Friday Favorites

So, in keeping with the festivities of the week I've decided to post two favorite Valentine's Day things: A Chocolaty Treat and An Idea!

This yummy treat has been a family favorite for quite a while now, and no, we don't just use it for Valentine's Day, but Valentine's Day and chocolate are inseparable, so here you go...

Brownie Pudding Cake
(this is a Pampered Chef recipe...however, I'm sure there are other recipes just like it out there)

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/12 cups granulated sugar, divided
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 3/4 cups boiling water
1 table spoon powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine flour, 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of the cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add milk,melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla; stir until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter evenly in 9x13 pan.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup coca; gradually stir in boiling water and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla. Carefully pour mixture evenly over batter in pan.
3. Bake 30 - 35 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 min. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Spoon into dishes.

Let me just say...this dessert is HEAVEN on earth served with a scoop (or 2) of vanilla ice cream!!

The next idea is brand new...for me (and although I wish I could claim credit for this one, I can't. All credit goes to Andy at Poppies at Play. She is incredibly talented and has some amazing ideas. Go visit her blog to see more of her ideas, and for those of us who are craft-impaired, she also sells many of her creations at PoppyGinger.)

5 Senses Basket
-Fill a basket with an item from each sense. For example:

• Touch: A coupon for a back or foot massage.
• Taste: Sparkling cider, chocolates, or make him his favorite dinner or dessert.
• Sight: Something sexy for you to wear later:) or a photo album of just the two of you.
• Smell: A nice smelling candle or lotion that you can use for the massage.
• Sound: Put together a mix of his favorite music, an iTunes gift card or a cd.

For a card you could say something like " I love you with all of my senses". There are lots of fun possibilities and you could really do it pretty inexpensively.

There you have it...some immediate Valentine favorites. Have fun! Enjoy! Happy Valentine's Day!