i do déclair
Recipe: chocolate éclairs
Around this time of year, I’m usually too busy cleaning my house and cooking traditional dishes for the Lunar New Year to take notice of Valentine’s Day. That and the fact that I am not romantic AT ALL. Honestly, Valentine’s Day would not have been on my radar this year if it weren’t for my client’s product shoot last month. Since several of you inquired about the chocolates from this post, I thought I’d share some Robin Chocolates with you.
say hi to the valentine’s day chocolate truffle lineup (each is a different flavor)
Robin Chocolates is a local chocolatier based in Longmont, Colorado (just outside of Boulder). The confections and pastries that come out of that store are simply gorgeous, matched in beauty by the incredible quality of these award winning chocolates (rose caramel, salt caramel, raspberry, irish cream, molé, pomegranate, lavender, orange blossom, key lime pie… to name a few). I love working with Robin, the chocolatier and owner, in part because her candies are such a pleasure to photograph. The other reason is because Robin is badass. She is this petite, smart, no-nonsense, hard-working, talented, passionate, funny woman who is on her third successful career and loving it (first was Navy, then tech). BADASS, I say.
meet robin
Each chocolate is a work of art – elegantly decorated and lovingly hand-crafted. Whenever I pick up product to photograph, Robin leads me around the back and fills a bag of “rejects” for me to give to Jeremy (because I don’t really eat chocolate and yes, she thinks I’m crazy). I mentioned the Valentine’s shoot to my mom a few weeks ago. Mom likes chocolate. She asked if I could send her the truffles when I’m done photographing them. I explained that I didn’t think they were suitable to send to her since they are heavily handled and kept around for almost a month until we are sure there are no reshoots. I could detect the disappointment in her voice even though she said it was okay. So I ordered a box of the Valentine’s truffles just for Mom.
12 of hearts: now that’s a pretty gift
And because I like you guys, I asked Robin if I could give away two boxes of her VERY AMAZING Valentine’s Day chocolate truffles. Robin does not screw around, kids. She uses Valrhona chocolate and magically weaves flavors and textures together into a most decadent and sublime masterpiece. You want a box, or at the very least, you want to send a box to someone you love… I mean someone you REALLY love. This is coming from me, the person who doesn’t really dig on chocolate, but who won’t shut up about Robin Chocolates.
THE DEALIO: It’s a giveaway! Win one of two 12 of Hearts boxes (heart-shaped chocolate truffles) shipped anywhere in the United States. That means if you live outside the US but want to ship the chocolates to someone or someplace in the States, you can enter.
1) Leave a comment on this post sharing who your favorite Valentine is.
2) One comment per person, please.
3) Comments must be received by 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time, Thursday, February 7, 2013.
4) The chocolates can only ship within the United States (winner’s recipient must have a US mailing address).
5) Two winners will be selected at random by Jeremy (Kaweah has retired).
6) The two winners will be announced on Friday, February 8, 2013.
Good luck!
kaweah can’t eat the chocolates, but she’ll taste the props
We’re not done with chocolate, not by a long shot. Back in the day, when I was a member of the Daring Bakers and our ranks numbered in the hundreds, one of our monthly challenges was éclairs. I was excited because éclairs had been on my “learn to make” list for a while. But the week before the reveal date, I went into the ER with a leaky appendix (unbeknownst to us, it had been leaking for months) and left a few days later without my appendix. I had missed the August 2008 challenge, but the éclairs remained on my to do list for four and a half years. I finally crossed it off the list this weekend. The recipe has multiple parts mixed and matched from two different sources, so I’ll present them to you in the order I made them. First: chocolate pastry cream.
milk, egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar, butter, chocolate
heat the milk in one pan
stir the yolks, cornstarch, and sugar together in another pan
temper the egg yolk mixture with the hot milk
If I were eating the éclairs, I would have made regular pastry cream. But I made these for Jeremy (and my neighbors) and I knew that a chocolate pastry cream would appeal to him. This chocolate pastry cream comes from the Daring Bakers challenge which follows Pierre Hermé’s recipe. It’s probably the nicest and most well-behaved pastry cream I’ve ever made – thick and smooth with terrific flavor. I think as long as you use good quality chocolate (I used Valrhona 66%) and other ingredients, it can’t go wrong.
