If you have ideas you would like to share email me at tfcozzo@comcast.net

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    Chocolate Candy Hearts (from FAN's Newsletter Feb/Mar 2001)

    1   8 oz. pkg. dairy-free unsweetened baking chocolate (broken into pieces)
     1/4 cup plus 1 tsp shortening
    1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
    2 cups confectioners sugar

    Line baking sheet with waxed paper. Set aside. In medium bowl, microwave chocolate and shortening on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until mixture is melted and smooth when stirred. Add vanilla extract. Gradually stir in confectioners sugar. If mixture becomes too thick, knead with clean hands. Between two sheets of waxed paper, roll out chocolate to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out chocolate using small heart shaped cookies cutters. Place onto baking sheet. Allow to harden several hours or over night.

    Suggestions: To make chocolate lollipops, press a flat wooden stick into the heart before hardening.

    dairy-free chocolate chips
    daitry-free margarine or shortening (optional)

    Here is a great idea to make your own candy and it is really easy. You can get plastic candy molds at a craft store (or any store that sells Wilton products).
Wilton makes various sizes of heart shaped candy molds. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave (for 1 cup of chips, microwave on high power for about 1 minute).  To make the chocolate slightly softer you can add about 1 Tbsp of margarine or shortening before microwaving. Stir the chocolate until it is smooth. (microwave slightly longer, if needed). Use a spoon to pour the melted chocolate into the candy molds. Refrigerate to harden. These come out great - both of my kids love these. You can use the same idea for other holidays as there are a number of different candy molds available.