Little Pieces Of Heaven...In Technicolor

Okay. I am a fool for many things but there is nothing quite like an M & M. Unless it is a handful of M & Ms. Or a dish full. Or a barrel full...well, you get the idea. Alone, each one is but a teasing blip in my mouth but as a group...pure, unadulterated chocolate bliss.

Who would have guessed that the idea for M&M'S was hatched against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War? Legend has it that, while on a trip to Spain, Forrest Mars Sr. encountered soldiers who were eating pellets of chocolate encased in a hard sugary coating. This prevented it from melting. Inspired by this idea, Mr. Mars went back to his kitchen and invented the recipe for M&M'S .

M&M'S were first sold in 1941, and soon became a favorite of the American GIs serving in World War II. Packaged in cardboard tubes, they were sold to the military as a convenient snack that traveled well in any climate. By the late 1940s, they were widely available to the public, who gave them an excellent reception. In 1948, their packaging changed from a tube form to the characteristic brown pouch we know today....well, at least *I* know it and know it well. All TOO well.

Tiny little bits of heaven....first, the satisfying crunch and then, that sweet chocolate melting on your tongue. Not in your hands...remember?

~Brownie Hearts~

1 bag M&M'S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies for Valentine's Day

2 oz. unsweetened chocolate

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup flour

1 stick butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Heart-shaped cookie cutters

8 x 8-inch pan

Cooking spray

1. Spray cooking spray into an 8 x 8-inch pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place the butter and unsweetened chocolate into a saucepan over low heat and melt. Stir to make smooth; set aside to cool, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the sugar and vanilla; stir to incorporate.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring to combine after each addition.

5. Add the flour, stirring to mix it thoroughly.

6. Add 1 cup of M&M'S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies for Valentine's Day and stir to combine. 7. Place into the prepared pan, making sure the mixture is level and smoothed.

8. Sprinkle 1/2 cup M&M'S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies for Valentine's Day onto the top.

9. Place into the oven and bake 20-25 minutes, or until it tests done.

10. Let cool completely and cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Use leftover brownie pieces to top your favorite ice cream, or mix them into a milkshake. Wow...so yummy!

Share these with your precious loved ones...or, just eat them all by yourself! Why not? BROWNIES...BROWNIES...the word alone is music to my ears. Who better to appreciate their rich, gooey goodness then you? Hmmm? Not those ungrateful family members who did not help you one little bit while you were slaving over a hot oven...oh no. They were all much too busy working to support the family or doing homework...noooo...and they think they deserve one of these precious treasures? HA! Oh no...they are mine I tell you! All mine!! MINE!!Um...*deep breath* Now, what was I saying?

Now, let's turn down the lights,

stoke up that fire, put on a little mood music....

~Fondue for Two~

Take a dip into a chocolate heaven with some

savory strawberries, perfect for sharing with someone special. Or, heck. Romance Schromance. Eat it all yourself. Come on! We are talking about thick, dark, gooey, melted chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries! CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE! I deserve it all...ME!! ME!!

1 bag Dove Brand Rich Dark Chocolate Hearts

1 cup heavy cream

Fresh strawberries

In a small pot, heat the heavy cream to boiling.

Unwrap the DOVE® Brand Rich Dark Chocolate Hearts; place in a bowl

and pour the heated heavy cream on top.

Let the mixture sit about 5 minutes;

stir to make sure the chocolate is melted. Can be made in advance and re-heated when ready to serve.

Please excuse my outburst earlier....I am so ashamed by my selfish behavior. You see, when I hear the word chocolate I get a bit light headed, a case of cocoa powder vertigo if you will. I lose control, oh, nothing to worry about. There are medications to prevent this but my perscription has expired. I am nothing if not generous with my chocolate...nothing. Chocolate. Is it hot in here or is it me? Whew. Chocolate. I am truly a saint when it comes to sharing my choco...excuse me. What are you doing Danny? GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY CHOCOLATE!! NOW!!

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