add chocolate to the pastry cream
finish with butter
rich, silky, smooth
I started the pastry cream first because it would take the longest to cool. It stores in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in case you want or need to do this over a couple of sessions. For the cream puff dough, I followed a recipe on Serious Eats sourced from Miette’s cookbook. There is an omission in the recipe which someone addresses in the comments, but if you decide to follow that recipe it is missing 4 eggs which is kinda critical to the pastry. It’s a pretty standard pâte à choux.
water, milk, eggs, salt, sugar, butter, flour
parchment-lined baking sheet and pastry bag fitted with pastry tip
place the salt, sugar, butter, water, and milk in a saucepan
stir the flour in at once when the liquid boils
The recipe moves the dough to a stand mixer, but I’ve also made pâte a choux by hand. It’s a lot easier to beat the eggs into the dough with a stand mixer than to stir like crazy to incorporate the eggs. Once the dough is made, you want to pipe it while it is still warm. I can only bake one sheet at a time, but my second sheet of éclairs turned out just fine even with 40 minutes of waiting around on my counter before going into the oven.
place dough in stand mixer with paddle attachment
add eggs one at a time
piping the éclairs onto the parchment
brush with egg wash
make grooves along the tops
When the éclairs were done, I poked a hole in the end of each one to let steam escape and to also create an opening for piping the pastry cream into the puff. I found a chopstick worked well. I swiped it side to side to clear out any thin walls within the pastry. Once the pastries were completely cooled, I filled them with the chocolate pastry cream (use a 1/4-inch plain tip or smaller). You really have to gauge this carefully so that you don’t overfill (which can lead to breakage) or underfill (which is just setting someone up for disappointment) the pastry. When you near capacity, the pastry will start to bulge a little. If you keep forcing pastry cream into the pastry, it will spring a leak. Another way to estimate the capacity is to eyeball the amount of pastry cream you squeeze out of the pastry bag and the relative volume of the pastry in your hand.
cooling
poke a hole in one end
fill with chocolate pastry cream
The chocolate ganache glaze is also from Miette’s recipe. I made this after having filled the éclairs so I could be sure to dip them before the ganache cooled and hardened. It’s quick to whip up. I didn’t quite follow the instructions and it still turned out great.
dark chocolate, butter, eggs (yolks), powdered sugar, cream
stirring the confectioner’s sugar into melted chocolate
add the hot cream
temper the egg yolks with the hot chocolate ganache
stir in the butter
I made sure to finish the ganache in a wide bowl so that I wouldn’t have any trouble dipping the éclairs. Turn the éclairs upside down and dunk them into the glaze. The glaze is quite thick, so make sure you get a decent grip on the base of the pastry without crushing it between your fingers. Let the excess glaze drip back into the bowl and then set the éclairs on the rack to cool.
dip the éclair into the glaze
let the glaze set up
Of course, we couldn’t resist biting into one of the éclairs before the glaze had hardened. They were good, but I actually thought they were better the next day after having spent the night in the refrigerator in an airtight container. I think the flavors and textures were better developed on the second day and Jeremy agrees. My neighbors gave the éclairs the thumbs up too. This recipe makes 18, but I swear they go pretty quickly!
i did this for love
Chocolate Éclairs
[print recipe]
from Miette via Serious Eats (but there is an error in the Serious Eats version) and Dessert First
cream puff dough
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup water
3.5 oz. unsalted butter (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 cups (7 oz.) all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 egg whisked + 2 tbsps water (this is the egg wash)
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Fit a pastry bag with a 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch plain tip. Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine the milk, water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Quickly stir the flour in all at once with a wooden spoon and keep stirring vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides (this dries some of the moisture from the dough too, which is good). Remove from heat. Place the dough in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the dough on medium speed for a minute. Start adding the four eggs, one at a time, allowing the mixer to incorporate each egg completely before adding the next one. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. After you beat the last egg into the dough, beat on high for a minute.
