Effortless Hacks!
I may be that person who thought about Valentine’s as soon as February hit… then completely forgot about it until this morning when my Alexa told me it was February 13th. Oops! (which, by the way, is becoming one of my most used words)!
Anyway, let’s be realistic – Valentine’s and Galentine’s are about showing love, not spending hours in the kitchen. So whether you’re cooking for a partner, your best mates, or just yourself (because self-love is a thing), these easy hacks will make it look like you put in loads of effort… when really, you spent more time scrolling on your phone. Because, let’s be honest, that’s just how life works now.
Easy Brunch Ideas
Croissants: Grab some shop-bought (vegan) croissants and warm them through in the oven until crisp. Tip – if you are planning on filling them (rather than tearing them to dip in hot chocolate)! slice them before heating – it’s much easier! Fill them with chocolate spread and sliced bananas, or chia jam and whipped coconut cream.
Heart (or star) Shaped Toast: Use a pastry cutter (or free-hand if you can) to cut a heart shape from toast, waffles or a bagel. Toast until golden, then top with avocado and chilli flakes, peanut butter and banana, or hummus with roasted red pepper. Serve the hearts, and the heart holes!
Cheat’s Pancakes: Use a vegan pancake mix to keep things easy (although these pancakes are really quick to make)! For a fun twist, mix in a little beetroot juice or raspberry purée to turn them pink. Stack them up, drizzle with melted chocolate, and scatter over some fresh berries.
Fruit & Yoghurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yoghurt (coconut works well) with granola and fresh berries in a glass. Drizzle with your favourite syrup and top with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a dusting of mixed spice.
Fluffy Hot Chocolate: Heat your favourite plant-based milk and whisk in hot chocolate powder until smooth. Pour into a mug and top with vegan whipped cream, mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings. Serve it with those croissants for dunking!
Chocolate Hacks
Chocolate-Dipped Everything: Melt your favourite dairy-free chocolate and dip or drizzle strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, or nuts with it. Sprinkle with course sea salt, crushed nuts (pistachios are great), or coconut flakes before the chocolate sets.
Cheat’s Chocolate Mousse: Blend tofu (silken is best, but firm works too), melted chocolate, and a splash of maple syrup until smooth. Spoon into little glasses or ramekins and chill in the fridge. Top with raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.
No-Bake Chocolate Fridge Cake: Mix melted chocolate with your favourite biscuits and/or cereals, chopped nuts, and dried fruit, then press into a tin, chill, then slice once set. Alternatively use foil or greaseproof paper to roll into a log shape, then slice when set.
Chocolate Bark or Discs: Spread melted chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper, then top with your favourite toppings such as nuts or seeds, mini biscuits, dried or crystallised fruits, freeze-dried fruit or flowers, or even small sweets. You can make one big bark to break up into chocolate shards, or create smaller discs (or even hearts) using a teaspoon. Decorate your melted chocolate haphazardly or be creative and make a pattern with your decorating (arrange them in a heart shape or use initials perhaps)? Let the bark set in the fridge, then either leave whole or break into pieces.
Chocolate-Drizzled Popcorn: Pop some plain popcorn (salty or sweet), then drizzle with melted chocolate. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Alternative Ideas
Of course, you could go all out and actually spend time baking! Here are a few of the most popular recipes – you could even make a real effort and make an afternoon tea…
What do I need?
Hopefully you already have everything you need for these ideas, but in case you’re new to baking and cooking, or just want a refresh, here are a few items you might like. These links will take you straight to Amazon where you can then search as usual for anything you need. If you follow these links, Amazon might pay us a small commission, which goes towards paying the website hosting fees. We’d be very grateful if you do, thank you! Have a look at these: chopping boards, kitchen knives, mixing bowls, baking trays and some random heart shaped cookware other items which you might need. Much appreciated!
Serving
Serve your wonderful creations with lots of love! Whether for your other half, your neighbour, your children, your family or your friends and remember – you can do this all year not just on February 14th!
Sharing
I hope you will share your ideas and suggestions below! Do you have any plans? Have I given you something to think about?
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or X.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
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