6 Easy Menus for Valentine’s Day Breakfast in Bed

Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed is so much better than Valentine’s Day dinner; no crowds to contend with, no overpriced entrees, and no pants if you don’t want to put them on. So we curated six easy Valentine’s breakfast in bed menus, to serve and eat wherever you want to.

Waking up is hard to do for many of us. But not so much when the one you love hands you a special drink and a homemade meal—all while you’re still in your PJs snuggled under the covers. So this Valentine’s Day, give what you’d want. And you get to indulge too. Treat yourselves to one of these three make-ahead breakfasts instead of an overpriced dinner. Do whatever prep you can the night before, and enjoy it with your bed buddy.

Then you can both swoon over the food, presented, of course, in proper style.

Winsome Wood Antique Walnut Sedona Bed Tray, $24.49 on Amazon

This beautiful wooden bed tray with foldable legs is a perfect example.

Buy Now

But if breakfast in bed doesn’t suit you, trying making dessert for two, or invite a few other couples over that night and throw a beautiful party for Valentine’s Day. Not into this particular holiday? Fight the powers-that-be and learn how to throw a badass Anti-Valentine’s Day party.

If you love the thought of dining in first thing in the morning, just read on.

“The Egg Came First” Menu

First up on our breakfast-in-bed menus for snuggle bunnies, this is one for lovers of the incredible, edible egg.

Autumn Chiller

Chowhound

This yolk-colored drink is packed with orange juice, which is a great morning complement to the rich, savory main dish coming next. And to make it feel more festive, there’s ginger beer and sparkling apple cider in this alcohol-free mixed morning drink. Get our Autumn Chiller recipe.

Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Chowhound

Prepare this dreamy, rich, eggy breakfast dish the night before, all except the cooking. You’ll use a whopping dozen eggs for this dish. Put that dish in the refrigerator to set overnight, and then wake up about 1 hour, 15 minutes before your bedmate. All you’ll need to do is preheat the oven and slip it inside for an hour. Get our Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe.

Zesty Lime and Ginger Winter Fruit Salad

Chowhound

As either a side dish or a breakfast dessert, a fruit salad celebrating the winter spoils (in Florida, at least) is a great finishing touch. The burst of color will make the plate look pretty too. Get our Zesty Lime and Ginger Winter Fruit Salad recipe.

The “Baller Beau” Menu

When only the very best will do for your beloved.

Kumquat Sparkler

Chowhound

If mimosas are acceptable in the a.m., then so is this. But while Champagne cut with OJ in the morning is just your basic brunch, Champagne served with nothing but a little ginger liqueur and halved kumquats is baller. Go ahead and break out the good stuff. Get our Kumquat Sparkler recipe.

Lobster Scrambled Eggs with Caviar and Crème Fraîche

David Burke

Lobster alone would make soft scrambled eggs out of this world, but add silky crème fraîche and briny caviar and it leaves the stratosphere. Get our Lobster Scrambled Eggs with Caviar and Crème Fraîche.

Drunken Prunes

Chowhound

A fruit course seems called for, but after that main event, you don’t need to be showy. Vanilla-speckled drunken prunes are understated yet luxurious after a soak in red wine and port. Serve with toasted pound cake and whipped cream or mascarpone, just a touch. But by all means, add a few flakes of edible gold leaf on top. Get our Drunken Prunes recipe.

The “Healthy Honey” Menu

For those who like to keep it clean.

Kiwi Sparkler

Pexels

The kiwifruit is considered a superfood, since it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also gives a bright green color and tangy-sweet, tropical taste to this healthy soda alternative. Sweetened with agave and topped off with club soda, it’s a fizzy way to wake up. But if you want to make a pink drink, just replace the kiwi and lime with blood orange instead, then adjust the agave based on the sweetness of your fruit. Get our Kiwi Soda recipe.

