Whatever the beginnings of Valentine's Day, people all over the world celebrate this day and sometimes include romantic gifts such as candy, flowers or other gifts. Creating a special menu for someone you love is just as much fun as cooking it. Dessert is always the grand finale.

Some ideas for you to treat that special person on Valentine's Day include:

Bake a pan of heart shaped lava cakes for a neighbor or relative. Wrap it in rose colored wrap and tie with a pretty ribbon with a rose. The recipient will adore this special gift made by you.

Individual Chocolate Lava Cakes
Yield: 6 Servings

1 1/2 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar
2 eggs
1/4 cup(s) heavy cream
8 tablespoon(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup(s) sugar
1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
1/4 cup(s) cake flour

Directions
To make centers, melt 2 ounces of chocolate (1/2 a baking bar) and cream in double boiler. Whisk gently to blend. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm. Form into 6 balls; refrigerate until needed.

To make cake, heat oven to 400°F. Spray six 4-ounce ramekins or custard cups with cooking spray. Melt 4 ounces of chocolate (1 baking bar) and butter in double boiler; whisk gently to blend. With an electric mixer, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla on high speed about 5 minutes or until thick and light. Fold melted chocolate mixture and flour into egg mixture just until combined. Spoon cake batter into ramekins. Place a chocolate ball in the middle of each ramekin.

Bake about 15 minutes or until cake is firm to the touch. Let it sit out of the oven for about 5 minutes. Run a small, sharp knife around inside of each ramekin, place a plate on top, invert and remove ramekin. Garnish with raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Dip Strawberries, cookies or other fruit/dried or fresh in melted chocolate and arrange on a nice tray to treat family and guests.


However you celebrate your loved ones, Valentine's Day gives us a great reason to get together with friends and family to share and enjoy each others company. To me, someone's time and caring means more to me than a present so a home cooked meal and a great dessert is better than a store bought gift.