February

Appears in

Published 2021

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Where I live, February is the dead of winter, and with it comes low temperatures and lots of shivers. If we are lucky though, with these frigid temperatures comes snow. When the ground is blanketed in white and the lakes freeze over, excitement is buzzing, as people scurry to dig out their ice skates and sleds.

To me, the winter months mean comfort food. Food that brings a certain heartiness and warmth is sort of a necessity when the weather is cold. Chocolate, perfect for Valentine’s Day, takes center stage this month. February is a great excuse to treat yourself and your loved ones to decadent confections like the recipes in this section. Salted Caramel Whiskey Truffles and Brown Butter and Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies not only make great gifts, but are decadent, chocolatey, and purely delicious. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can try the Flourless Chocolate Cake, served with whipped cream and raspberry coulis (puree). This cake is delicious for all occasions; rich, velvety, and sure to win you bonus points on Valentine’s Day. Next, we have the delicate Baklava-inspired palmiers, the heart-shaped treats that are also on the cover. Lastly, we have Pączki or Polish jelly doughnuts traditionally served on Fat Tuesday. While these last two deviate from the chocolate theme of the month, they are sure to please.