1. Hot Chocolate

What's more comforting than a mug of rich hot chocolate on a chilly day? With February being one of the coldest times of the year around here, the weeks following Valentine's Day are often ideal for sipping hot cocoa. Rather than reaching for one of those powdered hot chocolate packets in your pantry, why not whip up some of your own from scratch?

Our favorite recipe is quick, simple, and delicious. All you need is:

• two cups of whole milk
• two tablespoons of sugar
• four ounces of chocolate, chopped into small pieces

Start by combining the milk and sugar over medium heat, then melt your chocolate in the microwave until it's smooth. Once the milk and sugar mixture has just started to bubble, shut off the heat and add your chocolate, whisking it until it is mixed thoroughly. From there, you can enjoy a mug on its own or add toppings like whipped cream and marshmallows. Yum!

2. Chocolate-Drizzled Popcorn

If you've got a craving for something salty and sweet, it doesn't get any better than chocolate-drizzled popcorn. You can use a store-bought bag of your favorite popcorn here or pop some yourself in the microwave. From there, take some of your leftover Valentine's Day candy and chop it into small pieces. Melt it in the microwave or over the stovetop until it's nice and smooth, and then drizzle it over a serving of popcorn. Give the chocolate a few minutes to solidify, then enjoy!

3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Who doesn't love an indulgent, chocolate-covered strawberry? Rather than paying top-dollar in stores, whip up your own chocolate-covered strawberries in a matter of minutes.

Start by washing your strawberries and allowing them to dry a bit (excess moisture can make it difficult for the chocolate to adhere otherwise). While your berries are drying, chop up some of your leftover chocolate (milk or dark chocolate work well here) and melt it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Once the chocolate is melted and smooth/shiny, it's time to dip. For easier dipping, we recommend poking each strawberry with a fork or skewer before dipping them into the chocolate itself. Once dipped, set the berry on a wire rack to cool and set. For added appeal, you can also add some sprinkles, chopped nuts, or anything else that strikes your fancy while the chocolate is still wet.

Rinse and repeat the process with each berry, and dig in once the chocolate has hardened back up! Be sure to promptly store any leftover strawberries in the fridge.

4. Trail Mix

Another sweet and salty option to consider for your leftover Valentine's Day chocolate is making your own trail mix, which can be a perfect (and relatively healthy) snack.

There are so many ways to make trail mix, but one of our favorite recipes calls for two cups of chopped, dried fruit (such as apricots, berries, and/or apples) and 1 2/3 cups of chopped dark chocolate. Combine this with a cup and a half of your favorite nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.) plus half a cup of sunflower seeds and you've got yourself a delicious and nutritious trail mix!

5. Fondue

Turn leftover Valentine's Day chocolate into a decadent dessert by making fondue! Chocolate fondue is perfect for dipping fresh fruits, marshmallows, cookies, and other sweet treats—and you actually don't need a fondue pot to make it.

In fact, all you need to make chocolate fondue (according to this top-rated recipe) is:

• 10 ounces of chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• a third cup of milk
• a third cup of heavy cream
• a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• dipping options of your choice (bananas, marshmallows, strawberries, pretzels, cookies, etc.)

Start by combining chocolate, milk, and cream in a saucepan over low heat until the chocolate is completely melted. From there, add your vanilla extract. If you have a fondue pot, transfer the mixture to the pot to keep it at the ideal dipping temperature. If not, you can serve it directly out of the pot and simply reheat as needed. Enjoy your fondue night!

6. Cookies

Fill your apartment will the aroma of fresh-baked cookies and use up some of your leftover Valentine's Day chocolate! Simply take your favorite tried-and-true chocolate chip cookie recipe (we like this one), but substitute the chocolate chips with chopped-up chunks of your leftover V-Day chocolate. Depending on your personal tastes, you can use a semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate in your cookie recipe. You really can't go wrong!

7. Freeze and Save!

If all else fails and you still have some leftover chocolate laying around that you don't want to waste, you can always freeze it to enjoy later. Many people don't realize that chocolate can be frozen to extend its life by about 50% or more. The key is knowing how to store and freeze it properly.

