Happy V-Day!!!

I love Valentine's Day. A day devoted to telling the ones you love how much you love them? Count me in! I know it's just a Hallmark holiday but I can't help but love the magic that seems to come with this day. I was raised on romantic comedies; it's not something I can shake. Some of my faves: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Wedding Planner (BOTH on the ABC Family Channel tonight starting at 6 pm!!!).

In the spirit of the holiday, last night I whipped together a little Valentine's Day treat for my sweetheart. Not not only is this little surprise the perfect combo of healthy and sweet, but it's also super easy (shhhhhh, don't tell him I said that!) and budget-friendly (BONUS!!!)...a great way for anybody to do something special for the ones they love.

Sweetheart, if you're reading this. STOP RIGHT THERE! I'm about to reveal some classified information.

For the rest of you, I'm going to teach you how to make gourmet CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES!

All you need is the following:

• Strawberries
• Chocolate chips (choose dark chocolate for added health benefits!)
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spoon
• Foil
• Baking sheet
• Microwave

Directions:
Rinse strawberries and pat dry.

Fill microwave-safe bowl with 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Heat in microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir with spoon until chocolate chips have melted and chocolate is smooth.

Line baking sheet with foil. Take a single strawberry and hold by stem; dip in chocolate and roll until covered. Place on foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat until chocolate runs low. Add another 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, heat, and stir as needed, until strawberries run out.

Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

For a fun twist, dip in or sprinkle on chopped nuts, graham cracker crumbles, or powdered sugar.  If you want to get really crafty, decorate with icing (Pinterest has some great ideas!).

Well...what are you waiting for?!?! The best part is, you can sneak a couple and your sweetie will never, ever know (unless they were sneaky and read your blog when you told them not to!).

Happy V-Day!!!