As Valentine’s Day approaches, we begin to see the grocery store aisles fill with brightly colored candy and mass-produced chocolate. As if nothing says “I Love You” like a Kit Kat.
Some may shy away from the “Hallmark” holiday, but Valentine’s Day actually happens to be one of my favorites; sometimes we need a little reminder to celebrate our loved ones! There’s no law that says you have to purchase anything; it can still be meaningful and romantic regardless of the way you decide to celebrate.
Whether you’re a newlywed, dating, or a family with children, take the opportunity to create a family tradition… just spend a little extra time to make it special and unique.
One of my traditions is to make an over the top meal. This year, I wanted to incorporate roses into the mix, so I decided to make a rose petal bark. If you decide to make this too, be sure to buy culinary rose petals, as flowers from a florist will be chock full of pesticides and fertilizers.
Chocolate Rose Petal Bark
Ingredients:
32 oz semisweet dark chocolate (high quality)
Culinary rose petals
Marcona Almonds
Sea Salt
Directions:
Step 1: Melt the chocolate! I was lazy, and didn’t want to get out the double boiler (which is an option); so instead, I microwaved the chocolate in a ceramic bowl. Try doing this in 30-second intervals, stirring with a rubber spatula in between sessions. Be careful that your chocolate doesn’t get too hot, or it will become inedible. This happens if the chocolate gets above 90 degrees.
Step 2: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, then pour the melted chocolate over the prepared cookie sheet. Use the spatula to spread the chocolate evenly, so that it’s about ¼” thick.
Step 3: Sprinkle the rose petals, chopped almonds, and sea salt over the top of the chocolate, then place it in the refrigerator to cool.
Step 4: After a few hours, remove the bark from the fridge, peel it off of the parchment, and break it into small pieces. Then package up to give as gifts (to your Valentine, or maybe even to yourself).
The salt, almond, chocolate mixture is perfectly paired with the faint taste of rose from the petals. This seasonal bark is much more sophisticated than its peppermint brother, and is just as addicting.
Do you have any special Valentine traditions?
Images via Chloe MacKintosh
1 comment
So beautiful and elegant!