Transfer the dough to the pastry bag and pipe fingers about 1-inch wide by 5-inches long and 3/4-inch high. Space each one about 2 inches apart (they will spread). When done piping, brush egg wash over each pastry, then gently run the back of a fork along the tops to create lengthwise grooves to promote even baking. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave for 20-25 minutes until the pastries are golden brown and hollow (tap them, they will sound hollow). Remove from the oven and pierce each pastry at one end to release steam. Cool completely on cooling racks.
chocolate pastry cream
from Pierre Hermé via Dessert First
2 cups whole milk
4 egg yolks
6 tbsps (75 g) sugar
3 tbsps cornstarch, sifted
7 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted
2 1/2 tbsps unsalted butter, room temperature
Boil the milk in a small saucepan. Whisk the yolks, sugar, and cornstarch together in a medium saucepan. Temper the yolks by whisking a ladle of the hot milk into the yolk mixture (this prevents the egg from cooking by incrementally increasing the temperature). Whisk in a little more of the hot milk. Whisk in the rest of the hot milk. Strain the liquid back into the saucepan (to remove any cooked egg bits). Set the saucepan over medium heat and whisk vigorously until the pastry cream comes to a boil. Continue to whisk over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the melted chocolate and remove from heat. Place the pastry cream in a bowl and set the bowl over an ice bath. Keep stirring the pastry cream to keep it smooth. When the temperature reaches 140°F, stir in the butter. Stir to cool the pastry cream completely, or do what I did and cover it with plastic (make sure the plastic touches the entire surface to prevent skin from forming) and pop it in the refrigerator. Can be made 2-3 days ahead of time.
chocolate glaze
10 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup (2.5 oz.) powdered sugar, sifted
3/4 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
2 large egg yolks
3 tbsps unsalted butter
Melt the chocolate and powdered sugar together over a double boiler (or microwave the chocolate on half-power 30 seconds at a time until almost melted and stir the confectioners sugar in). Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate and stir until incorporated. Place the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Whisk a little chocolate mixture into the egg yolks to temper them. Whisk in a little more chocolate mixture. Whisk the rest of the chocolate into the egg yolks. Add the butter and stir until smooth. Pour the chocolate ganache through a sieve.
Assemble the éclairs: Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch tip (or smaller) with the chocolate pastry cream. Fill each éclair with pastry cream taking care not to overfill (it will seep out) or underfill (it won’t taste as good). Make sure the chocolate glaze is warm and fluid in a wide bowl. Dip the top of each éclair into the glaze allowing any excess to drip off. Set each éclair on a cooling rack to dry. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Makes 18 éclairs.
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:29 pm
Awww, thank you for the giveaway :-)
My valentine is my husband, of course :-)
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:35 pm
These look delightfully yummy!
My #1 Valentine is my friend M who has gone above and beyond for me this last month. M loves chocolate too!
Thanks for sharing with us :-) xoxo
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:46 pm
I will make these eclairs in memory of my dad, who LOVED making and eating them! Just wish I could share one with him too. I will in spirit though… They look delicious and I really like the photo’s you include with the recipes!! Thanks so much for sharing…I appreciate it. :)
Also, I love that Robins Chocolates are handcrafted, and that she puts so much love and compassion into what she does. That’s really cool and seems to be becoming rarer these days. I don’t have a Valentine this year, but if I did I would share these sweet hearts with them. YUM!! <3
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:49 pm
Oh my…these look so incredible. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and the wonderful recipe…and your exquisite photography.
I think you’ve mentioned these chocolates a time or two in a few other posts in the past…I’m intrigued! Would love to have a chance to try them. Thank you for offering this generous give-away.
My #1 Valentine(s) are my long time and dearest friends…my two yellow labs Winston and Murphy! True love in a fur-body!
