Makes 3 cups
With the simple addition of a heart-shaped strawberry set on top, this unassuming—yet delicious—mousse becomes a perfect treat for a sweetheart.
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 (4-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Strawberry Hearts (here)
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the cream on medium-high speed. As the cream begins to thicken, gradually add the granulated sugar and whip until soft peaks form. Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low, add the pudding mix and cocoa powder, and mix until thoroughly incorporated.
Spoon the pudding into shot glasses. (Alternatively, spoon it into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip of your choice and pipe the pudding into the shot glasses.) Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Top each with a Strawberry Heart and serve on a platter dusted with confectioners’ sugar.
Makes 8 skewers
When Gia was a stylist at Martha Stewart Living, she was often preparing stories for the February issue in late summer, which is the inspiration behind this combination. Now that you can get watermelon and strawberries year-round, this duo is a sweet way to treat your Valentine and keep it healthy at the same time. Slip the hearts on skewers and tuck them into a pretty glass.
1 pint whole strawberries, halved lengthwise
½ seedless watermelon
Using a sharp paring knife, cut the stems out of the strawberries in a V-shape. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch-thick slices. Using a 1½-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out hearts from the watermelon slices. Thread the hearts onto 8-inch skewers in the desired order. Serve in a clear glass.