Baking with Olivia and Caroline

I know we should be offering you something healthy as we are only two months into 2024, and I’m sure a fair amount of you (us included) are trying to cut back a little bit after the holidays. But it’s Valentine’s Day this month, and we feel it would be a disservice not to share with you a recipe that contains something sweet and chocolatey! When we think of Valentine’s Day, we think chocolate and flowers. We’ve got you covered in the chocolate department. It’s up to you to get your sweetheart the bouquet.  

 Quick, easy, and delicious

What is so great about this recipe is that it takes no time at all to assemble and is fairly quick in the oven. So in less than 30 minutes you have a warm, ooey-gooey, yummy dessert. Another big plus, depending on your mood I suppose, is that it only makes two! There won’t be a jar of cookies beckoning you to grab one or two all week as you pass through the kitchen. Another plus is that you can make this in a countertop toaster oven and, you can save a little time not having to preheat your oven. It’ll leave more time for smooching!

Valentine’s Day is considered by many to be a Hallmark holiday. This year, skip the Hallmark card and make this instead (sorry Hallmark). They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and in our opinion, homemade gifts and experiences are always the most heartfelt. Custom make this sweet treat for your bae and add fillings and toppings they love. Reese’s fan? Use mini Reese’s cups or pieces instead (or even in addition to) the chocolate chips. Add some Valentine’s Day sprinkles on top of your whipped cream. Go wild!

Enjoy and have a Happy Valentine’s Day <3 

Ingredients

3 1/2 tbs melted butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup flour
Pinch of salt
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup chocolate chunks (dark or milk)
Around 10-12 mini marshmallows (divided evenly between two ramekins)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix together in a small bowl the sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Add egg  yolk and whisk until combined. Stir in remaining ingredients (except for marshmallows) and then divide batter evenly into the two ramekins. Plop the marshmallows in each of the ramekins and smoosh down a bit.   

Bake for 18-23 minutes. You want these cookie bowls to be light golden and a tad crispy on the edges and gooey in the middle. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream, a little whipped cream, and some chocolate sauce. MmmmMmmm good! •

Olivia and Caroline are enthusiastic foodies and bakers who are constantly in the kitchen, as well as explorers who create their own adventures in our area – and did we mention they are mother and daughter? Follow Olivia on Instagram to see her many creations at @oliviawvalentine.