MORE SWEET TREATS FOR YOUR VALENTINE

CONVERSATION HEART FUDGE

Ingredients:

DARK CHOCOLATE LAYER:
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Dash of salt

WHITE CHOCOLATE LAYER:
1 1/4 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Dash of salt

OTHER INGREDIENTS AND MATERIALS:

Aluminum foil
64 conversation hearts
64 red foil bonbon cups or mini muffin cups
Clear or red cellophane wrap, cut into 64, 5" by 6" rectangles
Sparkly pipe cleaners in red, pink, or silver

Instructions:

Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil. Set aside. In a medium-size, microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate layer ingredients. Microwave the mixture on high at 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted (about a minute), stirring at each interval. When the mixture's smooth, use a spatula to spread it evenly into the prepared pan.

In another medium-size microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate layer ingredients and repeat the melting process as described above. Stir at 20-second intervals, since white chocolate tends to scorch easily. Spread the white chocolate evenly over the dark chocolate layer.

While the fudge is still warm, use a knife to gently score it into 1-inch squares, then put a candy heart on top of each square. Chill the fudge uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm. Lift the foil to remove the fudge from the pan and place on a cutting board. Use a large knife to cut apart the squares, then peel off the foil from the bottom.

Place each fudge square into a foil bonbon cup or mini muffin cup. Center the cup on a cellophane square and wrap it using 1-inch pieces of pipe cleaner to secure the ends. Makes 64 bite-size pieces. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for added firmness.