5 Chocolatey Reasons to Stay in This Valentine’s Day — Comfort Food Feast

Between pricey prix fixe menus and absurdly long wait times, dining out on Valentine’s Day is never what it’s cracked up to be. If you haven’t yet scored a reservation at that new brasserie people have been raving about, don’t sweat it. Instead, use the night as an opportunity to kick back with your date (or your best friend!) and toast Cupid’s handiwork with some homemade eats and a whole lot of chocolate. It might sound cliche, but this is the one day that we get a pass to indulge in all things sweet and chocolatey — so why wouldn’t we? Maybe you’re trying to avoid a post-meal sugar crash. We get that. But there are clever ways to tailor chocolate cheesecake, mousse and more for a romantic night at home.

Light, chocolatey and totally swoon-worthy, here are the definitive Valentine’s Day desserts you’ll want on your menu.

Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake (pictured at top)
The chefs at Food Network Kitchen replaced most of the cream cheese in a traditional cheesecake with one-percent cottage cheese, then added cocoa powder and just a touch of melted chocolate. The end result: a silky and deeply chocolatey dessert that’s perfect for sharing.

Malted Chocolate Pudding Cake
Straight out of the oven, this ooey-gooey pudding cake is like an arrow straight to the heart. Ice cream or whipped cream topping is nice, but this doesn’t really need it. The Dutch cocoa provides all the rich chocolate flavor of unsweetened cocoa powder without the bitter aftertaste.

Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
Although this angel food cake is loaded with rich chocolate flavor, it manages to be light as air. Top each slice with a spoonful of fresh strawberries tossed in a little bit of sugar.

Dark Chocolate Mousse
When preparing this indulgent chocolate mousse, Ellie Krieger uses silken tofu to create creamy texture for far less fat than regular cream. For restaurant-worthy presentation, spoon the mousse into elegant glasses and top with some whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.

Slow-Cooker Chocolate Fondue
Using a slow cooker for chocolate fondue means there is no need to worry about burning the dip or having it go cold on you. But be warned: This dish is only as healthy as its sides, so choose wisely. Fresh fruit, like strawberries and pineapple, make wonderfully and low-calorie dippers.

For more chocolate treats to make and share on Valentine’s Day, check out these recipes from our friends:

Feed Me Phoebe: Dark Chocolate Vegan Truffles with Matcha Green Tea
Creative Culinary: Chocolate Pecan Tart from Chef François Payard
The Hungry Traveler: French Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
Dishing with Divya: Rock Truffles
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Easy Chocolate Fudge – 2 Minute Microwave Recipe
In Jennie’s Kitchen: Devil Dog Cupcakes
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Homemade Chocolate Sauce
Red or Green: Chocolate Spice Bark With Sea Salt
The Mom 100: Chocolate Banana Cake
Taste with the Eyes: Chocolate Pots de Creme with Passion Fruit
Swing Eats: Nutella Panna Cotta
FN Dish: 5 Chocolatey Treats Better Than a Box of Store-Bought Truffles

from Healthy Eats – Food Network Healthy Living Blog http://ift.tt/20qUAdR