Blessings to you and all those you love.
K
Sonoma County, California
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:49 pm
My valentine would probably be my boyfriend…Whom has been unlike anyone that I’ve ever known and in the best way possible.
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:52 pm
Looks lovely! My favorite valentine is my boyfriend. I don’t know how he put up with me and all my shenanigans, but I’m grateful and lucky to have him in my life.
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:57 pm
Those chocolates are exquisite! My valentine is my wife.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:32 am
AHH! your food and photography never cease to amaze me :)
my favorite valentine would have to be my mom. She’s been there for me through thick and thin and I definitely don’t appreciate her as much as I could.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:33 am
Oooooh these are just PERFECT. I will be making these for my husband next week (in addition to the Mushu Pork Burgers, again!). Yum Yum. My husband is my Valentine, of course. However, I should mention that I am VERY excited because my 5 year old asked to take me out on a “fancy” date this upcoming Friday. Flattery will get him EVERYWHERE. We are going out to one of my favorite restaurants and our other half will be attending the Father-Daughter Dance. Love. Love. Love.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:34 am
Those look amazing! My favorite valentine is my family–my husband and daughter– the loves of my life.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:46 am
I love eclairs! Thanks for the giveaway. My Valentine is my husband. I would share these chocolates with him.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:46 am
Gorgeous Eclairs! Wow!
My valentine for the last 20+ years has been my sweet hubby who can’t understand why I do not want chocolates and flowers for Valentines like all the other girls. I’d honestly rather have nothing at all (sorry Whitmans and FTD!) So last year what did he surprise me with…my garden filled with planted flowers and lettuce! How sweet was that? We ate salad until the TX heat no longer allowed it and enjoyed the flowers until fall! ♥
But…move over hubby, you have to share the Valentine this year with the new guy in town…Jaden James our beautiful and sweet first grandchild!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:51 am
Those eclairs look AMAZING!
My Valentine is my darling husband. He brings out the romantic in me, and I’d love to share these artful chocolates with him! Thanks.
Happy lunar new year, and happy heart day!
February 4th, 2013 at 1:08 am
My favorite Valentine is Son, of course, for the eighth year in a row! I must be doing something right for him to keep me around this long. ;)
February 4th, 2013 at 1:10 am
My valentine has to be my daddy. I’m a 21 year old college student still looking for Mr. Right but through thick and thin my dad has been my rock. He supports me no matter what (meaning even through all the “exotic” recipes I try he toughens up and acts like my biggest fan and is always game to try my cooking) and he gives the best hugs that always lets me know that everything will be okay. <3
February 4th, 2013 at 1:23 am
I’ve made cream puffs before and filled them with a concoction of lemon curd mixed with whipped cream. I have always wanted to make eclairs though!
My favorite valentine is my younger brother. Even though I’m jealous of how accomplished he’s become I couldn’t be more proud of him or love him more!
February 4th, 2013 at 2:32 am
These. Look. Incredible. Nothing more to say :-)
February 4th, 2013 at 2:52 am
I have three favorite valentines, my husband and two little boys. And I’ll be making them grilled cheese sandwiches, french fries, and chocolate chip cookies – no eclairs or fancy chocolates – for Valentine’s Day, because that’s what they love. (I sure would love some beautiful chocolates, though…)
February 4th, 2013 at 2:54 am
My favorite valentine is my sweet boyfriend, who I absolutely cannot live without! Valentine day would never be this sweet if I did not meet him!
But the reason I joined this competition is because my boyfriend and I have a dear friend (and his family) who moved back to the States recently. His dad was diagnosed with a rare skin cancer that only happens to 1 out of thousands. The family is trying to find a place that would suit his dad’s needs and also trying to settle in after being away for many years. Because its too far for me to fly over, the gift would be my way of sending some love to them this Valentine!
PS: I would also like to tell you: there are people half the globe away who love your blog!
February 4th, 2013 at 3:11 am
Thank you for the beautiful recipe. My favorite valentine is my cat Barnabas, because my husband is not a romantic either, but my loving cat is! He always finds a way to tell me how much he loves me.
