Sweet Treats to Share Love on Valentine’s Day

A Valentine's Champagne Cocktail Recipe: From Russia with Love

Makes one drink

1/2 ounce Dark Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

1/2 ounce Chambord

Champagne

Coco nibs, for garnish, optional

In a Champagne flute, pour the Godiva and Chambord. Top with chilled Champagne. Garnish with coco nibs and enjoy!

My Honey Valentine, Russian "Medovik" Cake

What's not to love about 5 to 8 layers of cake full of honey goodness, cream and caramel? Try this Russian "Medovik" cake for a perfect finish to your Valentine's dinner!

Ingredients for the Cake

•           3 c flour

•           3 large eggs

•           5 tbsp butter

•           1 c sugar

•           1 c honey 

•           2 tsp vanilla

•           1/2 tsp salt

•           1 tsp baking soda

•           2 tbsp vodka

Ingredients for the filling and frosting:

•           1/2 c sugar

•           2 c sour cream 

•           1 tsp vanilla essence 

•           2 c whipping cream

•           1.5 c milled pecans

•           Optional: Shredded dark chocolate and berries (for garnish)

Step 1:

Melt butter and mix with sugar and honey in a large bowl. Allow mixture to cool, then whisk in eggs and vanilla till whipped. Add vodka, baking soda, salt and 2 cups of the flour. Stir for a few minutes till the dough starts to thicken. Cover the dough with cling film and store in a warm place for 3-4 hours.

Step 2:

Preheat oven to 400F/200C. Line 5-8 round baking pans (depending on how many cake layers you desire) with parchment and brush with vegetable oil. Divide dough in 5-8 equal parts and spread in a very thin layer in each pan. Baking time for each layer is 7 minutes. 

Step 3:

Beat sour cream with whipping cream, add sugar and vanilla and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture has doubled in volume. Once cake layers are completely cooled, assemble the cake. Remove one layer from the pan, top with frosting and another cake layer – repeat for remaining layers. Sprinkle sides of cake with milled nuts and decorate top with shredded dark chocolate and berries.

Enjoy and Happy Valentine’s!