Healthy Open Face Breakfast Sandwich

Chowhound

While these healthy breakfast sandwiches can’t be made ahead, they hardly take any time; and an active valentine might not want to laze about in bed anyway, so don’t be surprised if they join you in the kitchen. You’ll top multigrain toast with sauteed kale or spinach, fried eggs (organic, please), and kalamata olives, but the addition of a little feta and creamy avocado keeps it from feeling too austere. If you’ve got a vegan valentine, just leave off the feta and replace the fried egg with a vegan scramble. Get our Healthy Open Face Breakfast Sandwich recipe.

Vegan Winter Fruit Salad

View this post on Instagram

Serving up this Winter Fruit Salad (basically the prettiest salad ever) with a side of real talk 👊 New on the blog today! RECIPE: http://www.asaucykitchen.com/winter-fruit-salad/

A post shared by Sarah Nevins (@asaucykitchen) on Feb 15, 2017 at 11:58am PST

For a sweet ending, toss together seasonal winter fruits—tangerines, apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, and more kiwi—in a maple-lime dressing with some poppy seeds for added crunch. But you can replace them with chia or flax seeds if you have those in the pantry. Get the Vegan Winter Fruit Salad.

The “Chocolate Connoisseur’s Choice” Menu

Because, hey, it is Valentine’s Day, and chocolate needn’t just come in a heart-shaped box.

Coconut Hot Chocolate

Chowhound

A mocha might be more traditional in the morning, but if there was ever a time to be extra decadent, it’s now. And homemade hot cocoa is the perfect blend of easy and impressive (not to mention, it tastes way better than the pre-made powder). The coconut milk gives a slightly tropical flavor that’s deliciously different. Get our Coconut Hot Chocolate recipe.

Double Chocolate Pop Tarts

Chowhound

Treat them to double the chocolate and no end of nostalgia with these homemade toaster pastries (that are actually baked in the oven). You can make them a day or two ahead of time, then gently reheat before you bring them upstairs. But don’t dally, as they’re definitely best when still warm and melty inside (like your heart when you behold your S.O., right?). Get our Double Chocolate Pop Tarts recipe.

Megpies Chocolate Toaster Tart, $4.50 on Mouth

If you're not a baker, these artisanal Pop Tarts are incredibly delicious and totally acceptable.

Buy Now

Tropical Fruit Salad with Cacao Nibs

Chowhound

To help lighten things up, serve a banana-based fruit salad with kiwi, mango, papaya, and crunchy cocoa nibs to carry out the chocolate theme but in an intriguingly bittersweet way. Get our Tropical Fruit Salad with Cacao Nibs recipe.

The “Pastries for Life” Menu

For those who are apt to say “I dough.”

Bicerin

Chowhound

Bicerin is an Italian espresso drink  with hot chocolate and heavy cream, the perfect complement to a morning pastry or two. Get our Bicerin recipe.

Breakfast Empanadas

Chowhound

Eggs, chorizo, cheese, scallions, and cilantro are stuffed inside these flaky pastry pockets. Serve them with some sour cream and salsa, everything made the day before. Reheat and enjoy. Get our Breakfast Empanadas recipe.

Raspberry Scones

Chowhound

We don’t care that empanadas and scones seem like a curious combination. Unlikely pairings can create something beautiful, don’t you think? Flaky and moist if done right, your breakfast can end on a slightly sweet note. Add freshly whipped cream … for the scones, silly. Get our Raspberry Scones recipe.

The “Eat Dessert First” Menu

For when chocolate isn’t the answer, but a sweet tooth still needs satisfying.

Valentini

Mix up that standard mimosa idea with a cranberry-laced version. It’s like a blushing cocktail juice packed with good-for-you vitamin C, yet a little naughty in the morning too. Get our Valentini recipe.

French Toast Casserole

Chowhound

It’s French toast that you don’t have to stand over the frying pan to make, loaded with pecans, raisins, and maple syrup for a crunchy, custardy breakfast treat. Get our French Toast Casserole recipe.

Honey-Ginger Pear Trifle

Chowhound

Is it dessert or is it breakfast? Who cares? We love to blur the lines when it comes to enjoying what we want. Graham crackers go upscale in this fruit-and-yogurt trifle. Get our Honey-Ginger Pear Trifle recipe.

