by Robin Degner

Created on: February 06, 2009

Valentine's Day. Roses. Chocolates. Candies. Fudge. Truffles Cupcakes. Hearts. Love. Whether you think it's a sappy holiday, you can't stand the day, or you wish every day were Valentine's day, you can't deny that Valentine's Day has some great desserts, including the ones listed previously.

The following contains three Valentine's Day dessert recipes that are easy to make and delicious.

Sugar Cookies.

When baking sugar cookies, look for a recipe that includes vanilla, like this one, or they won't turn out right:

*1 cup softened butter
*1 cup white sugar
*2 eggs
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*2 teaspoons baking powder
*4 cups flour
*1/4 cup whipping cream (optional)

Cream the sugar and butter together, then add the two eggs and the vanilla extract. Stir the flower and baking powder together, and slowly add it to the butter and sugar mixture. Switch it off by mixing in the whipping cream alternately. Stick the mixture in the refrigerator for two or three hours until it's firm.

When it's ready, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease the cookie sheets. Cut out the shapes and set them on the sheet, one inch apart. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes or unitl the cookies are light brown. Cool, decorate and store them in an airtight container.

Pink Lady Cake.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

*4 eggs
*1/2 cup water
*1 cup vegetable oil
*16 ounces sliced frozen strawberries
*One package white cake mix
*3 tablespoons flour
*Package strawberry gelatin mix
*2 cups confectioners sugar

Add oil, water, the four beaten eggs and half the strawberries. Mix it together well. Add the cake mix, the flour and gelatin and stir it well. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 75 minutes. The cake is complete when a toothpick inserted in comes out clean.

While it's cooking, mix the sugar and the remaining strawberries and frost the cake while it's still warm from the oven. Stick it in the fridge so it can cool.

Fudge Bars.

This recipe does not require the use of a stove.

*1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
*1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
*1/2 cup butter
*1/4 cup milk
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
*2 cups salted peanuts
*1 tablespoon water
*30 caramel candies
*1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
*1/2 cup semisweet chips

Grease an 8x8 inch pan.

Combine the butter cocoa powder, brown sugar and milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it until it boils. Add the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract and pour it into the greased pan. Then, microwave the caramels and water until the caramel melts and add the peanuts. Spread it over the first layer.

Combine the semisweet and milk chocolate chips and microwave them until they melt and pour them over the caramel layer. Chill the pan until it's firm cut the pieces into bars.

Whether you use one of these recipes or others, enjoy your Valentine's Day treats.

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