Valentine’s Day is coming soon and you know what that means. It is a time to indulge in chocolate. Chocolate has been eaten since the days of the Aztecs. Chocolate is more than food. Yes, it tastes good but it also makes you feel good too.

The question becomes however, whether you want to be “naughty” or “nice” on Valentine’s Day.

For those who want to be naughty, here is a recipe that is full of chocolate. This recipe comes from the new cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks by food blogger Ree Drummond.

Mocha Brownies

• 4 1-oz. squares unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 lb. (2 sticks) butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Mae’s Mocha Icing

• 1/2 lb. (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup fresh-brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature

Directions:
For brownies:

Preheat the oven to 325º F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick baking spray.

To make the brownie batter, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, being careful not to let it burn. Set it aside to cool slightly.

In a medium mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs. With the mixer on low speed, drizzle in the melted chocolate. Add the vanilla extract and mix. Add the flour to the bowl and mix just until combined; do not over mix. Pour the batter in the baking pan. Spread it to even out the surface. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is no longer soft. Set the brownies aside to cool completely before icing.

For icing:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt and vanilla. Mix until slightly combined, then add 1/2 cup of the brewed coffee. Whip until the icing is the desired consistency. If the icing is overly thick, add 1/4 cup more coffee. It should be very light and fluffy.

Ice the cooled brownies, spreading the icing on thick. Refrigerate until the icing is firm, and then slice the brownies into squares.

I made this recipe and these brownies are so easy to make and they taste divine.

Now if you choose to be “nice” and healthy on Valentine’s Day, here is a recipe for you. This recipe comes from the American Heart Association Low-Calorie Cookbook.

Chocolate Angel Food Cake

• 16 oz package angel food cake mix
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup frozen fat-free or light whipped topping, thawed (optional)
• 4 cups fresh raspberries (optional)

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Prepare the cake using the package directions. To serve, top each slice with a dollop of whipped topping and raspberries.

After looking at this recipe, I would think you could substitute strawberries for the raspberries if you wanted to.

If you are interested in these or other cookbooks come down to the library and check out our cookbook section for both “naughty “ and “nice” recipes.

So what is your favorite Valentine’s Day treat? Let us know by posting a comment. Happy Valentine’s Day!