Check out our other breakfast recipes if you want more ideas, and get more romantic recipes, tips, and tricks at our Valentine’s Day headquarters, including great Valentine’s Day gifts.

Related Video: Pucker Up for This Valentine’s Day Cocktail with Kombucha

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2SvuPOx
via IFTTT

Keto Meal Ideas For Valentine’s Day (And Yes, You Can Have Dessert)

A keto Valentine’s Day dinner doesn’t mean a joyless affair—or a big heart-shaped steak (unless that’s what you want). And it definitely doesn’t mean forgoing dessert, as these keto Valentine’s Day recipes prove.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans “going keto,” you know that the diet is somewhat strict and difficult to adhere to, especially on holidays like Valentine’s Day that involve copious amounts of chocolate and Champagne. (Quick recap: The keto diet emphasizes cutting out carbohydrates and amping up foods high in fat, so that your body starts to break down fats instead of storing them.) And yet, whether you’re a champion of the low-carb, high-fat diet or just a skeptic who’s in a relationship with one, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without veering too far from the keto script.

A Key Keto IngredientThe Ultimate Guide to Almond Flour“It just takes a little bit of planning,” say Alex and Lauren Lester, the couple behind Cast Iron Keto, a site dedicated to keto-friendly recipes. Both keto acolytes for just over two years, the couple has become pros at whipping up inventive keto-compliant meals like these delicious fish tacos that make the breadless way of life seem much more doable.

Cast Iron Keto Recipes

For a romantic keto dinner, Alex and Lauren suggest a cast iron steak with a charred Brussels sprout salad, rounded out by their keto white chocolate blondies. True to the site’s name, all of these dishes are meant to be made in a cast-iron skillet, which also cuts down on time spent in the kitchen cleaning up a bunch of pots and pans.

Cast Iron Keto’s Keto Charred Brussels Sprout Salad recipe

Lodge Chef Collection Cast Iron Skillet, $29.95 at Sur La Table

This pre-seasoned skillet is ready to use right away.

Buy Now

Classics That Just Happen to Be Keto

The reality is you don’t have to get too creative when planning a romantic keto dinner for two. A classic baked brie is a perfect, gooey appetizer that doesn’t require any adaptations. Other great options that can be starters or sides are steamed artichokes, Alex’s garlic butter mushrooms, or a light and crunchy cucumber salad.

(Keto) Breakfast for Dinner

Sick of meat-and-threes? Switch things up with breakfast-for-dinner (or breakfast-in-bed). Egg muffin cups are super easy to customize. Almond flour pancakes and zucchini waffles read indulgent but are still low in carbs.

Cast Iron Keto’s Garlic Butter Mushrooms recipe

Indian Inspiration

A cozy butter chicken with a side of cauliflower rice is another good option, especially paired with a naturally low-carb side of Indian raita, and a vegetable dish.

Related Reading: 5 Plant-Based Swaps for the Carbs You Crave

Keto Pasta (Yes, It’s Possible)

If pasta is always your thing for Valentine’s (Lady and the Tramp-style), try shirataki noodles instead of spaghetti. Also known as “miracle noodles” (the name of a common shirataki brand), they’re a popular Japanese ingredient made from water and konjac yam. Toss them with an almond butter sauce, use them in a pad thai, or even substitute in a carbonara.

Miracle Noodle Shirataki Angel Hair and Fettuccine, 6 packs for $18.95 on Amazon

Try two varieties of these soy-free, zero-carb, gluten-free, vegan noodles.

Buy Now

Keto Desserts

Dessert on keto can be a bit trickier, but there are still recipes that stick to the low-carb, high-fat formula. In addition to white chocolate blondies, the Lesters recommend their keto magic bars, packed with shredded coconut, pecans, and dark chocolate chips. Peanut butter and chocolate truffles are also great, as is a tart lemon bar.

Cast Iron Keto’s Keto Magic Bars recipe

And let’s face it, maybe on Valentine’s Day, it’s okay to break from keto. While Alex and Lauren have both been fairly strict keto acolytes for the last couple years, even they say it’s necessary and in fact healthy to take a break once in awhile.

