Valentine Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

y husband and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage this October (just like the Obamas!) and after two decades, I’m still not over celebrating Valentine’s Day together. I still look forward to the chocolate, the cards, the chocolate-Did I mention the chocolate?

We planned both of our children and I was overjoyed to be a mom after our two girls (just like the Obamas) were born, but there were a few years that were…interesting, to say the least. The girls were too young to be left alone-but too old and nosy to be left out of the mix.

That’s when we began to rethink this romantic tradition and tailor it to fit the season of life we were in by including them in the festivities. One year, we ordered carryout and enjoyed a candlelit dinner for two in the dining room with the girls dressed as waitresses, pretending to be our servers. I have to admit, those are some of the fondest memories I have of celebrations past.

Well, as everybody knows, chocolate isn’t just a tradition on Valentines Day-it’s an absolute necessity! One of my favorite chocolate recipes is a decadent cake smothered in a dark chocolate ganache. Simply divine! 

I use a vegan recipe from scratch but not everybody has the time nor the inclination to take on the exact yet temperamental art of baking from scratch so I’ll recommend a mix for this version. There are several good all natural cake mixes on the market, such as Dr. Oetker or Arrowhead Mills.

Whole cakes and tortes are beautiful and elegant but cupcakes have re-emerged as festive alternatives that kids and adults alike can’t seem to get enough of. 

There is something appealing about having your own personal mini-cake and they’re a blast to decorate. With the many styles of paper liners widely available now, the possibilities are endless! 

At Patisserie Ci, we like to top our chocolate cupcake with a luscious vanilla creme and dip it in the velvety smooth chocolate ganache-yum!

Cooking together presents a wonderful opportunity to bond with each other and sharpen math skills at the same time (dividing fractions, metric conversions, etc.) My girls are now master sous pastry chefs thanks to the family biz! I find that kids are willing workers and generally eager to please. For a while, anyway.

Try this recipe with your family and start a new Valentines Day tradition.

Bon Appetit!

Chocolate Cupcakes

• Chocolate Cake Mix

Prepare according to package instructions. Opt for organic eggs to avoid hormones and pesticides. Try natural cake mix brands, such as Dr. Oetker or Arrowhead Mills. 

Ganache

• 1/2 cup  Milk/ Cream (I use vanilla soy or almond milk)
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Ghirardelli makes a great all natural variety)

Directions

1. Heat the milk till hot but not boiling. 
2. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes.  Stir melted chips and milk together until smooth and shiny. 
3. Spread a dollop of ganache over cooled cupcakes and decorate as desired.  

Try a single raspberry in the center or a chocolate dipped strawberry.  Heart shaped candy sprinkles or Red Hots make a whimsical presentation honor of the holiday.

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