February 4th, 2013 at 3:23 am
Yum!
My valentine is my sister. She’s always there for me!
February 4th, 2013 at 3:59 am
Beautiful photos, as always! My valentine is (predictably) my partner, who is wonderful and means the world to me. He lives in Boulder so its just down the mountain from you! Even if I don’t win, we might just have to take a trip out to Longmont next time I am in town to try some of these beauties.
February 4th, 2013 at 5:24 am
My kids for certain are my favorite valentines!
February 4th, 2013 at 5:26 am
My hubs is my special valentine! Oh these chocolate hearts are beeee-u-ti-ful!
February 4th, 2013 at 5:33 am
Those look so yummy!
We just got a new dog, (it’s been a year since our last dog passed away) and he is definately my valentine this year! He loves women (the human and canine kind!) :D
February 4th, 2013 at 5:42 am
My valentine is my husband, and I know he would love to try these chocolates. And the eclairs too! That used to be my treat when I would grocery shop with my mom. I’m sure homemade would be better, but I’d need a plan to get rid of most of them so we wouldn’t eat them all!
February 4th, 2013 at 5:51 am
My husband.
February 4th, 2013 at 6:01 am
Great recipe!
My valentine is my husband :)
February 4th, 2013 at 6:04 am
My husband is my valentine but we both like chocolate!
February 4th, 2013 at 6:17 am
My husband. Your photos of the candies are so wonderful!! The colors pop.
February 4th, 2013 at 6:18 am
the chocolates, the eclairs…so much sweet (and pretty) goodness!
my valentine is my husband. his love for chocolate rivals mine!
February 4th, 2013 at 6:18 am
I used to make chocolate éclairs all the time when I was younger; I’ll have to try cornstarch in the pastry filling next time. The dipping of the pastry in the chocolate to coat them is genius! My valentine is my friend in NYC with whom I’ll be baking red velvet cake.
Not entirely sure how I encountered your blog (someone’s link on Facebook?), but hi from another vaguely planetary scientist person who likes cooking.
February 4th, 2013 at 6:32 am
Long-time lurker here from Ithaca (though this is my last semester). Thank you for your amazing posts about food, family, and life =) My favorite valentine would also be my mom. I wouldn’t be where I am otherwise.
February 4th, 2013 at 6:58 am
My valentine is my husband, despite the fact that he is a double-bass player.
Thank you for including a picture of Kaweah in every recent post. She’s my favorite dog in the universe, I’m quite sure.
February 4th, 2013 at 7:02 am
My valentine is my husband, who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. Even suffering, he is patient, kind, loving and supportive.
February 4th, 2013 at 7:09 am
My mom is my favorite valentine! She loves chocolates, so this would make her feel special. :)
February 4th, 2013 at 7:11 am
My favorite Valentine is my Mom. She will be ninety-two years old on Feb. 10th. Very healthy, very strong with a beautiful kind heart. Her sweet tooth rivals most people I know. She would love a box of Robin’s Chocolates.
Thank you Jen for hosting this giveaway.
February 4th, 2013 at 7:20 am
Beautiful recipe! I’ve never tried making eclairs before but might using your recipe now. My valentine is my husband.
February 4th, 2013 at 7:28 am
My partner, who also loves chocolate! Thanks foe the giveaway and foe the always beautiful blog.
February 4th, 2013 at 7:29 am
My favorite Valentine is Dale
February 4th, 2013 at 7:30 am
Kaweah looks so sweet with that rose. Awwwww. And now I am tempted to go get an eclair from the cafe…
My favorite valentine is my boyfriend :)
February 4th, 2013 at 7:34 am
These are gorgeous and look delicious! My favorite valentine is … everyone! All of the people around us make this day special.
p.s. have that whisk, love it
February 4th, 2013 at 7:39 am
My favorite valentine is my son Sam who was born on valentine’s day!
