Tag: Popcorn

Fourth of July Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

Popping 4th of July

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Fourth of July Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateHello popcorn lovers! Can you believe it’s already almost the 4th of July? What are all you doing? For me every year is different. When I was little, my family used to go to the local park and watch the fireworks with our close friends. I always loved this since they set up a carnival and rides beforehand. My dad and I used to bike down early in the day so I could play on the rides. I always remember one year he bought me a balloon and just as we left, the balloon popped because it was so hot out! I was sad so we went back and got another. We got half way home on the bike with this balloon before, POP! We ended up just going home, and my dad drove back later and got me a new balloon. I kept this one until it got small and pruney. Thanks dad :)

Strawberry Pie Flavored Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

Holiday Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

More recently I prefer to grill up some good food, make a refreshing drink, and watch the Macy’s fireworks on TV. I know that’s lame, but it’s always fun to watch! Plus, then you can pop up a huge fresh batch of popcorn and eat it right out of the bowl. And lately I’ve been dreaming up this delicious red white and blue inspired sweet treat for your 4th of July get-together. This strawberry pie popcorn is sweet and decadent without being too over the top. The best part is that it’s not too messy, so you could pack it up in tupperware with your picnic and bring it to share with whoever you watch the fireworks with. But be warned, you might want to hoard it all for yourself. It’s that good. Plus, it’s very allergy friendly – there’s no dairy, nuts, peanuts, shellfish, or gluten here! Just freeze dried strawberries, coconut butter, coconut oil, salt and sugar. Simple and delicious! What are you waiting for? Let’s get popping!

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Ingredients: Serves 2 hungry popcorn lovers or a group of 3-4

  • 1/4 cup Freeze dried strawberries  (we bought them at Target, but Trader Joes also has a good selection)
  • 1.5 tablespoons slightly melted Coconut butter
  • 1.5-2 tablespoons melted Coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar (if you don’t have vanilla sugar you can just use the sugar of your choice)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup kernels

Instructions:

  1. Pop up your kernels either on the stove top or in an air popper and then lay out on parchment paper on top of a baking sheet
  2. Preheat your oven to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit
  3. Grind the freeze dried strawberries, the vanilla sugar and the salt together in the food processor for a couple of seconds or until the strawberries are a fine powder
  4. Mix together the coconut butter, 1.5 tablespoons of the coconut oil, and about half of the strawberry mixture in a small bowl
  5. Drizzle the remaining coconut oil over the popcorn and then sprinkle the remaining strawberry mixture on top of it
  6. Drizzle the coconut butter mixture on top of the popcorn
  7. Pop in the oven for about 5 minutes – you don’t want it to burn!

Strawberry pie fourth of July popcorn | Popcorn & chocolate

Strawberry Pie Fourth of July Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate4th of July popcorn recipe | Popcorn & Chocolate

Lucky Charms Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

Lucky Charms Popcorn

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Lucky Charms Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateDid you know that the marshmallow bits in Lucky Charms are called marbits? In 1963 when Lucky Charms first came there were green clovers, pink hearts, orange stars, and yellow moon marbits. There have been numerous limited edition marbits since their release including a whale and crystal balls. Since 1963 only the pink heart remains from the original mar bit lineup.Lucky Charms Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateJust thought I would share some Lucky Charms factoids with you all. Sometimes I like to google random information to learn about the history…Lucky Charms Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateWant to know something else I learned in my “research”? In 1975, Lucky the Leprechaun almost got replaced with Waldo the Wizard. Imagine going to the grocery store to pick up your favorite cereal Waldo Charms with the blue whale and green pine tree marshmallows you love.Lucky Charms Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateFortunately for you, we aren’t here to just tell you random tidbits of information about Lucky Charms that I learned from the internet. We are actually here to share this delicious Lucky Charms popcorn recipe perfect for a little extra luck on St. Patrick’s day.Lucky Charms Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateThis popcorn is crunchy and sweet and just magically delicious! Give it a try, you will not be disappointed. We added some extra marshmallows to our bowls because everyone knows that’s the best part. Pots of gold and rainbows and the red balloon! Comment below on what your favorite cereal is and if we should turn it into popcorn! Also, let us know what marbit shape you would make if you could! Lucky Charms Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

Lucky Charms Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

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White chocolate peppermint popcorn bark | Popcorn & Chocolate

