Valentine Candy

The most well-known candies traditionally given on Valentine's Day in the U.S. are probably "conversation hearts" or "Sweethearts" - small pastel-colored, heart-shaped candies printed with little valentine messages such as "kiss me" or "be mine".

"Love Hearts" are probably the UK equivalent of "Sweethearts" or conversation hearts, round candies printed with a heart and love message, but differing in that they are effervescent (foaming in the mouth) when eaten.

Chocolates, especially boxed chocolates, of course are always extemely popular, and can be found in heart shaped boxes just for the occasion. Bouquets of chocolate roses can also be found - cleverly combining the two 'required' Valentine gift items. Red, heart-shaped lollipops are also common, or chocolate on a stick. Many candies marketed for Valentine's Day in the US now come with their own card, or valentine's message on the packaging as well, and you can also get boxes of classroom-sized amounts of candy treat/valentine's card combos, which makes it easy and convenient to deliver to your child's class.

Conversation Heart Cereal Squares

20 large marshmallows
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
3 cups frosted oat cereal with marshmallow bits
12 large conversation hearts

Combine marshmallows and butter in a medium saucepan, and stir over medium heat until melted (about 3 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in cereal until evenly coated. Spread into 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 pan lined with greased aluminum foil or waxed paper, using buttered hands or spatula.

While still warm, press hearts onto top, evenly spacing them. Allow to cool.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and dried, with leaves on
5 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate, chopped into pieces

Melt chocolate in the top of a double-boiler over simmering water, being careful that the water does not touch the bottom of the top pan, until about half the chocolate looks melted. Remove from stove and stir chocolate until smooth.

Keep chocolate warm over the hot water and dip strawberries into the chocolate, holding them by the stem, or using a toothpick stuck in the top to hold on to. After dipping, turn strawberries upside down and stick toothpick into styrofoam (or something similar) or onto wax paper to cool and harden.

May chill and storein the refrigerator if necessary. Eat fresh.

For extra effect, partially dip again into melted white chocolate, or drizzle white chocolate over top of the dark chocolate. Sprinkles can also be added, or pipe on a decoration with cream-cheese-and-icing-sugar frosting.

If you desire a softer chocolate, try adding approx. 1-2 tsp. canola oil, butter or melted shortening.

You can also make a chocolate-covered strawberry bouquet by inserting bamboo skewers into the tops of the strawberries and placing them upside down into styrofoam or similar surface.