They say the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. So if you’ve procrastinated with buying a Valentine’s Day present, your best bet may be to whip up something that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also satisfies the taste buds.
Here are four easy and edible treats that are sure to do the trick.
For the chip lover
While flowers may be a staple, they’re always way overpriced this time of year. An edible arrangement can be a much tastier, and often less expensive, alternative.
Ketchup chip “roses” is one way to go.
All you’ll need is a dozen plastic flowers (you can probably find those at a dollar store), chips and some glue.
The first step will be to remove the petals from the fake stems. Then you’ll have to reach for your chip bag and pick out the curliest crisps; they will form the middle of each rose (and will give each flower that “real rose” effect). You can surround the centre with whatever perfect triangles you find.
Now for the glue. Depending on how much you use, edibility may be compromised. But maybe that’s a good thing?
A major plus to this gift is your creation can be appreciated for longer, unlike traditional roses which die within a week.
Another option for a chip bouquet (if you don’t want to be a tease) is to make a bigger arrangement using bags of chips.
For the bacon fiend
You can’t go wrong with a bacon bouquet.
This “recipe” starts the same as the above: find some plastic roses and remove the stems.
Grab some bacon, roll it up, put a couple toothpicks through each slice then put the bouquet in the oven to bake.
For the health nut
Don’t want to fork over the big bucks for a fancily-cut up fruit basket? Make your own! Seek some inspiration from Edible Arrangements.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can carve strawberries into pretty little roses.
Of course, chocolate-covered strawberries are a simple and delicious classic.
For the sweet tooth
You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to the sweet stuff. We suggest these raw vegan cheesecakes from The Food Network.
They’re a snap to make since the only equipment required is a blender.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups cashews (unsalted, unroasted)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup water
Directions:
- Place all ingredients into your blender.
- Blend. Start slow and gently increase the speed. You may need to stop and start your blender a bit if your blender is getting hung up. If your blades won’t move, turn the blender off, create an air pocket down the side with a knife, and then blend again starting on low. Keep blending until it’s very smooth, like a creamy chocolate fudge with no cashew chunks.
- Pour the smooth mixture into a wide pan (or into heart-shaped silicone molds*) and place in freezer.
- Freeze until it reaches a firm, slice-able consistency (8 hours or so).
- Store in the freezer at all times. To eat, just open the freezer, slice into desired shape and eat immediately.
*Heart-Shape Tips: If you don’t have heart-shaped silicone molds, pour the mixture into a wide pan or glass dish. Smooth the mixture out using the back of a spoon — not too thick and about an inch or less deep. Freeze then slice into heart shapes. This recipe (when frozen for at least eight hours) is super easy to cut into shapes.
WATCH: You can also up your game on Valentine’s Day with homemade chocolates
For the non-chef
If you don’t cook or bake, you can always fill a basket, mason jar or tackle box with your loved one’s favourite treats.
Or there’s always this:
For more last-minute DIY gift ideas check out Slice.ca.
WATCH: Fun Valentine’s Day craft ideas