February 4th, 2013 at 7:40 am
My boyfriend (who also happens to be my husband) has been my valentine for seventeen years. But, my new doggie, Willow, is a very close second place. :)
February 4th, 2013 at 7:44 am
YUM – you are amazing for making those eclairs! The chocolate giveaway looks great too. My romantic relationship is complicated right now, so I’m gonna say my cat. :)
February 4th, 2013 at 7:46 am
My family….beautiful kids and my pups! The chocolates look amazing and winning would be so, so sweet! Thanks so much.
February 4th, 2013 at 7:49 am
My friend Rhiannon, who I used to have a lady-date with every Valentine’s when we lived in the same city. Now that we’re in separate states we send each other presents every V-day. She’s crafty and I bake, it works great!
February 4th, 2013 at 7:54 am
My valentine is my new fiance, Ali. She’s the best test-eater in the world.
February 4th, 2013 at 8:00 am
What beautiful eclairs…..one of my favorite treats.
My favorite Valentine is my love, Lou. He makes everyday Valentine’s Day.
I went to Robin’s chocolates last May while in CO to visit my sister and we LOVED them all. Perfection!
February 4th, 2013 at 8:00 am
Amazing! I really wish I could have this for breakfast right now!
February 4th, 2013 at 8:04 am
Your warmth, generosity, and pleasure in life are boundless! Thank you so much for introducing us to Robin’s stunning artistry. I’ve never seen anything like these beautifully photographed, jewel-like confections. Not only my father but fellow patients and staff sharing an assisted living center in Oregon would be dazzled and enchanted. I know I am. Heartfelt, yes, thanks! Susannah Isherwood
February 4th, 2013 at 8:05 am
My valentine is my husband. We actually met on Valentines Day 11 years ago.
February 4th, 2013 at 8:11 am
What a beautiful give away! My boyfriend, we will be celebrating both Valentines day and our 1 year anniversary at the magnificent Grand Canyon :)
February 4th, 2013 at 8:12 am
My valentine is my husband <3
February 4th, 2013 at 8:16 am
My Favorite Valentine will always be my Mother who is slowly recovering from a traumatic brain surgery. As the mother she will always hold a special place in my heart, second only to my Husband.
February 4th, 2013 at 8:17 am
these eclairs look delicious, and i am most certainly going to try them out. the chocolate pastry creme is intriguing.
my number one valentine is my hippie, jason–this valentines day is the 10th anniversary of our first date. oddly we didn’t realize it was valentines day till a full year later–that’s how much attention to the holiday we generally pay! that said, i’d love to win him some beautiful chocolates. :)
February 4th, 2013 at 8:23 am
My husband is my favorite valentine
February 4th, 2013 at 8:28 am
My word those are lovely! We don’t really do Valentine’s Day around here either, at least, not as a romantic thing. We do something special with the whole family; so I guess that’s my favorite valentine. The combination of husband (we were high school sweetheats who got married 11 years later), 10 year old son, and the newest addition of 6 month old daughter.
Now that I’ve thoroughly sickened everyone with the overly sweet sentiments, I’ll step away from the comment box!
February 4th, 2013 at 8:31 am
My favorite Valentine is my boyfriend, Michael-we’ve been together 3.5 years and he’s my best friend <3
February 4th, 2013 at 8:43 am
First – I don’t know how Jeremy doesn’t weigh 500 lbs. Oh, wait, must be all the skiing and hiking! :)
Second – I wish I was your neighbor. ;-)
My favorite Valentine? I think my Mom. She’s 94, extremely active, extremely kind, extremely generous with her time and talents. I want to be like her when I grow up. (Oh and it’s her fault I have a really extreme case of sweet tooth – she’s a great baker, too!)
February 4th, 2013 at 8:47 am
My valentine is my husband. We don’t usually celebrate on Valentine’s Day, specifically. Rather, we are mushy year-round!
February 4th, 2013 at 8:54 am
My valentine is my family.
February 4th, 2013 at 8:58 am
My mom!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:11 am
The chocolates look amazing! My favourite Valentine is my husband.