Good Dee’s Brownie Mix, $9.49 on Amazon

Low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and maltitol-free, this mix is an easy route to keto-compliant brownies to end your evening.

Buy Now

“We both believe in living your life,” says Alex. “And that includes enjoying time with each other without worrying about macros.”

Related Reading: Plan for Success: Keto Meal Prep Guide | The Best Low- and No-Sugar Cookbooks for Keto, Paleo, and Diabetic Diets

Keto Concerns

Is the Keto Diet Bad for Your Heart?

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/39fUdhJ
via IFTTT

Why Do We Give Chocolate On Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away, which means I should probably start thinking about what I’ll give my wife. Maybe some flowers; they’re pretty, just like her. Or that other classic, chocolate. But, wait, why chocolate? Why do we give chocolate on Valentine’s Day? Not to pull a “Good Will Hunting” here, but why not caramels? Or cookies? Or pie? Oh, I wish it were pie. Why do nearly 70 percent of people on Valentine’s Day gift chocolate to their significant other or secret crush? I need to get to the bottom of this, and get to the bottom of this I shall. To the internet!

Turns out, some pretty reputable establishments, like NPR, The History Channel, and The Smithsonian, have looked into this phenomenon too. What’s that they say? Great minds think alike? Yeah, something like that. Anyway, here’s what I learned.

Valentine’s Day is a feast day in the Catholic Church commemorating the lives of several martyrs named “Valentine.” It’s generally understood that none of these men were particularly linked to romantic love, despite an uncorroborated account that one of the Vals (my nickname, not theirs) married folks.

So, why is Valentine’s Day the day of loooooove (said in my best Barry White voice)? The consensus is that Geoffrey Chaucer, the writer of “The Canterbury Tales” (hey, I read that in high school!), linked Valentine’s Day with romantic love in his poem, “Parlement of Foules,” in 1382. In the poem, Chaucer describes St. Valentine’s Day as the time when birds choose their mates. Is that how bird mating works? I don’t think that’s accurate. Wait, it’s a poem. Metaphors. Got it. I guess other writers took notice, as more poems and songs sprang forth. Before long, life imitated art, and Valentine’s Day became a time of gifts for and gestures to your significant other. The thing is, those gifts weren’t chocolates for another 450 years or so.

Cocoa Power

Chocolate and Wine Pairings: A Match Made in Heaven

What's the Deal with White Chocolate?

A Handy Cocoa Percentage Primer

Despite the somewhat pervasive belief that chocolate was an aphrodisiac (science says it’s not), it wasn’t until the Victorian age, when sugar became less of an extravagance, that conditions were just right for chocolate to hit the scene as a Valentine’s Day staple. In addition to the economics being optimal, the times were too. Evidently, the buttoned-up Victorians got a real kick out of letting their emotions go for a day, and were really into giving their sweeties gifts decked out in lovey-dovey Cupids.

At this time, a businessman and chocolatier by the name of Richard Cadbury took advantage of this opportunity. You see, Cadbury’s primary business originally revolved around making drinking chocolate. I guess that was all the rage back then. He was somewhat of a pioneer in this industry, and, as a result, came up with a revolutionary process that produced surplus cocoa butter. Wanting to take advantage of this surplus, he decided to use it to produce “eating chocolate.” Today, we’d call it chocolate candy. Pretty savvy move, huh? It gets better. To market this new creation, he sold his eating chocolates in elaborately adorned boxes. Then, near Valentine’s Day, when folks were getting lovestruck and Cupid-crazy, he designed heart-shaped boxes and decorated them with Cupids and flowers.

Shutterstock

Genius, right? It gets even better! To hammer the point home that his chocolates were optimal gifts for lovers, he emphasized that once the consumer was done with the chocolates, the box that once held them could also be used to hold remembrances, love letters, and things of that sort. Incredible! Capitalism at its finest.

Later, in early 20th century America, where the commercial appeal of Valentine’s Day thrived, Russell Stover took Cadbury’s idea to the next level, selling their heart-shaped chocolate boxes to department stores for mass consumption. Today, you can find them all over the place. And that’s, as they say, all she wrote.

