As we enter into the new year, America is still dealing with the effects of COVID-19, making the celebration of holidays difficult. As Valentine’s Day approaches, many wonder what they can do to show their love and affection towards their friends, partners and family members. Though it is traditional to give a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers to your significant other, why not take it one step further and bake a homemade treat? By baking, one not only avoids purchasing expensive gifts, but also provides a treat that was personally made. Regardless of who receives these sweet treats, the Bark has collected three Valentine’s-Day-inspired recipes from student bakers. Senior Iléa Walters shared her favorite recipe, a traditional French chocolate cake. Walters claims that this cake tastes much better than any other chocolate cake because it is made from scratch with a short and simple list of ingredients. Junior Will Fitzgerald also shared his favorite recipe: sugar cookies. Fitzgerald enjoys making this recipe because he can decorate the cookie in his own unique style. Lastly, senior Lindsay Felder shared that her favorite recipe is a red velvet cupcake with chocolate buttercream frosting. Felder’s secret ingredient is adding chocolate chips in the cupcake batter to increase the flavor. These easy-to-follow recipes are great to help celebrate the upcoming holiday — and, after all we have endured this past year, we all deserve to indulge in some festive goodies. 

Iléa’s Recipe

• Ingredients:
  • 125 grams of butter
  • 125 grams of chocolate chips
  • 75 grams of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of water

Steps:

1. Beat eggs in bowl
2. Melt chocolate with water in small bowl
3. Add butter to chocolate. Stir until fully melted and combined
4. Mix eggs and sugar together
5. Add flour and baking powder to eggs
6. Mix chocolate with eggs
7. Pour mixture in pan
8. Bake for 20 mins at 375

Will’s Recipe:

• Link to sugar cookie and royal icing recipe: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-sugar-cookies/

Lindsey’s Recipe:

• Any red velvet cake mix
• Link to chocolate buttercream frosting recipe: https://www.twosisterscrafting.com/best-chocolate-buttercream-frosting/