My Sweet Valentine

My husband and I don't exchange much for Valentine's Day, usually just flowers and we usually avoid the crowded restaurants. But I do try to make a nice treat each year and it usually involves decadent rich mixtures of chocolate and berries.

This year I chose a treat from Canadian Living magazine's January 2010 edition.
You can find the recipe for Black Forest Mousse Parfaits on their website.

Now how do I describe the taste sensation.....it has moist, decadent chocolate cake drizzled with a boozy cherry syrup, then a layer of white chocolate mousse with cherries mixed in. The mousse is gorgeous...another dessert on it's own.

Lets say my husband was REALLY happy about this present.

The only drawback about this recipe is time. I made it in stages, making the cake the day before and the rest a few hours before serving. The mousse also needs contant stirring and attention. In other words, lots of LOVE went into making it. But it was sooo worth it.



Since I wasn't blogging this time last year I remade last year's treat to share too. I made a chocolate mousse using marshmallows, the recipe is here.



Lastly, I couldn't forget the kids. So I made up some cookies. I made these Chocolate Coconut Chewies. They were very yummy, so lets just say they weren't just for the kids. The meringue, since it's gluten-free, adds a nice crunchy, chewy texture which combines well with the coconut.

Loes Hinse Outfit

I've been away from blogger for a while, but I was determined to finish up some more of the SWAP before I posted again.

I made up an outfit using Loes Hinse Design patterns. I made the Boot skirt, View A, with the front vent and the Tank dress group, view D (look under dresses). I was inspired by a suggestion in the S magazine section on the website to make up these two garments as a two-piece dress. I used black rayon crepe and used stretch lace on the tank hem as suggested too.

These patterns sewed up easily and have the classic line and good fit I've come to expect of Loes Hinse's patterns. I'm determined to sew more of her patterns, as well as try out other independant pattern companies.

This outfit, although very basic, will be a great addition to my dinner/event wardrobe. I'm attending many more events than usual this year, as Canada's Navy is celebrating their centenary.



In regards to my SWAP progress:
- I've completed 5 out of 11 planned pieces
- My sweater has a completed back and I'm busy knitting up the front.
- All the woven dresses have been cut out and stay stitched.
- The purple satin for the other skirt is on my cutting table with the pattern pieces attached, ready to be cut out.
- Knit dress hasn't been touched yet.

So I'm happy with my progress and should be finished before April 1st....or is it March 31st....must go check.