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark

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White chocolate peppermint popcorn bark | Popcorn & ChocolateI always love a good popcorn and chocolate mixture. I mean hello, we are Popcorn AND Chocolate. Although, I have to admit these days we have been heavy on the pop front with less choc. But, have no fear, we are fixing that right now by giving you this delicious chocolatey recipe perfect for the holidays! We give you white chocolate peppermint popcorn bark. Say that 3 times fast… and then go make this delicious bark and eat it 3 times fast. No, actually, bad advice, please do not eat this super fast. We want you to savor it and enjoy it. Plus, we don’t want any liability issues with chocking hazards.White chocolate peppermint popcorn bark | Popcorn & ChocolateOkay now that we have established you are going to savor this recipe, we should probably tell you what is in it. Well, you have all your main snacking options (popcorn and chocolate) and to give it a fun festive flair we added some big ol’ chunks of candy canes.White chocolate peppermint popcorn bark | Popcorn & ChocolateThis white chocolate peppermint popcorn bark is full of flavor. The smooth white chocolate melts in your mouth while the popcorn and peppermint add a nice crunch that makes you go back for more and more and more. Plus, look how festive and pretty it is! Plus, plus, it is super easy to make. So go make some right now!White chocolate peppermint popcorn bark | Popcorn & ChocolateNo seriously, what are you waiting for? Oh yeah, you probably need the recipe first.White chocolate peppermint popcorn bark | Popcorn & ChocolateIngredients:

  • White chocolate bar
  • 1 candy cane
  • A big handful of popcorn

Directions:

  1. Put some parchment paper onto a baking sheet or a flat surface you can transfer to the freezer.
  2. Melt your chocolate – you can either do this in the microwave or using a double broiler. We stuck to the easy microwave method.
  3. Once all your chocolate is melted pour it onto the parchment paper. Use a spoon to make it into one even layer.
  4. Smash the candy cane in a plastic bag so you get candy cane crumbles.
  5. Sprinkle the candy cane crumbles onto the chocolate layer. Break apart your popcorn and then add that on top.
  6. Stick your bark into the fridge or freezer for 20-30 minutes to harden. Once hardened, you can either eat it all then or store in an airtight container.

White chocolate peppermint popcorn bark | Popcorn & ChocolateThis holiday bark is so festive and easy to make you have no excuse not to whip some up right now!White chocolate peppermint popcorn bark | Popcorn & ChocolateIMG_9107

Apple Cider Popcorn

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IMG_8648As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m trying to finalize my menu and get everything ready so I know what to make ahead of time and what has be done the day of.

IMG_8662I love to plan things, but I’m not the best at executing them. I’ll spend days looking over different recipes online trying to find the perfect one that fits well with everything else that is being made. Usually I save a few and go back and forth between them before I throw in the red flag and give up on it all.

IMG_8666As I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, I am determined to not give up! I have all my recipes planned out and I won’t let myself change them up last minute… although I did just find a mashed potato recipe that looked better than the one I chose…

IMG_8677I’ve got plenty of delicious looking sides and my mom is graciously going to help me with the whole turkey situation as that is foreign territory to me.

IMG_8686For dessert, my family always loves a classic apple pie, so I will gladly make that (and eat it too)! But, after talking to Rose, who is baking 2 desserts for 3 people (I’m cooking for 5) I’m suddenly worried I won’t have enough desserts for everyone to enjoy. I mean, you always want leftover desserts to go with your leftover turkey/stuffing/mashed potatoes, right?

IMG_8694Rose and I have the perfect extra recipe that can be added last minute to anyone’s Thanksgiving menu and is guaranteed to go with everything. What is you ask? Well, popcorn is involved… and apple cider.. yep, we made an apple cider popcorn! It is crunchy and sweet and full flavor, perfect for a pre-dinner appetizer or an after dinner sweet treat.

IMG_8697Apple Cider Popcorn (serves 2)

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon maple sugar (or brown sugar or coconut sugar)
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Pop the popcorn kernels on the stovetop or in an air popper (if you need directions, look at this post) and lay out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. In a small saucepan on medium heat, reduce apple cider until it is thicker and looks about 2 tablespoons, stirring occasionally. This should take around 7 to 10 minutes.
  3. Once reduced, add coconut oil and turn the heat to low, stirring frequently.
  4. Add in the maple sugar and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until frothy, stirring frequently.
  5. Drizzle over popped popcorn and sprinkle with salt and sugar to taste.
  6. Enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

IMG_8640There you have it! A, what I would call, perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast! It is quick and easy to make and can be made ahead of time as to not add to the Thanksgiving cooking stress, although I can’t guarantee that you won’t be tempted to eat it all before Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!IMG_8638

Thanks to Tatertots & Jello for hosting!

