SWEET Valentine Treats

Dazzle your loved ones with our from-the-heart confections

- EMILY BOYETTE

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Active time: 45 min. Total time: 2 hrs., 30 min. Serves: 18

Two desserts come together in one cute-as-a-button bite

2 cups semisweet chips

2 tsp. + ⅔ cup oil

20 small strawberries, untrimmed

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1¾ cups granulated sugar

⅔ cup cocoa powder

1½ tsp. baking soda

¾ tsp. baking powder

2 eggs

⅔ cup hot brewed coffee

⅔ cup + 3 Tbs. milk

1 cup butter, at room temp.

1 cup white chocolate chips, melted, cooled

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 tsp. strawberry extract

Pink concentrated food coloring

❶ In microwave-safe bowl, microwave semisweet chips in 15-sec. intervals, stirring, until melted. Stir in 2 tsp. oil. Line baking sheet with parchment. Working with one at a time, holding strawberries by hulls, dip 18 berries into chocolate, letting excess drip off; transfer to paper. Chill berries until set, about 10 min. Trim and mash remaining 2 berries; reserve.