Handmade Chocolate Truffles

Look at this great home made chocolate truffles which Inessa from Vintageer is sharing today! Make them at home, put in a cute gift box, and Valentine's gift is ready :)

So... let's start! If you have never made truffles before, give it a try. This recipe is not only easy to make, but also is very affordable.

For this recipe you'll need:
• 100 gramm of best-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 100 ml heavy cream
• 1 tsp of brandy, liquor or vanilla extract
• unsweetened cocoa powder for coating
• candy paper cups

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan bring the cream to a simmer (do not boil!). Remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, than stir until completely melted and smooth. Add the brandy and stir again.

2. Pour the mix into a shallow bowl. Cover, and refrigerate the mixture until firm, for 1.5 - 2 hours.

3. Using a small spoon, scoop the mixture and roll into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball in the cocoa powder. You can also use other coatings - finely chopped nuts,  candy sprinkles or confectioners' sugar.

Place the chocolate truffles in paper candy cups and pack into a box for a gift or serve them immediately. 

Have a sweet Valentine's day!:)

Photography by IrinaPhotography

Perfect Valentine day gifts

Have you done your upcoming holiday shopping yet? Do you have any Valentine's day gift ideas on your perfect gifts to the person your love or a special friend?

 Photo source: fleetingstillness

We at Russian Artists are always happy to help with your shopping on Valentines day gifts! Here is some ideas on what to get for your Valentine's day this year:

Adorable Valentines day gifts for men:

Source: Arctida, agardencottage, manonknits, IrinaPhotographyCard

Great Valentines day gifts for her:

 Source: JuliaWine, SweetKeetleCards, katrinshine, YUNILIsmiles

Sweet things to embellish your Valentine day gifts with:

Source: thecupcakekid, HandyHappy, NataliaDecor, miopupazzo

 ... Or just search on Valentines day gift ideas from Russian Team on Etsy

 Photo source: NESWeddingGarden

Happy shopping!

Story by Tanya (SocksAndMittens)

Valentines gift tags giveaway results

We are happy to announce the winner of our Valentines gifttags giveaway!

 

Comment # 5 by Albina was chosen as a winner. Congratulations!

 Tanya (zarabezbazara) will contact you to verify your mailing address.

Congratulations to the winner and thank you for participation, everyone!

Valentine crochet coasters

Are you ready for your Valentine crafts? If you love to crochet these lovely coasters from Adina (daisiescrochet) are a great idea for you!

Heart shaped Coasters.

Skill Level: Easy

SIZE: 3 ½” x 3 ¾” (9 x 10)

CROCHET HOOK
I – 5.5 mm crochet hook or size to obtain correct gauge.

ABBREVIATIONS
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
beg – beginning
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet

MATERIALS
For 1 coaster needs: 10yds Sugar and Cream Cotton (120yd/109m – 2.5oz/70.9g) Worsted /4ply or any other blend of similar yardage yarn.

Visit my blog to learn how to crochet dc decrease and more.
daisiescrochet.blogspot.com/

NOTE: The hearts is worked in rounds.

Start ch3, join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Rnd 1: ch1, work 11sc in ring, join with sl st to beg ch1.
Rnd 2: Ch1, sc and hdc in 1st ct, 2dc in next 4 cts, 5dc in next st, 2dc in next 4 sts, hdc and sc in last st, join with sl st to beg ch1.
Rnd 3: Ch1, st in next 2 sts, sc and hdc in next st, 2dc in next 3 sts, dc in next 5 sts, 5dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next 3 sts, hdc and sc in next st, st in last 2 sts, join with sl st to beg ch1.

Edging:
Take contrast yarn.
Join yarn with sl st in first st. Sc in all sts around.
Fasten off.

Happy Crocheting!!

All rights to this pattern are owned by Daisies Crochet.

Please, no resale, copy, forward or distribution of this pattern allowed, and no resale of items made using this pattern is allowed. This is for personal use only. Thank you for understanding.

Sweet Valentine

Valentine is the sweetest holiday of all and not just because a romantic prospect. This day is all about sweet deserts!


So we'd like to share this recipe with you. It is easy to make and will look perfect on your Valentine's table! Maria (lovelytrifles), who is the author of this delicious strawberry cake calls it "Strawberry fields forever" because she is using strawberries from her own garden in the summer. For the rest of us, who do not grow organic produce it is time to make a list and start shopping!


Here is what you need:

For dough:
5 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
Butter to grease a form (cooking spray will work also)
2 tablespoons farina
about 3 lbs of strawberries

For glaze:
2 stick of chocolate (200 gr)
50-70 ml of milk (1.5-2.5 oz)
30 gr of butter

Springform pan for baking

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 385'F.
Beat eggs and sugar with mixer. Add flour in two portions at the time while continue beating. The dough should be smooth with no lumps.


Grease your baking springform pan (about 12" diameter). Sprinkle the bottom and edges with farina. Arrange strawberries on the bottom of form, it can be done in two layers (reserve some strawberries for decoration). Pour the liquid dough on top of berries and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes or until ready (use a toothpick to check if it is ready). Let it chill in a form, then remove the sides.

Make the glaze:
In a double boiler melt the chocolate. Add the butter and the milk and stir occasionally until smooth.


While it is still hot pour the glaze over the cooled cake and spread it evenly. Let it cool slightly and decorate with strawberries.

Bon appetite and we hope your Valentine will like it!


Recipe by Maria (Lovelytrifles)
Translated by Tanya (Socksandmittens)