Basically, we give chocolate on Valentine’s Day because some savvy businessman took advantage of the commercialization of the feast day of several martyred saints to sell surplus ingredients he had lying around. Pretty romantic stuff, huh? This Valentine’s Day, when you receive that box of chocolate, instead of getting bogged down in this aspect of the history, let me propose an alternative. Think about how good chocolate is, and how much your significant other must like you if he or she gave you something so delicious. Chances are, he or she doesn’t know the history. They just want you to know how special you are to them. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Feeling Extra Generous?

Give the gift of a chocolate of the month subscription.

Buy Now

See our Valentine’s Day 2020 Gift Guide headquarters for more perfect present ideas (chocolate included).

Related Video: A Valentine for Unappreciated Chocolates

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/398fqu9
via IFTTT

13 Vegan and Gluten-Free Valentine’s Day Desserts So Everyone Gets Some Sugar

These gluten-free, vegan Valentine’s dessert recipes are heavy on the romance (and chocolate) but safe—and delicious enough—for everyone to enjoy.

Whatever your relationship status or feelings about the holiday itself, Valentine’s Day is a great time to indulge in dessert, from classic chocolate mousse and crème brûlée to molten chocolate cake and truffles.

But all of those are loaded with dairy, eggs, and often flour—so what’s a vegan and/or gluten-free dessert lover to do? Not miss out, that’s for sure.

These vegan, gluten-free versions of all your favorites are just as satisfying, even if it’s not the allergy-friendly status that allures. They’re straight-up delicious, so dig in! And the fact that they’re (relatively) healthy? Even more reason to love them.

Related Reading: How to Buy Chocolate as a Gift

1. Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

View this post on Instagram

I can’t wait to dig into this Molten Chocolate Lava Cake – vegan and gluten free!! – courtesy of Claire from @claire.sumochef ‘s guest post on Vegan Chickpea. I mean, how delectable does this warm, gooey, cakey dessert look?! 😍and the 💜shape?! Soo cute!! I cant believe the recipe comes together in just 30 minutes total with 10 ingredients. Get your baking on with this easy recipe and impress your friends!! 💞🍫🍰 Thanks Claire for this amazing recipe! Oh, and get ready because this is the first in a series of guest posts featuring other talented bloggers who will be sharing their plant inspired deliciousness with us – get ready for gingerbread men cookies, butternut squash bake, birthday cake, nacho potato latkes and a whole lot more!! Recipe here: bit.ly/VClava #veganglutenfree #glutenfreevegan #veganrecipe #poweredbyplants #veganblogger #veganfoodshare #plantpowered #veganfoodporn #veganism #govegan #dairyfreelife #plantstrongvegan #glutenfreelife #bestofvegans #veganfoodlovers #veganfoodlover #veganfoodie #vegandessert #chocolatecakes #lavacake #moltenlavacake #glutenfreecake #chocolatelovers #veganchocolate #vegancake #dinnerparty #molten #cakelovers #whatveganscook #veganbaking

A post shared by Vegan chickpea (@vegan.chickpea) on Oct 17, 2017 at 6:56am PDT

Call them cliché if you want, but molten chocolate cakes will never not be fantastic, and no one need miss out. This vegan, GF version is made with gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, strawberry puree, coconut milk, vegan chocolate chips, and a little aquafaba, among other things. They’re made in silicone cupcake molds (heart-shaped ones if you have ’em). And make sure you buy a gluten-free brand of baking powder, like Clabber Girl or Rumford. Top with your favorite dairy-free ice cream for extra decadence. Get the Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes recipe.

Cup4Cup Gluten Free Flour, $13.06 on Amazon

An all-purpose gluten-free flour you can substitute in almost any recipe that calls for conventional.