Happy Halloween: Candy Corn Popcorn

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Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateHappy Halloween! Can you believe it’s already Halloween 2015?! And if you’re like us, then you’re currently wondering what you’re going to do with all that extra candy corn that you bought because it is oh so pretty but you really can’t eat that much of it.Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolatePlus you’re way too busy trying to finish all those Reese’s and Kit Kats that were “accidently” left over from trick-or-treaters….

Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateWe have just the treat for you that will use up all your leftover candy corn. This candy corn popcorn is the perfect after Halloween treat for grown ups (and kids!) to help you ease out of the Snickers and Reese’s sugar coma.

Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateIt is light, fluffy, and full of bits of candy corn! What isn’t to like??

Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateAlso, with all the new and wacky candy corn flavors they seemed to have out this year, you could really create quite the treat. Did anyone see the peanut butter candy corn that they were selling this year?? Am I the only one who has never seen that before?? If you tried it, please comment and let me know whether it was good or not! I really wanted to try it but didn’t feel like I should buy the entire bag before it is too late…

Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateAnyways, so to help you use up those cute little candy corns you bought, we came up with this recipe for candy corn popcorn. It’s not too sweet and not too sticky and so so good!

Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & ChocolateServes: 2  Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • about 10-15 pieces of candy corn (or more to sprinkle in at the end)
  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels popped
  • 1 Tablespoon hazelnut milk (we would have used unsweetened almond milk, but we already had the hazelnut milk open, but either would work)
  • 1/2 Tablespoon virgin coconut oil
  • Wax paper

How to make:

  1. Pop the popcorn using your method of choice (we used an air popper)
  2. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and spread the popped popcorn over it. The wax paper is important because the melted candy corn will get stuck to anything else and be hard to toss together.
  3. In a small pot on the stove, melt together the candy corn with the milk. Keep stirring occasionally (I used a spatula) until the mixture starts to bubble and look frothy. Then add the coconut oil.
  4. Keep stirring until well incorporated – it will look oily around the edges but the orange candy corn mixture will be smooth looking (about 5 minutes)
  5. Drizzle the mixture on the popcorn and start tossing immediately to incorporate. Use a bowl and a spatula or two spatulas at first since the melted candy corn will be hot!
  6. Sprinkle extra broken up candy corn pieces in for good measure!

Enjoy!

Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

Candy Corn Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

Salted Caramel Popcorn

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Caramel Popcorn

Oh popcorn how I love thee. I love it when you are buttery. I love it when you are kettle-y. I love it when you are cheesy. I love it when you are spicy. I love it when you are sweet. Oh but I especially love it when you are sweet. I will just eat you up I love you so.

Caramel Popcorn

Do you like my ballad to popcorn? I figured it was about time I let them know how much I do truly love them. I mean I did name part of our blog because of them…

Salted Caramel Popcorn

Recently Rose and I have been popping all sorts of delicious popcorn creations in the kitchen. We thought in case there was anyone else out there who possibly loves popcorn as much as us two that we would share one of said recipes for you.

Caramel Popcorn

We created a caramel-melt-in-your-mouth-sweet-and-delicious popcorn. It only seemed right what with all the salted caramel drinks popping up everywhere. Plus, caramel is pumpkin pie spice’s lesser known cousin that sometimes get a bit neglected. (Don’t worry pps lovers we have some recipes for you soon too!) But right now it’s time for the caramel corn.

Caramel Popcorn

Bring on the crunchy sweet deliciousness!

Salted Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 3/4 tablespoon butter (I’m sure you could use coconut oil too, but we used butter here)
  • salt

Steps:

  1. Pop the kernels. We used an air popper but you could also do them on the stove. This will make about 5 cups of popcorn so if you have an air popper, be prepared with a big bowl!
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and the butter on low heat, stirring frequently so the butter melts into all the sugar and doesn’t burn. Stir frequently but not constantly until all the sugar is melted into the butter – about 5 minutes. You want the mixture to stay runny and not start to clump because once this cools, it will start to harden together quickly.
  3. While the mixture is hot, drizzle over your popcorn. I used a spatula to help drizzle.
  4. Salt the popcorn to your liking. We used pink himalayan sea salt and used less than a teaspoon since we wanted a sweeter treat.
  5. Let cool and enjoy!