For chocolate that is already sealed (such as chocolate bars), it's best to keep it in its original box and seal in a heavy-duty freezer bag before freezing it. Unboxed chocolates can be wrapped in foil and then placed in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen chocolate, simply thaw it in the fridge for a few hours or set it out at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

How Will You Use Your Leftover V-Day Chocolates?

Whether you stocked up on discounted chocolate during a post-holiday clearance sale or simply ended up with too much chocolate from a loved one, these are some great ways to use it up and reduce waste. Whether you opt for something simple and snacky (like chocolate-drizzled popcorn) or something more indulgent (like chocolate fondue), we hope you enjoy these recipes! Now, which ones will you try for yourself?

The post 7 Sweet Ideas for Leftover Valentine’s Day Chocolates appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

It looks like Valentine's Day will be different, and many will be staying home on this romantic holiday. Though you may feel like you are stuck in your apartment home, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate with your loved one. Pick up some chocolate, grab some flowers, have dinner delivered, and get ready to celebrate Valentine's Day 2021 style. 

Breakfast in Bed

Treat your loved one to breakfast in bed on Valentine's Day morning. Breakfast does not have to be too fancy. Toast, eggs, and coffee is a great way to start the morning. Not a cook? Set your alarm, wake up early, and grab some breakfast from a nearby restaurant, and put it on one of your plates to serve up. 

Chocolate Tasting

Apartment living has never been so decadent. Indulge yourself by creating a spread full of chocolate. Gather up chocolate candies, cakes, and fondue with various fruits. Chocolate is the perfect addition to wine tasting and an indoor picnic. 

Create a Photo Book

Gather up all those photos you have wanted to put into an album and get busy organizing. Creating a photo book together allows for both of you to reminisce about the memories associated with the photos you are organizing. 

Decorate

Just like Christmas, set the mood for Valentine's Day with decorations. Fill the home with flowers, hearts, and anything love related. Get a new diffuser and some romantic scents, such as lavender or rose. 

Game Night

Game night and a little friendly competition can spark laughter and conversations. Rummage through your closet, see which classic games you have or go virtual and play some video games. No games in the home? Head out to your nearest store and pick up a board game, trivia game, video game, or card game to play this Valentine's Day. 

Indoor Picnic

Apartment living does not mean you cannot enjoy the many benefits of having a picnic dinner. Spread out the picnic blanket on the living room floor, gather up fun foods, such as finger sandwiches, salad, and a glass of wine. Enjoy time together in a romantic setting without the need to go outside in the middle of winter. 

Movie Marathon

Cover the floor with blankets and pills for a movie marathon or binge-watching your favorite television show. Since it's Valentine's Day, theme the movies around romance or chick flicks. Or be adventurous and watch action or thriller movies. Comedies are also an excellent option for Valentine's Day movie marathon with your loved one. 

Pamper One Another

Create a relaxing spa environment in the home. Draw a warm bath for your loved one with rose petals or refreshing citrus and let them relax while you clean up dinner. Then place blankets and pillows on the floor to relax and pamper one another. Take turns massaging one another's back or feet using oil. Fill the air with the relaxing scent of rose petals or lavender with a diffuser. Play soft, soothing music and turn down the lights. 

Play Bartender

Have fun making an assortment of drinks to share and sample. Learn how to make new drinks together. Find a mixology book or watch videos on YouTube for step-by-step instructions to create fun beverages together. 

Read Together

Find a book from the library you both want to read or dust the one you bought months ago but never got around to reading. Then, after dinner, pour some wine and sit back for an evening of reading. Take turns reading to one another, switching after each chapter. 

Virtual Cooking Classes

Make a romantic dinner together this Valentine's Day in the comfort of your own home. Search for virtual cooking classes and sign up together. Some classes include everything you need, including the ingredients delivered to your door. You can also attempt to learn how to cook on your own. If you have old cookbooks lying around, dust them off and learn how to cook a recipe together. 

Virtual Painting Class

Many wine and canvas locations have moved their classes online. Some even offer kits with all the necessary supplies to be picked up before the virtual course. Pour some wine and learn how to make a beautiful masterpiece in the comfort of your apartment. 

Write Love Letters

Take a moment to write your loved one a letter. Share with your loved ones all the things you love about them and why you are grateful to have them in your life. When completed, take a moment to write a letter to others in your life that you love – parents, grandparents, children, friends, etc.

The post Sweetest Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Home appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.