February 4th, 2013 at 9:13 am
My husband who has been so fabulous this last month putting up with my family living with us in our tiny apartment as they are here to visit! Also, just because, he is my sweetheart. :)
February 4th, 2013 at 9:15 am
My mom is my favorite valentine.. she’s been feeling neglected lately because I’ve in the dumps…. so I’d love to gift her the gorgeous chocolates!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:18 am
I have two favorite valentines – my husband and my almost 3-year-old daughter!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:19 am
My husband David who has shared over 25 years with me.
The eclairs look awesome also!!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:21 am
My cat! Ops, I mean my new hubby of 3 months, Dean! :)
February 4th, 2013 at 9:31 am
My valentine is my fiance. (Followed closely by my pup, but he can’t have chocolate obv!)
Thanks!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:36 am
My first love – 22 years in April! Although I think the reality is that the kids will eat the chocolate.
February 4th, 2013 at 9:38 am
My valentine is, as always, my husband. I would be remiss if I didnt give my dogs a non- chocolate treat too.
February 4th, 2013 at 9:45 am
delicious. i love chocolate! i’m so surprised that you eat/make chocolate in baked goods, but not so much chocolate on its own!
My favorite valentine is my first and current boyfriend, tim!!!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:47 am
My favorite valentine? That’s a toss up between my wonderfrul Gramma, who I adore and is my hero, and my wonderful boyfriend whom I also adore… And they both love chocolate as much as I do!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:50 am
Oh my goodness! These sound so delicious!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:56 am
No special valentine this year which is why I need chocolate
February 4th, 2013 at 10:04 am
These look delicious! My favorite valentine would be my mom who has always sent me a package of candy every year since I moved away.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:04 am
My favorite Valentine is my husband. Through all the ups and downs, he continues to be the more caring, loving, and funny person I know. Who else will stop midway through making dinner to run around the living room, pretending to be a raptor with me? His weird fits mine, and I couldn’t be luckier to have found him.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:10 am
Yum! These eclairs look delicious! Thank you for the step by step process!
My valentine is my husband, after 6 months or deployment he came home and we got pregnant, now he gets to deal with my crazy hormones everyday, he loves chocolate and it would help with my cravings too :)
February 4th, 2013 at 10:10 am
My valentine is my husband. I think he would love to have your eclairs for his special V day treat. Love your blog. So helpful.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:11 am
My valentine is my amazing boyfriend, who has gotten me through a pretty awful year. I might just make him some of those eclairs.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:18 am
My Valentine is my grandson, Logan.
These looks devine!!
February 4th, 2013 at 10:20 am
Coming out of my lurker cave to say I love your blog (and to try and snag me some chocolate)!
My valentine is my boyfriend – who is, by the way, the best boyfriend in the world. Close runner up is my big giant dog (mastiff), who loves me unconditionally but especially if there is food involved.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:20 am
My husband deployed this Valentine’s Day, so I’ll be spending it with my main man, Jean-Clawde — the cat. Though my father will *always* be my Valentine.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:31 am
My husband is my Valentine.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:31 am
My fantastic boyfriend of 3 years :)
February 4th, 2013 at 10:35 am
My valentine is my sweet husband, married 4 years but together for more than 14 years now. He’ll be out of town visiting his parents on Valentine’s Day so I would probably eat these myself…
karenreichmann@hotmail.com
February 4th, 2013 at 10:36 am
Right now its a toss up between hubby and our newborn baby girl :)
February 4th, 2013 at 10:40 am
I love to make pate choux!! It’s by far one of my favorite pastry applications.
My favorite valentine? Hmmmm. My partner A takes the cake for sure, but I’m spending valentine’s this year with my dear friend before she moves across the country — to Colorado, in fact! We’ve been friends for years and have always lived near by. I think she’s my valentine this year : )
February 4th, 2013 at 10:41 am
My valentine is my darlin’ husband. Each day with him is sweet ~ with or without chocolate ;-)
February 4th, 2013 at 10:47 am
My mother, who has done so much for me and taught me the definition of selflessness and compassion.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:49 am
Thanks for the giveaway! Both I and my partner, M, are chocolate fiends and the chocolate would go to M :)
February 4th, 2013 at 10:52 am
My valentine is my girlfriend! These chocolates would definitely help me out during that time of the month.