Buy Now

2. Gluten Free Vegan Sweetheart Hand Pies

View this post on Instagram

only a few weeks until valentine’s day!! ❤️🍒❤️ I have lots of treats on the blog for the upcoming holiday, but these gluten free vegan sweetheart cherry hand pies might be my fave. heart-shaped flakey pastry with a sweet, dark cherry filling. {recipe link in profile} • #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #valentinesday #pie #instayum #foodporn #lovetobake #bakinglove #huffposttaste #feedfeed #f52grams #thekitchn #wholefoods #nomnom #bhgfood #foodie #foodstagram #foodstyling @thefeedfeed https://www.sarahbakesgfree.com/2017/01/gluten-free-vegan-sweetheart-cherry-hand-pies.html

A post shared by Sarah (@sarahbakesgfree) on Jan 27, 2020 at 4:02pm PST

Hand pies in heart shapes are extra sweet. This recipe uses frozen cherries for the filling, so you can make them all year round. Get the Gluten Free Vegan Sweetheart Hand Pies recipe.

Related Reading: The Cutest Heart-Shaped Kitchen Gadgets to Give for Valentine’s Day

3. 2-Ingredient Vegan Fudge

View this post on Instagram

When the chocolate cravings are REAL. 🍫😱🍫 2 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge. Recipe link in my profile @beamingbaker ❤️ Demeter⠀ ⠀⠀ 2 Ingredient 5 Minute Homemade Fudge Recipe (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)⠀ https://beamingbaker.com/2-ingredient-5-minute-homemade-fudge-recipe-paleo-vegan-gluten-free-dairy-free/

A post shared by Demeter Trieu @ Beaming Baker (@beamingbaker) on Nov 2, 2019 at 1:02pm PDT

Vegan chocolate chips and almond butter (or peanut butter, or whatever other nut or seed butter you prefer), melted together, smoothed into a pan, and set in the freezer for one hour. That’s all it takes to achieve this lusciously creamy treat, but feel free to dress it up a bit by sprinkling shaved chocolate, sea salt flakes, freeze-dried raspberries, or even gold leaf on top! And if you can’t wait an hour, use it warm and call it vegan fondue. Get the 2-Ingredient Vegan Fudge recipe.

4. Vegan Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

View this post on Instagram

The day of fluffy pink and chocolatey treats is coming up ✨ and these chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake bites are perfect for valentines, galentines, or self-love day 💖 recipe for these pretty lil thangs is on the blog!

A post shared by Leah 🌱🌎🐮 (@lovemefeedme) on Feb 7, 2018 at 11:06am PST

Vegan cheesecake can be made a few different ways, but this recipe goes with the time-honored method of soaking cashews and blending them into a creamy mixture with coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla—and in this case, strawberries for festive flavor and color. Drizzle liberally with dark chocolate and it evokes that other classic V-Day treat (chocolate-covered strawberries, of course). Get the Vegan Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bites recipe.

5. Vegan Heart-Shaped Churros with Strawberry Sugar

View this post on Instagram

Now on the blog: 20+ Vegan Valentine’s Day Desserts! Including heart-shaped churros, raspberry nice cream and chocolate pralines! Here you go >> https://www.elephantasticvegan.com/16-vegan-valentines-day-desserts/

A post shared by Bianca Haun 🌱 Vegan Food (@elephantasticvegan) on Feb 5, 2019 at 11:23am PST

These vegan churros are easily made gluten-free too when you swap in a GF flour blend meant for baking. Coated in a mix of sugar and powdered freeze-dried strawberries, they’re pretty perfect. But dip them in chocolate and they’re even better. The heart shape isn’t hard to form, either. Get the Vegan Heart-Shaped Churros with Strawberry Sugar recipe.