Salted Caramel popcorn

Salted Caramel Popcorn | Popcorn & Chocolate

May Favorites

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Wowa, where did May go? What is this? How can it be June already?? This June is going to be a good one for us. We have lots of fun summer plans in the books that we will be sure to bring you along for the journey. First on our big June plans is moving – we are moving apartments on the first and are very excited, and a little bit freaked out about how much stuff we have. How do two people accumulate so much stuff? Please, tell me, I would really like to know. Is it Target? It’s Target, isn’t it… Anyways, we also are planning a few trips down to Cape Cod this summer and will probably go for a long weekend as soon as we are settled in our new place. Exciting things on the horizon! But, this is all in the month to come and we are here to talk about what we loved in May. I’ll admit we weren’t loving much, (besides Uhaul and their cheap prices on boxes) but we managed to come up with a few things that we enjoyed throughout the month.

May favorites

Food: Well here we are again with popcorn as one of our favorites. You best get used to it because we eat a lot a lot of popcorn. We are always trying new brands and new flavors we see (so long as they are still pretty healthy and light). We have always loved the Lesser Evil brand but never tried their Himalayan Sweetness kind. We bought our first bag at Whole Foods and sort of forgot about it until we went to NH for the weekend and bought another bag of it there. Let me tell you we went through that whole bag in one night just the two of us and had to go out and buy 2 more bags the next day. We are LOVING it. Salty and sweet and light and delicious! Wow.. I had a lot to say about that popcorn, maybe we should just leave it at that? Nahh

Also for food, we have both been enjoying Tea pops from David’s Tea. It is basically strong brewed tea that is then poured over an ice cold glass of seltzer. We have been experimenting with making them at home and made a really delicious one that involved their root beer tea from last year and coconut seltzer. Sounds odd, but they are really good!

Books: I absolutely am loving The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I was hooked after the first page I read and haven’t been able to put it down since. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a gripping novel for the summer.

TV: We shamelessly watch The Bachelorette and are super stoked for the current season that just started. It is already full of such drama, loveit! We are playing along to The Bach Fantasy with Rose’s coworkers so we got some serious stakes for this show. We take our Bachelorette seriously #noshame.

Clothes: Rose is laahhving these pants from Loft. She got them in navy and has worn them a bunch already. They are appropriate for work but also comfy; A good purchase all around!

Cilantro Lime Popcorn

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Cilantro lime popcorn

Well well well Popcorn and Chocolate are back again making what else but popcorn. This recipe is absolutely perfect for Cinco de Mayo, especially if you pair it with our mango margarita recipe. Disclaimer: this combination is beyond delicious and we do not recommend it unless you are prepared to want more.

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Cilantro. Lime. Popcorn. Nope, do not try this because it is disgusting and you will not go out and buy more popcorn kernels and cilantro and limes to recreate it the next day and the day after that and the day after that… We definitely didn’t do that.. nope, doesn’t sound like us at all.

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This popcorn though, it is like happy hour meets movie theater meets my mouth in a delicious explosion of salty cilantro-y goodness.

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This is coming from the kid who absolutely positively despised cilantro and would avoid it at all costs. If it had cilantro in it, nope, just no; I was done. I used to hate Boloco because their rice has cilantro cooked into it, and who could hate Boloco?! I was crazy and thankfully I have come to my senses and now actually love cilantro and make Rose buy it at the grocery store all too often. Rose loves cilantro so she is overly excited by my new found relationship with the herb.

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If you told me a few years ago I would be making and loving cilantro lime popcorn I wouldn’t have believed you. I was with all the cilantro tastes like soap people, but now I have converted, and my friends, you will too with this scrumptious popcorn.

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Simple, salty, zesty popcorn. Keep it coming because I could eat many of batches of this lovely delightful snack.

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Cilantro Lime Popcorn:

  • 1/4 cup popcorn kernels – this makes a big two person sharing bowl sized amount
  • 2 and 1/2 tablespoons sunflower oil (olive oil or coconut oil would work as well, but sunflower oil creates the most authentic popcorn taste so we highly recommend it)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional – extra dash of cilantro and zest to top it all off for an extra punch of flavor

1. Pop the kernels either on the stove or using an air popper

2.  Mix the oil with most, but not all of the cilantro, zest, and salt in a small bowl until combined

3. Pour mixture over popped popcorn and shake to thoroughly cover, then toss in the remaining cilantro, zest, and salt

4. Enjoy!

5. Optional- invite me over to help you enjoy.

I love popcorn!There you have it, a simple yet flavorful popcorn snack that would be perfect for your next Friday night movie night or even for a fun snack on Cinco de Mayo. I’ll warn you again, pairing this with those mango margaritas is definitely not a delicious idea…. nope…

IMG_6307Ps. I’m literally dying over how cute this llama placemat is. We got it at Crate & Barrel in the fall and unfortunately they don’t sell it anymore.. I need more!

