February just happens to contain one of my favorite holidays. Valentines Day. And what says love more on Valentine’s Day than candy. (Except red roses, but I don’t think Mr. C. would appreciate roses as much as homemade candy. Just saying!)

So, for all you cooks who want to make something sweet to share with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, I offer my list of favorite candy recipes.

When my kids were young, I used to wrap up a little gift for each darling and surreptitiously place it on their dinner plates before calling them to dinner. Then I would serve a nice meal with something yummy and sweet for dessert. That was just so much fun.

And now, decades later, I still would rather stay home than fight the mobs at restaurants. And leisurely partake of a home cooked meal with my husband with of course a tasty dessert or treat to end the meal. For me that is the best way to celebrate the occasion. But being married to a musician, it doesn’t always work out that way.

Some years, like this year, Mr. C. has a gig on the 14th. When this happens, I can still enjoy his company. But it’s very hard to hold hands with your spouse when he is several yards away and his hands are semi-attached to 88 keys! But mind you, I am not complaining. I am still in the same room as him, so that makes it OK. And I get to feel like I am being serenaded, albeit from afar. And listening to him play is always wonderful. Even though I’m not able to fix Mr. C. a special Valentine’s Day dinner, I can still show him how much he is cherished. And nothing says “I love you” better than homemade candy. So, guess what he’s getting for Valentine’s Day?

So, if you too have special people in your life who just happen to love candy, I suggest leaving manufactured candy on the grocery or candy store shelf and give your family and/or friends the gift of something from your kitchen. Candy is easy to make and costs a whole heck of a lot less than your average 4.4-oz. candy bar for $3.29!

Well, you now have my list of favorite candy recipes. And just in time for Valentine’s Day. Run with it!

And as always, peace and love to all. And Happy Valentine’s Day.  

MY FAVORITE CANDY RECIPES

Boozy Chocolate Orange Balls

Candied Pecan Bourbon Praline Fudge

Chocolate and Almond Covered Old English Toffee

Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Balls

Fleur de Sel Chocolate Nut Bark

Fudge with Brandied Cherries and Walnuts

No-Bake Chocolate Topped Peanut Butter Bars (could be considered cookies too)

Peanut Butter Fudge

Peppermint Fudge

Popcorn Brittle

Salted Bourbon Chocolate Fudge with Pecans

Salted Peanut Fudge

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans

Truffles (under the title “The Trouble with Truffles”)