valentine’s Day. Photo courtesy Wisdairy.com.   Instead of shopping for chocolates for friends and family, make them! An easy option is chocolate fudge. This recipe, from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, has spicy heat, thanks to the addition of cinnamon and ground ancho chile. This recipe makes 64 pieces—enough to…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Valentine Decorations For Gingerbread Men

Make Valentine gingerbread a family tradition. Photo courtesy Sur La Table.   Valentine’s Day isn’t all about chocolate. Today’s tip was inspired by an email we received from Sur La Table, which has a bounty of Valentine-inspired cookware and utensils: red or pink rolling pins, spatulas, measuring cups, heart-shaped cake pans and more. The tip:…
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