Tag Archives: valentine’s day

Recipe // Lindt Chocolate Valentine’s Day Pot de Crème

February 5, 2016

Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

Pot de Crème is one of those desserts that looks fancy, and has an added measure of sophistication to it.  It is the perfect recipe to show your love for someone at the end of a romantic meal, and can be easily made for a large group. Sharing love through food is one of my absolute favorite ways to show my love for others, and well let’s be honest, chocolate is always a good idea!

I am partnering with Lindt Chocolate to bring you my favorite Pot de Crème recipe using a mix of their Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate, and their Milk Chocolate LINDOR Truffle Bar.  When making a Pot de Crème, chocolate is the star, so using a quality chocolate like Lindt Chocolate makes all the difference in this recipe.

Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

Surprisingly, Pot de Crème is very simple to make, and it is easily made in advance to serve at a dinner party or gathering.  This chocolatey custard has the perfect amount of chocolate, and serving it in heart shaped ramekins makes it even more special for Valentine’s Day!

Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

Pot De Crème Recipe
makes 6-8 servings

9 oz Lindt Chocolate, roughly chopped (I used 6 oz of the Lindt EXCELLENCE 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar, and 3 oz of the LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup sugar (more if using bitter chocolate)
6 egg yolks
1/4 tsp salt

Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 300° F.  Line a large roasting pan or baking dish with two layers of paper towels.  Place eight ramekins, in the pan.  Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil.  Once the water comes to a boil, remove from the heat and cover. In the meantime, place the chopped chocolate in a large heatproof bowl.  Bring 1 cup of the heavy cream to a boil in a small saucepan.  Once the cream reaches a boil, pour it over the chocolate and let stand for 1 minute.  Stir with a rubber spatula, starting in the center of the bowl and working outward in a circular motion, until the ganache is smooth; set aside.
Step by Step Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

Combine the remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream and the whole milk in the saucepan and bring to a boil.  Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until slightly thickened and pale yellow in color.  Drizzle in a small amount of the hot cream-milk mixture, whisking constantly, to temper the eggs.  Pour in the remainder of the hot liquid, still whisking constantly, until completely incorporated.  Finally, gently whisk the egg mixture into the ganache until incorporated. Spoon any skin that has formed off the top of the custard.

Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

Divide the custard evenly between the prepared cups.  Pour some of the previously set aside hot water into the baking dish around the custard cups so that it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cups.  Cover the top of the pan tightly with foil, poking two holes in opposite corners.  Very carefully slide the pan into the oven. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until the custard jiggles only a bit in the center when tapped or lightly shaken.  Carefully remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack.  Allow the custards to rest in their warm water bath for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and very carefully transfer the cups from the water to the cooling rack.  Once they come to room temperature, cover individually with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be made a few days in advance!

Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

Top with Homemade whipped cream!  And, a few chocolate shavings, and Valentine’s sprinkles if you want to make it extra festive!

Lindt Chocolates Pot de Crème Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe via Armelle Blog

Enjoy!

This post is sponsored by Lindt Chocolate:  Master Chocolatiers since 1845.

All photos by me

DIY // Free Galentine’s / Valentine’s Day Printable Download

February 4, 2016

Free Printable Witty Valentine's Day Cards

Surprising the ones you love with a thoughtful gift big or small will always bring a smile to their face.  These witty little Valentine’s cards are perfect for the main person in your life, or even for your bestie who just gets you!

Free Printable Witty Valentine's Day Cards
Pick a card, and pair it up with some chocolates, candy,  a special delivery of tacos, or even a fun DIY, they are all covered in the printable!Galentine's Day Cards

Supplies you will need:
Cardstock Paper
Color Printer
Scissors
Print off the Free Download Here.

Cut them out, and pair them up with a little special something for your Valentine, Bestie, Galentine, and loved ones!

Here are a few examples of things you can pair the cards up with!

Free Printable Witty Valentine's Day Cards

Who doesn’t love Chocolate!  Pair up a free Valentine’s Download with a box of chocolates or homemade goodie.

Free Printable Witty Valentine's Day Cards

Free Printable Witty Valentine's Day Cards

Sticking with the candy theme.  The “All you need is Love … and, Candy!” card goes nice with a uniquely packaged goodie box full of Valentine’s candy!

Free Printable Witty Valentine's Day Cards for your Bestie

And, one of my personal favorites, “I DIY for You!” For your bestie that is a DIY genius!  A great way to show your love for your crafty friend.

Free Printable Witty Valentine's Day Cards

A few other favorite cards that are included in the Valentine’s download for your love or bestie (Galentine, or what have you.)

“Thanks for being my person!”

“You Just get Me!”

“I Heart you…. (and, Taco’s)”

“Love ya GirlFran!”

“Treat YO Self!”

“Well, Ain’t You Fabulous!”

And, a personal favorite, that may or may not be based on real life over here.

“I Love that you don’t Judge me for wearing my Yoga Pants all Day!  Ha!  That one is relevant in my case. Wink!

Be sure to grab the Free Download for the Galentine’s for your besties, or even your love, they all apply for someone!

And, Happy Galentine’s or Valentine’s to you!

Photos by Me

DIY // Banana Class Valentine Free Printables

February 12, 2015

Armelle Blog Banana Valentines Free Valentines Free Printable Non-candy Valentines
I have one last Valentine printable to share with you today.  My friend Kersey gave me one of these rad banana pens, at Alt Summit a few weeks back.  I tracked them down because I knew they would be a perfect little something for my kids to give to their friends at school for Valentine’s day.
I love to give out non-candy class Valentine’s, since there are so many food allergy nowadays, so an allergy free Valentine is a great option too!
You will need:
Yellow Cardstock paper
Scissors
Banana pens or favors (I found some cute banana candies from Oriental Trading that we also gave out, you could also give out real bananas for a healthy option!)
Washi tape (optional)
1) Print the free PDF download for the Banana “I like you a BUNCH” Valentine onto yellow card stock paper. Click here to download.  (please let me know if you are having trouble downloading the printable)  -Just a reminder that these Valentine Printables are for Personal Use only.  You may not sell these for money or alter.  Copyright Armelle Blog 2015.
2) Cut out the Valentines.
3) “Pair” it with your favorite banana item. (You could even give out real bananas!)
Armelle Blog Banana Valentines Free Valentines Free Printable Non-candy Valentines
Like I said, these banana pens and candy are just adorable, but you could easily give a real banana to your Valentine, easy as that!
Armelle Blog Banana Valentines Free Valentines Free Printable Non-candy Valentines
I love these little cellophane bags with the lip with tape that seals in the back, I sealed it, then added a little washi tape back there. (all sources in items list)
Armelle Blog Banana Valentines Free Valentines Free Printable Non-candy Valentines
Hope you enjoy!
I just love putting together class Valentine’s for my children!  And, having non-candy options is always fun!
{all photos by me}