Unsure of your plans February 14th? Well here’s an idea you can enjoy these delicious treats! As Valentine’s Day options this year are limited, baking is always a good idea. During this time period there is nothing better than indulging in the holiday full of love. Enjoy these recipes that can make you and your loved ones day extra sweet! 

Red Velvet Donuts

Ingredients:

Donut BASE-

• Nonstick spray
• 2 cups of flour
• ½ cup red cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups of sugar 
• 2 eggs 
• 2 tsp. Vanilla 
• 1 cup buttermilk 
• 2-3 drops red food coloring

Donut GLAZE-

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tbsp milk
• Any extract flavoring (optional)
• Food coloring (optional, Valentine’s Day colors highly recommended)

Instructions on the donut base:

1. Preheat oven to 325, spray your pan with nonstick spray and set aside
2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl
3. Combine butter and salt until light and fluffy
4. Add eggs, mix thoroughly
5. Add vanilla extract
6. Add ⅓ of flour, ½ buttermilk, continuously repeat ending with the flour mixture
7. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip – create your donut shape
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes and allow to cool

Instructions in the donut glaze:

1. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, flavoring into a bowl. 
2. Gradually add the milk per tbsp to create consistency
3. Dip donuts in the glaze 
4. Leave aside to sit with the glaze (3-5 min)
5. DECORATE AS YOU PLEASE!

Chocolate M&M Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salted butter, 2 sticks
• 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup of cocoa powder
• 2 ¼ cups of all purpose flour
• ¼ tsp of salt 
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder 
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup PINK & RED M&M’s divided 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. In a bowl, mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy
3. Add eggs one at a time, the add in the almond extract, followed by the cocoa powder
4. Add the flour, salt and baking powder gradually 
5. Stir in the chocolate chips and ½ cup of the M&M’s
6. Divide the batter into as many separate balls as desired. (Recommended: 12 Large Cookies)
7. Once placed on sheet pan add the extra ½ M&M’s on top 
8. Bake for 15 minutes and then allow to cool for 10 minutes 
9. Enjoy! 

Strawberry Valentines Chex Mix

Ingredients:

• 4-6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 8- oz bag Strawberry Candy Melts OR
• 1 bag of white chocolate baking chips {12 oz} AND
• 1 box of Strawberry Creme Jell-O Pudding** {pudding NOT gelatin!}
• Valentines M&M’s and/or Sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Measure out all ingredients into a large mixing bowl
2. Pour chocolate into a small dish and add ½ tsp shortening to help the chocolate coat easier.
3. Microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds, and allow to sit for an additional 3 minutes. 
4. Pour the chocolate mixture on top of the chex cereal and stir gently 
5. Allow all to cool together and share with your loved ones!

Red Velvet Popcorn

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of unpopped kernels ( RECOMMENDED: 16 cups popped popcorn)
• 3 cups of red velvet cake crumbs ( 9×13 cake, box brand of your choosing) 
• 20oz of white chocolate to melt

Instructions: 

1. Pop the popcorn using an air popper into a large bowl.
2. Melt your white chocolate according to package directions
3. Pour the melted chocolate over the popcorn and stir completely.
4. Pour the popcorn onto a waxed paper and sprinkle with your red velvet crumbs.
5. Let dry completely 
6. And enjoy this perfect movie treat!

The newspaper staff wishes you a Happy Valentine’s Day! Let us know if you try these V-Day inspired delights!