10 Chocolaty Things to Do for Valentine’s Day

Mmm… chocolate. While some say it’s an aphrodisiac, there’s no dispute that chocolate makes most people feel good. With its antioxidants and serotonin-boosting effects, it might even make you feel a little bit… in love. Whether you’re trying to get your lover in the mood or simply put a smile on his or her face, here are ten ways to do it with chocolate.

10. Give chocolate-covered cherries or strawberries, a box of chocolates, or another traditional chocolate gift. My husband knows I love chocolate with gooey caramel, while I know his favorite is white chocolate; find out what kind of chocolates your lover likes best and go with those for a gift he or she will surely love.

9. Make your own assorted sampler. Cook up your own chocolate, or buy several different flavored truffles or packages and add them to a homemade box. Wrap them up individually with tissue paper for a pretty touch, and your date will love that you went the extra mile to personalize the gift.

8. Have some fondue. What would be more romantic than going out (or staying in) for a fondue feast, complete with chocolate and chunks of fruit and sweet desserts for a final course? If you go out, try something new; if you stay in, try a hand at designing your own new flavor.

7. Make a chocolate advent calendar. Place a piece of chocolate in 14 separate boxes, envelopes, or other containers and hide them around the house, or put them together as a single advent calendar to count down until Valentine’s Day.

6. Get intimate with chocolate. From edible underwear to romantic chocolate sauce, there’s probably a product on the market your chocoholic lover will enjoy.

5. Go out for chocolate milkshakes. Do it the old fashioned way—buy one and share it with two straws.

4. Bake together. Take a cooking class, or assemble several recipes featuring chocolate and all of their ingredients. Spend the day whipping up delicious treats—then share them with those you love.

3. Fill up his her or her cabinets with chocolate. If your sweetheat is a true chocolate lover, go grocery shopping for everything from chocolate cereal to chocolate yogurt for a sweet surprise.

2. Whip up a delicious meal with chocolate accents. From dips to pastas to meats and sauces, you can use it in just about anything—chocolate doesn’t have to be just a dessert.

1. Share a chocolate kiss—literally! Take a bite out of a single Hershey Kiss together, buy some chocolate-flavored lip balm, or simply paste your lips with chocolate sauce.