Foodie Friday:: For The Love Of Chocolate

Chocolate isn't just for Valentine's Day, but it sure makes that holiday sweeter. So today's post celebrates love - the love of chocolate. Some might call me a choco-holic, and that would be true. Thanks to Gabriella Eva Pirisi, the founder and pastry chef of the brand, MadCharlotte, I can get my chocolate fix via her Instagram feed, without indulging. She's one to follow, and to visit next time you are in Versailles, France. Above are a few examples of the magic she creates with chocolate. Until your visit to this exquisite Patisserie, make your own chocolate with this recipe roundup.

HERE: 14 Fabulous Chocolate Recipes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake 
Strawberries and chocolate go together like PB & J. This recipe features both a chocolate crust and chocolate ganache. Just Yum!
Life, Love & Sugar

Chocolate Truffle Martini
Cheers to all of the chocolate lovers out there. Is this a cocktail or dessert? I think both. Dulce de Leche rum butter truffles have been added to the mix to make this cocktail chic!
Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Coconut Raspberry Cake
Vegan and Gluten Free
I am not sure that I have ever seen a prettier cake.  And that Chocolate Coconut Ganache is well....the icing on 
the cake!
Heather Christo

Salted Dark Chocolate and Amaretto 
Pots de Crème
One of the most fabulous French desserts I have ever had. Second only to Chocolate Mousse, my all time favorite way to end a meal! The Amaretto puts this recipe over the top.
Williams Sonoma Taste

Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding
A custard based dessert (or breakfast) with a silky center and a crusty top.
Bakers Royale

Homemade Chocolate Truffles
Have you ever made a truffle? I have not, yet they are one of my favorite candies. My Mother made them so they can't be that difficult. Don't be intimidated, there's a wonderful video that you can follow along.
Sally's Baking Addiction

 Chocolate Fudge Pie
Oh my oh my! This will have to be made this weekend. The chocolate steals the show 
in this recipe!
Broma Bakery

Tricolor Chocolate Mousse
Contrary to what it might look like. This is not a cake, but rather three different colors and kinds of mousse. It's made in a springform pan! A must make for me.
Food52

Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes with Whipped Ganache Frosting
No fire needed for this decadent dessert. "These easy chocolate cupcakes are given a s’mores twist with a sweet marshmallow filling, graham cracker crumbs, and whipped ganache frosting!"
A Latte Food

Chocolate French Toast
I make a version of this. Let me tell you, it is the French Toast of your dreams. At least Mr. Shop This thinks so, at midnight after traveling all day. The bread is brioche.
Gourmet Traveller

Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Tart
With a chewy crust and a silky filling, this tart promises to be over the top. The sea salt flakes really brings out 
the flavors.
The Seaside Baker

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
I recently tried a brown butter chocolate chip cookie recipe. Of course I can't find it now. However, browning that butter made all the difference in the world. I mean it is a game changer. Try it.
Baking The Goods

Chocolate Toffee Crunch Cake

To me there is nothing better than a really good slice of chocolate cake. What makes this cake different from the rest is the buttermilk and cinnamon simple syrup. And if you think that you could never handle the piped frosting, I am sure that it will taste the
 same without it.
The Cake Blog

German Chocolate Ice Cream
Here's German Chocolate Cake's frozen cousin. How good does this look? Once you start making your own ice cream, you will never want that preservative laden stuff in cardboard again.
Ice Cream Inspiration



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From My Heart.....

Sending you champagne wishes with love and kisses this Valentine's Day.  Consider this a virtual hug from me and my visual Valentine to all of you! Thank you for following along. You touch my heart.

Dior Oui Ring

Always say yes to gold and diamonds. Oui?

Dior

l

Brass Love Object

This love will last forever.

West Elm

Strawberry Cupcakes With Cream

 Cheese Frosting

Recipe at Life, Love, & Sugar

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe 

Spring 2019 

See the collection at

Neiman Marcus  and Saks

David Yurman

With luminous gemstones or heartfelt motifs, gold rings from David Yurman make modern valentines and gorgeous gifts for 
any ocassion.

Neiman Marcus

Three Sexy Cocktail Recipes

Cheers to love!  These chic cocktails are guaranteed to add the romance to your Valentine's Day

Alchemy Fine Home

Isabella Dog Bed

Don't forget your furry friends. After all, they give you unconditional love every day of the year.

Horchow

Hearts are on fire at.....

Frances Valentine

Spring Girl Cake

Yes this is a real recipe. Whomever you create this for will be all heart eyes for you!

The Cake Blog

The Art Of Your Heart Bath Products

Inspired by the romance of oil paintings and a fresh bouquet of roses. These beautiful products can be found at

Sabon NYC

Strawberry Prosecco Smash

Pop the cork and drink to love! Recipe at

These Northern Roots

Milly Faux Fur

So what are you wearing to celebrate Valentines Day? This fabulous Faux Fur has all the feels. It's on sale, too. 

Milly New York

Hot Chocolate With Marshmallow Hearts

Find the recipe at

Martha Stewart

Lady Gaga in Schiaparelli Haute Couture

Gifts For Girlfriends on Galentines Day & Beyond

{ Via: Minted }

On Galentine's Day, I toast my girlfriends, and the girls who dread Valentine's Day. Love is love...be it loving your gal pals, your significant other or yourself.  Let's celebrate the women in our lives. We are important to each other. The act of friendship is present enough, but it's also fun to gift each other every once in a while. Here's roundup of little prezzies that only a girl would know that another girl 
would love.

Personalized Journals
At less than $15, order one for every girl you know. This gift blends fancy and functional in the best of ways. 
Mod Party

Crown Catchall
Let her know that you think she is the queen of everything. She'll use this chic catchall for everything - rings and things, makeup, keys, change . It will add the dose of glam that she craves to anywhere in her home. 
West Elm 

Wine Box
The Bubbles & Rosé Wine Club is the perfect sparkly and pink gift for girls any day of the year. As seen in Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller and more. Very affordable, too.
Vinley Market

Takenaka Bento Box
Chic and sleek for the girl who does lunch at her desk. Available in six stylish shades.
Anthropologie

Eyelash Mug
For any girl with a desk or vanity. I personally have a mug of something going all day. 
Fancy and fun!
Etsy

Deborah Lippmann Polish

Give her the perfect nude nail look, or several looks with this six piece set. It's called undressed. Isn't that perfect?  Deborah's nail lacquer is free from most of the harmful chemicals in other brands. There's enough here for every Spring mani and pedi.
Macy's

Pumped Up Glitter Phone Stand

Have these for your next girls brunch or lunch. In the restaurant or at home, these are a fun find that will add a little whimsy to any event. They are priced to buy in multiples. Too fun!

Bloomingdale's

Antica Farmacita Prosecco 
Bubble Bath
One of my favorites. It's a crisp and sparkling scent. What girl wouldn't love bubbles in their bubble bath?
Neiman Marcus

Maggie Louise
Milk Chocolate Lipsticks
For the girl who loves her chocolate! And that might be all of us.
Neiman Marcus 

Gold Martini Glasses Set
For special soirees or any Saturday night. Life is too short to drink from ordinary glasses.
Sunnylife

Kiss Cocktail Napkins

For your next girls night in.  I wouldn't mind a set of these myself. A fabulous hostess gift.

Bloomingdale's

Baublebar X Off My Case iPhone Case
If your bestie has a special occasion coming up, order this for her. Your texting will take on new meaning, and these are perfect for chic conversations.

Baublebar



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