Whip up some love this Valentine’s Day | Food Drink

If the way to a loved one’s heart is through their stomach, there’s no better approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day than with a trio of homemade treats!

Find more recipes you’ll love to share with your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net.

COCOA-KISSED RED VELVET PANCAKES

Recipe courtesy of Nestlé

Yield: 10 pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or lowfat milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• Heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters, optional
• Butter for garnish, optional
• Powdered sugar for garnish, optional
• Fresh berries for garnish, optional
• Maple syrup

PREPARATION

• In large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.
• In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food coloring; add to flour mixture and stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes.
• Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat; brush with oil or butter.
• When skillet is hot, add about 1/4 cup batter and cook until bubbles start to form on top, about 2 minutes; flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned.
• Serve immediately with syrup, and butter, powdered sugar and berries, if desired.

Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil or nonstick spray so batter doesn’t stick.

STRAWBERRY MOUSSE

Servings: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup strawberries, halved
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• Assorted cubed fruit for serving

PREAPARATION

• In blender, purée strawberries until smooth; set aside.
• In mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until fluffy.
• In separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, add strawberry purée and mix until combined, then add whipped cream and stir until combined.
• Serve in bowl with fruit.

CRANBERRY RASPBERRY VANILLA PUNCH

Servings: 6-12

INGREDIENTS

• 8 cups cranberry-raspberry juice
• 8 1/2 cups cranberry ginger ale
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1pint raspberry sorbet
• Frozen cranberries for garnish

PREPARATION

• In large punch bowl, blend juice, ginger ale and vanilla extract.
• Add frozen cranberries and scoops of frozen sorbet; stir slightly and serve immediately.

V-Day in the kitchen

Whatever you’re cooking up for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, make note of the following tips.

• Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple bowl of cereal.
• Heart-healthy fare includes things like a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit and low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top.
• If you plan on serving the Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featured here, use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make them and add sweet garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar and some fresh berries.