What does Valentine’s Day mean to you? Do you embrace it or reject it?

While love itself is often not so straightforward, this recipe certainly is.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, this simple recipe makes for a thoughtful, handmade gift for family, friends and for yourself.

Although my husband and I don’t place too much emphasis on the day, we do like to exchange handwritten cards. I find messages and homemade gifts or the gift of spending time together to be most meaningful. In fact, some of my most memorable Valentine dates were spent with my girlfriends. We would go out together as a group or stay in and catch up over desserts.

However you feel about Valentine’s Day, I wish you much love today and tomorrow.

Chocolate-Dipped Dried Fruit – A simple handmade gift or dessert

Prep Time: 10 mins.    Drying Time: 30 – 40 minutes    Author: Milk & Marigolds

Equipment:
A pot to boil water 
Glass bowl (to rest on the top of the pot as a double boiler)
Spatula 
Parchment paper

Ingredients: 
Large bar of quality chocolate (dark or milk. I used dark @Lindt brand)
A variety of dried and candied fruit (apricots, candied ginger, pineapple , etc.)
Sea salt to sprinkle on top (optional)

Directions:

1. Place a few inches of water in a pot and bring the water to a simmer.
2. Line a sheet pan or large cutting board with parchment paper.
3. Break up chocolate into chunks.
4. Place a glass baking bowl in the pot. Please note that the bowl should NOT touch the bottom of the pot. There should be some distance between the water in the pot to the bottom of the glass bowl. The steam from the pot will heat the glass bowl (this is called a double boiling method). Place your chocolate in the glass bowl and use a spatula to move the chocolate about until it melts. Make sure the chocolate does not get overheated.
5. Dip your fruit directly into the chocolate and then place the dipped fruit onto the lined sheet pan to dry.
6. Lightly sprinkle sea salt (optional)
7. Place in the refrigerator to dry and set. Store in a cool, dry place.
8. Display in paper cones or in tins.

Milk & Marigolds © Copyright 2015