Things We Loved in March 2015

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Hello all! Rose and I have decided to share with you some of our favorites from the month of March. We enjoy reading these posts and thought it would be fun to make one ourselves!

march favorites

Food:

  • Nature Valley Protein bars – these bars are so delicious when you are on the run and need a quick snack. Plus there is 10g of protein and only 6g of sugar, which is a major plus in my book!
  • Nectarines – although they aren’t quite in season yet we have been munching on them in our breakfast throughout this month.
  • Trader Joe’s kettle corn and 479 Asiago, Parmesan and Cheddar popcorn – This post wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t have popcorn on the list! These are the two bags we have been munching on extra hard.

Fashion:

  • Bomber jacket – I recently purchased this bomber jacket for the spring and am loving it! It is the perfect weight plus it isn’t stiff like most jackets so you can wear it comfortably all day long. Rose has a similar one in a floral print that she wears all the time as well.
  • Booties – Yay for bootie season! Now that all the snow has melted our booties are out to play.
  • Revlon Colorburst in crush – Rose has been wearing this color on her lips non stop throughout March. We love all of the colorburst colors but right now this color has taken center stage. Plus it stays on all day even through lunch!

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Valentines Day Trays

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Valentine’s day is upon us my friends. I feel like this holiday is either dreaded or loved; I used to be someone who dreaded it but now I am slowly moving towards the latter category. With all sorts of Valentine’s goodies in stores and seeing fun blog posts and pictures of homemade treats on the internet, I’ve gotten excited for Valentines day this year. I guess I appreciate it more from a crafters standpoint nowadays, and have even given into the reds and pinks and heart shaped everything.

IMG_4879 We tend to be suckers for holiday goodies and end up falling into the trap of buying everything just because it is pretty and holiday related (exhibit a, and b, and c – okay I’ll stop now). Therefore, to justify our purchases we have decided to put together two Valentine’s day themed trays. We have done a breakfast in bed themed tray and also an evening dessert tray. These trays are quite versatile and are a cute way to say I love you. Even if you don’t have a date, you can share these goodies with a friend, a neighbor, or just enjoy it all yourself! IMG_9988 When you wake up in the morning on a holiday it is fun to be surprised with a present or homemade breakfast. On this tray we have put all the things that we would like to be surprised with in the morning, such as a cute hand made note, a delicious homemade breakfast, and some nice, warm tea. IMG_9992 IMG_0036 These little notes are simple to make – all you need is some paper, stamps and ink. We got most of these stamps at A.C. Moore last year for sale for super cheap. A homemade made card adds a cute little touch that shows your creative side. Plus, you can customize them to fit the person you will be giving it to. IMG_4905 IMG_0023 We also added a simple breakfast that you can make ahead and have ready to go in the morning with minimal work. We made Chocolate Covered Katie’s Customizable Breakfast Granola Cups. These were very easy to make and you can do so the night before and then just add in Greek yogurt or whatever filling you wish (peanut butter anyone?) We added some fresh fruit to the cups to make it a well rounded breakfast treat. IMG_0033IMG_4946 Lastly, we added two cups of warming tea to the tray. You, of course, could have coffee or even some mimosas if you’re feeling indulgent! We love these new mugs we got at Target. Target does it again!IMG_0087 Our second tray is more of an afternoon/night time treat tray. This one features rosé wine, some popcorn and some chocolate covered fruit delights. Some other ideas to put on it could be a movie to watch, a game to play together, or a candle to light. IMG_4960 IMG_0109 For the chocolate covered fruit, we bought this mold at A.C Moore for $2 and melted some chocolate chips in the microwave. We then cut out whatever fruit we had on hand – cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, blackberries – into little hearts. We piped a layer of chocolate into the molds and placed the heart shaped fruit on top. Then we stuck it in the freezer for about 30 minutes or an hour to harden. This treat is truly delicious, and it adds a nice indulgent counterpart to some salty popcorn. You all know we need some chocolate to go with our popcorn! IMG_0105IMG_0110 No nighttime treat would be complete without a glass of wine or a cocktail to pair with it. We went for some rosé as it is pink and fitting for Valentine’s day, but feel free to add in any cocktail or type of wine you prefer. There have been a lot fun cocktail recipes I’ve seen lately that would make a great edition to this tray. IMG_4992 We scattered the table with some heart confetti and some red arrows that Rose cut out to add to the festiveness of it all. The hearts were made with a little heart punch from A.C. Moore and some colored card stock. IMG_0092 We hope you enjoyed our two Valentine’s day themed trays. It was a lot of fun to put together and to make two different types of trays as well. Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s day!