6. Vegan Salted Caramel Chocolates

View this post on Instagram

I bring you Chocolate Caramels for Valentine’s Day and all my love for making what I do possible. I still can’t believe that I get to do this as my job. I feel so lucky and it’s you that has made that possible. Every time you make a recipe, share a pic, comment on, like or share one of my recipes on social media, or pre-order my cookbook, you are helping me live my dream and show everyone that being vegan is freaking awesome! 😁 Here’s to you and I hope you have a fantastically loving, kind and compassionate Valentine’s day! 😘 If you want the recipe for the caramels, tap the link in my bio! . https://avirtualvegan.com/vegan-chocolate-salted-caramels/ . #avirtualvegan #veganvalentinesday #vegan #veganvalentine #bemyvalentine #valentines #valentinesday2019 #veganvalentines #veganrecipe #chocolatecaramels #vegancaramel #veganchocolates #chocolate #chocolates

A post shared by Mel McDonald / A Virtual Vegan (@avirtualvegan) on Feb 14, 2019 at 7:38am PST

Coconut sugar, tahini, vanilla extract, and coconut oil combine to make a golden, gooey, vegan caramel that gets enrobed in dark chocolate for loveable bite-size treats. No time to get a heart-shaped mold? No excuse not to make them—you can just use an ice cube tray instead! Get the Vegan Salted Caramel Chocolates recipe.

7. Gluten-Free Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

View this post on Instagram

These Gluten-Free Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes are moist and fluffy, naturally coloured and slathered in a deliciously tangy “cream cheese” frosting! Also refined sugar free. ——————————————————— 👉FOLLOW @rhiansrecipes for more easy, undetectably vegan + gluten-free recipes! ❤️Direct link to the recipe in my profile or get it here: https://www.rhiansrecipes.com/gluten-free-vegan-red-velvet-cupcakes/ ⭐️Tag a friend who would love this ——————————————————— . . . . . . . . . . . . #whatveganseat #vegan #plantbased #eatplants #veganfoodie #veganfoodporn @thefeedfeed #veganeats #veganfoodspot #vegansofig #veganfoodshare #feedfeedvegan @thefeedfeed.vegan #bestofvegan @bestofvegan #letscookvegan @letscookvegan @freeeatingplan #ThriveMags #foodblogfeed @foodblogfeed #glutenfree #glutenfreevegan #ahealthynut @a.healthy.nut #thehealthfoodedition @thehealthfoodedition #healthyvegan #kitchn @thekitchn #plantpowered #plantstrong #veganfoodlovers #veganfriendly #bakersofig #veganbaking #bakefeed @thebakefeed #vegandessert #vegancake

A post shared by Rhian Williams (@rhiansrecipes) on Jun 20, 2019 at 6:14am PDT

Red velvet cake is full of problematic ingredients for vegans and gluten-free folks (flour, eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese…), but this moist cupcake version is made with a homemade GF flour blend, dairy-free milk, and a vegan buttercream to top off the romantic red confection. Get the Gluten-Free Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe.

8. Gluten-Free Vegan Whoopie Pies

View this post on Instagram

with valentine’s day next week, it’s time to share all of my favorite “sweetheart” recipes!! ❤️❤️❤️ these gluten free vegan whoopie pies will make your heart go pitter-patter. two heart shaped cake-like cookies with a whipped vanilla filling. so sweet and so delicious!! {recipe link in profile} • #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #valentinesday #chocolate #instayum #foodporn #lovetobake #bakinglove #huffposttaste #feedfeed #f52grams #thekitchn #wholefoods #nomnom #bhgfood #foodie #foodstagram #foodstyling @thefeedfeed https://www.sarahbakesgfree.com/2017/02/gluten-free-vegan-whoopie-pies.html

A post shared by Sarah (@sarahbakesgfree) on Feb 6, 2020 at 4:44pm PST

Making’ whoopie pies vegan and gluten-free means everyone can enjoy the soft, cakey textured, chocolate cookies and fluffy vanilla filling. Forming them into hearts means they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day. Get the Gluten-Free Vegan Whoopie Pies recipe.

9. Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Ella Olsson/Pexels

This creamy, deeply chocolatey mousse is made with avocados for a silky, allergy-friendly, and vegan treat with a hint of cinnamon (and a little almond butter or coconut cream to smooth it out). Top it off with raspberries, macerated strawberry slivers, or pomegranate seeds for a colorful, fruity contrast. Get our Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse recipe.

10. Vegan Crème Brûlée

View this post on Instagram

tomorrow is part 2 of our #valentinesday meal! We’ve got #vegan crème brûlée for ya ❤️ SUBSCRIBE to our @youtube channel so you don’t miss a thing!

