I decided to start a new V day tradition in my house. Make goodies the night before to enjoy on V day. So last night, after all the chores were done. D and I started on a batch on mini cupcakes for her class. She was so exicted to help me put icing and the sprinkles on the cupcakes.

And while the cupcakes were baking, I decided to try making the girls' new favorite. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!!!


Don't you feel like reaching out and grabbing one?? I have to say...they are just amazing!!! And so so so easy to make.

Rather than spend $2 a piece to enjoy store bought choc dipped strawberries, I spent $5 for a whole pint of home-made choc dipped strawberries. I combined several different recipes to come up with this. So, I can't take all the credit, but I can take the credit of making these yummy treats.

You will need:
1 pint fresh strawberries (with stems intact if possible)
6 ounces of Nestle Toll House Milk chocolate morsels (or any chocolate you like)

1. Prepare a plate with parchment paper to cool the chocolate dipped strawberries.

2. Wash the strawberries thoroughly. Put them to dry on a kitchen towel. Make sure they are completely dry before dipping them in the chocolate. I dried them for about an hour. Do the next step only when the strawberries are completely dry.

3. Microwave the choc morsels on 70% power for 1.5 minute. Keep a close eye on it, since chocolate can burn easily. Stir it and if it looks like it still needs to be melted, then put it back for 10 second intervals on 70% power, until you have a smooth paste. Note that the morsels retain their shape, although they are completely melted, thats why you need to keep stirring it between the 10 second intervals.

4. Dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate and then put them to dry on the parchment paper. I held the stems and dipped more than half the strawberry in the chocolate. Using a corn pick or a tiny fork also helps.

5. Put the chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge to cool for about an hour. You will know they are ready to eat when the chocolate looks set and is a little glazed.
Enjoy!!!!

I gobbled up 3 while making these. And I can't stop!!!
Next time I am using semi-sweet morsels and maybe dressing them up with some white chocolate.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

So, what are you planning to do for your loved one tomorrow? Flowers, chocolates, jewellery, etc? It is a fun day for all. I remember being in school and waiting excitedly to see who would I get a card from. Some years were a disappointment, some a pleasant surprise :)
Every year I get my hubby darling a card and some chocolates. This year, I plan to get him a box of Wegman's chocolates (Thanks to T for telling me) and myself some chocolate covered strawberries. What??? I love myself too :)
My kids are doing a card exchange at daycare. I am baking mini cupcakes for their friends....little cupcakes with pink frosting. I will take a picture if I can.
Tell me what you guys are planning to do, unless its a big secret, then tell me tomorrow.

Sunday night, I am getting Simi ready for bed. We are in her room reading books and the phone rings. It was my best friend calling to tell me she is pregnant! (Congrats, Soumya!) I chit-chat with her for 20 mins or so. Then head back to Simi's room to put her to bed.
OMG!!! The girl has put blobs of Vicks and Vaseline all over herself. In her hair, on her chest, on her face, everywhere!!! There are blobs of vaseline on the carpet. It was a mess. Such a mess.
And I had just given her a bath and put her in her pajamas.
Let me tell you that once you get that mixture all over you, its not coming off. Nothing will get it off. I had to wipe her down with towels, wipes, napkins. And she was still sticky, icky sticky!
Why did she do this? She thought she was helping me out. It is my bedtime ritual for her. I put some vaseline on her dry skin, and rub some Vicks on her chest to make her sleep better (when she has colds).
Oh, the joys of motherhood!