Decadent Valentine’s Chocolate Board
Surprise you loved ones with this Valentine’s inspired dessert board. A board filled with love and lots of chocolate!
Valentine’s Chocolate Board
It’s almost Valentine’s day and this year it certainty feels different. Different should not mean any less or worse though! I’m so looking forward to celebrating this Valentine’s with my husband quietly in our house. Over the last year we all got to appreciate more our families, spouses, parents, children and friends. Most importantly, we valued the time spent with our loved ones. While, it’s so easy to run to the store and buy a heart shaped box for a few bucks or order a bouquet of flowers and have it delivered, nothing beats homemade! This chocolate board is made with love, lots of chocolate and festive sprinkles.
What’s in the Chocolate Board?
Strawberries:
No Valentine’s board or treat box would make sense without strawberries. More specifically, chocolate covered strawberries! They are so easy to make and they add a fancy vibe. All you need is your favorite type of chocolate bar or baking chips. Microwave is your best friend; and if you don’t have one, double boiler will do the work. I used semi-sweet baking chips to dip the strawberries and meltables to create the swirl effect on top!
First, rinse the strawberries under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels and set aside to completely dry. If they are still wet when you dip them, the chocolate won’t set properly. Melt the chocolate bar or chocolate chips on 30 seconds intervals in microwave safe bowl stirring each time. On to the creative part, dip the strawberries in the chocolate and let them dry for 5 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, transfer to the refrigerator till the chocolate has completely set. Using a fork or a small piping bag decorate the chocolate strawberries with more chocolate in different colors.
“Kariokes” Greek Walnut Filled Chocolates
I shared this recipe last week and tweaked it a little bit to match the occasion. These walnut filled chocolates are spiced with cinnamon an cloves and covered with more chocolate. Traditionally, we make kariokes using leftover cake or cookies. For this chocolate board I used red velvet cake and the result was beyond imagination! The chocolates turned out so rich and velvety. Although optional, a tiny amount of red food coloring in the mixture will boost the color even more!
Follow the exact steps for this recipe but substitute regular cake for red velvet cake. For the shake of time I used a store bought red velvet cake mix. Moreover, besides semi-sweet chocolate, I covered some of the chocolates with white chocolate because as everyone knows, red velvet pair so well with it! I also tried some without chocolate on top and they tasted equally delicious! Bottom line is that you can play around and find what suits you better. This recipe is easy, quick and very versatile!
“Kokakia” Greek Cream Puffs with Chocolate Glaze
Another favorite Greek dessert which can fit all occasions is Kokakia. The Greek version of profiterole as we call it, matches perfectly Valentine’s day. These fluffy and soft cookies are filled with luscious pastry cream, they are soaked in syrup and are topped with chocolate glaze. This recipe is a no brainer and so much easier than classic macarons or choux pastry. Among all the treats in the chocolate board, kokakia give a refreshing and light tone.
My recipe shares all the key steps for successful Kokakia. The only addition to make them more Valentine’s like was to add red and white chocolate swirls. Kokakia will make your heart skip a beat!
Pretzels
Salted pretzels but make them Valentine’s! Any good chocolate board should contain at least a small dose of saltiness. I personally love the contrast of salty and sweet and I feel it is what makes this chocolate board exciting. Although, I have a sweet tooth these pretzels cut down the amount of sweetness so I can enjoy every single sweet treat.
I used white meltables and sprinkles to make the pretzels festive. Once again, I dipped the pretzels halfway into a mug filled with white chocolate, topped them with sprinkles and let them cool on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Simple as that!
Easy Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Trust me when I tell you how well cinnamon pairs with dark chocolate. I love everything cinnamon, so I had to find a way to incorporate some cinnamon goodies in the chocolate board. These cookies are crispy and have a balanced sweetness. The recipe is easy to follow and no overnight chilling for the dough is required. The only step I skipped is the extra sugar and cinnamon on top. Dark chocolate or semi sweet chocolate and Valentine’s sprinkles will turn the cookies into festive treats.
If you have a Valentine’s theme cookie cutter it will add up to the final look, but it’s not necessary. I swear by these cookies and who doesn’t love homemade cookies after all?
More Chocolate!
Well, a chocolate board without a chocolate fondue would be incomplete! All I did was to add some of the semi sweet chocolate and a pinch of salt into a small ramekin and place it in the middle of the board. Same way I filled a milk pourer with extra white chocolate.
Chocolate Board Love
This chocolate board was made with you in mind! This chocolate board was made for your forever Valentine or Galentine, for your precious children and for your loving parents. Valentine’s Day to me is destined for all forms and shapes of love. Happy Valentine’s to all of you from the bottom of my heart! <3
Decadent Valentine’s Chocolate Board
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole Strawberries Rinsed and dry
- 1 ½ cups Semi sweet Chocolate Chips/ Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Melted
- Meltables Red and White
- 1 Red Velvet Cake Mix
- 4 oz White Chocolate Bar Melted
- Sprinkles
- 4 oz Dark Chocolate Bar Melted
- 1/4 cup Mini pretzels
Instructions
For the Chocolate Strawberries
- Rinse the strawberries under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels and set aside to completely dry.
- Melt the chocolate bar or chocolate chips on 30 seconds intervals in microwave safe bowl stirring each time.
- Dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate and let them dry for 5 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Transfer to the refrigerator till the chocolate has completely set.
- Using a fork or a small piping bag decorate the chocolate strawberries with more chocolate in different colors.
"Kariokes" Greek Walnut Filled Chocolates
- Follow the recipe link for step by step instructions.
- Substitute regular cake for red velvet cake and top with both semi sweet and white chocolate.
"Kokakia" Greek Cream Puffs with Chocolate Glaze
- Follow the recipe link for step by step instructions.
- Decorate kokakia with extra chocolate in different colors.
For the Pretzels
- Dip the pretzels halfway into a mug filled with white chocolate.
- Top them with sprinkles and let them cool on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Easy Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
- Follow the recipe link for step by step instructions.
- Dip the cookies halfway into dark melted chocolate and top with sprinkles.
Notes
- If the strawberries are still wet when you dip them, the chocolate won’t set properly.
- How to melt chocolate over double boiler: Fill the bottom of a saucepan with water and place on low heat. Place the bowl with chopped chocolate on top of the saucepan and allow it to melt uncovered. When the chocolate looks shiny, start stirring using a heat proof spatula.
- All ingredients listed are based on my personal taste. You can use any type of chocolate and sprinkles.
- Have any questions about the recipe or want to ask for substitutions? Contact me and I will be happy to help!
Nutrition
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