A post shared by hot for food (@hotforfood) on Feb 7, 2017 at 1:10pm PST

Crème brûlée is pretty much all eggs and dairy, but you can make a creamy vegan version with soft tofu and coconut cream. (If you’re unsure about the tofu, try a soy-free vegan version made with pumpkin puree instead.) Either way, you can’t forget the crackly burnt sugar top! Get the Vegan Crème Brûlée recipe.

Tintec Culinary Blow Torch, $12.98 on Amazon

This refillable butane torch (with safety lock) is a great, safe way to play with fire in the kitchen.

Buy Now

11. Vegan Gluten-Free Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie

View this post on Instagram

Monday calls for a STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP SKILLET COOKIE! 🍪🍓✨ who else wants one? 🙋🏻‍♀️ it’s Paleo and vegan, and if you want to replace the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries…it would be nothing but delicious! But I’m a sucker for the chocolate & strawberry flavor combo 👌🏼 get the recipe from the link in my profile: https://www.bakerita.com/strawberry-chocolate-chunk-skillet-cookie-gluten-free-paleo-vegan/ have a beautiful start of the week, lovely friend! sending love xoxoxo ❤️

A post shared by Rachel Conners • Bakerita.com (@bakeritablog) on May 20, 2019 at 9:27am PDT

This vegan, gluten-free skillet cookie made with almond butter (or seed butter), coconut sugar, flax eggs, and almond flour is meant for sharing, but who will know if you eat the whole thing by yourself? The pools of melted dark chocolate and sprinkle of juicy ruby strawberries certainly make it tempting. Get the Vegan Gluten-Free Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie recipe.

12. Vegan Gluten-Free S’mores Rice Krispies Treats

View this post on Instagram

Late night snack, road trip treat, or cookout dessert, these s’mores rice krispies treats are the way to go! Recipe linked in profile. . . . . . #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #f52grams #feedfeed #feedfeedglutenfree @thefeedfeed #igkansascity #thekitchn #glutenfreeliving #glutenfritt #thenewhealthy #feedfeedvegan #thebakefeed #iamwellandgood #glutenfreefood #todayfood #smores #glutenfreelife #bhgfood #howisummer #glutenfreevegan #hautecuisines #glutenfreebaking #marthafood #gfree #buzzfeedtasty #inmykitchen #rslove #wheatfree #nogluten

A post shared by Salted Plains | GF Recipes (@saltedplains) on Jul 22, 2019 at 3:04pm PDT

Make sure you get gluten-free rice cereal (always check your labels) and vegan marshmallows for this easy, chewy, gooey treat—you’ll swap the usual butter out for coconut oil, and won’t miss a thing. Plus, once more, there’s added chocolate (and crushed GF graham crackers if you want). Use heart-shaped cookie cutters if you’re into themed desserts—or just add some crushed freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries into the mix. Get the Vegan Gluten-Free S’mores Rice Krispies Treats recipe.

13. Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Balls

View this post on Instagram

if cheesecake isn’t your thing, maybe some Raspberry Dusted Fudge Brownie Truffles for #NationalChocolateDay?

A post shared by Kristina 🌿vegan recipe blog (@spabettie) on Oct 28, 2016 at 6:49pm PDT

Vegan, gluten-free chocolate cake meets truffles—or cake pops without the fuss of sticks. However you want to think of these easy treats, they’re swoon-worthy. The fudgy brownie-style bites above don’t even require baking, just blending cashews, dates, and cocoa powder with raspberries on top. But for another version, crumble your GF, vegan cake with coconut cream, roll it into balls, freeze, and dip in melted chocolate. (The pink topping on those is just shredded coconut with smashed raspberries—genius.)

Check out the best YouTube cooking shows for vegans for more inspiration—and browse some of the best vegan cookbooks. Visit our Valentine’s Day headquarters for more great ideas, tips, and recipes. And check out our Valentine’s Day gift guide if you’re still in search of a perfect present.

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/31K9UeR
via IFTTT