February 4th, 2013 at 10:53 am
My Valentine’s is my husband of 9 years.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:00 am
I love the eclair photos- that chocolate filling looks decadent!! My Valentine is my long distance boyfriend who lives in Golden, Colorado- I am currently living in Washington DC. He has a huge sweet tooth and would appreciate the gift!
February 4th, 2013 at 11:06 am
My favorite valentine is my niece Lil, who always acts as my sous chef.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:07 am
Husband Dave, but that doesn’t mean I will share with him!
February 4th, 2013 at 11:19 am
My beloved partner of 28 years has just retired and is in the process of reinventing herself as a “person who can do whatever she damn well pleases”. I think the reinvention would go more smoothly if she were eating sweet, fragrant, lovingly-made chocolates. It might help steer her away from roller derby and toward something more like flower arranging.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:19 am
My Valentine this year is myself! For the first time in a long time I’m single and planning to focus on me this year.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:19 am
I have no Valentine, which is just sad enough I should be in the running anyway. I’d probably share with a guy at the bus stop or the night janitor at work.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:22 am
The chocolates are beautiful and I can’t wait to try to make the eclairs! My favorite valentine is my boyfriend; we will be celebrating our first anniversary on Valentine’s Day this year. :)
February 4th, 2013 at 11:24 am
Those eclairs look incredible! My Valentine this year is my mother, who has helped me out so much!
February 4th, 2013 at 11:35 am
mmmm these look seriously amazing! chocolate in the middle. so yum! does the dough cook hollow so you only need to make one little hole and then fill? i really want to try these!
February 4th, 2013 at 11:41 am
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your eclairs and the photo of Kaweah licking the rose! My ‘forever’ Valentine is my husband and we are celebrating Chinese New Year this weekend … perhaps with some chocolate truffles on the menu?! Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year to you and yours !! xx
February 4th, 2013 at 11:45 am
I must say again, “Those eclairs look amazingly delicious!” I can only assume those chocolate truffles are the same! AND each a different flavor! Oh my gosh. I think I’m going to faint! Chocolate is my downfall!
February 4th, 2013 at 11:48 am
Jen, those eclairs look amazing! can’t wait to try the recipe. and my valentine is my partner, of course.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:49 am
My valentine is my grandfather (Pépère), an consummate chocolate-lover and the sweetest gentleman I know.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
My wonderful husband! Thanks for the chance at some chocolate!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
My valentine is my sweetheart, darling, Bill.
And speaking of love, I do love your blog and so happy I found you.
You are one heck of a kick-ass gal, Jen. Your pup is so cute…and your recipes and photos are divine!
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share that with you….
Happy New Year!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
Those look incredible, Jen! My valentine is currently my dog, Toby, who (I hope) will love me even if I refuse to share a bite of that chocolate eclair!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Omg! That’s looks amazing. I’m gonna have to make it once I get a break from college midterms!!!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
These look absolutely amazing. My favorite valentine would have to be my boyfriend!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:16 pm
The Salt Caramel Lollipops look awesome. Big M (my Mom) is my favorite valentine! She rocks!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
i’m sorry to say no valentine’s at this point in my life. at least the 2-legged type – can pups count as valentine’s? if so, then scout and bella.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
My valentine is my lovely husband! It’s our first valentine’s day together since the wedding, and I’m looking forward to so many more.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
I was just thinking yesterday that Valentine’s Day no longer has an emotional component for me when I thought of my gal pals, Wendy and Eve. They are my valentines. Casa Bonita forever!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
My Valentine is my boyfriend Jon, the chocoholic. He’s the chocolate monster in the relationship.
February 4th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
My valentine is my husband of 19 years!
February 4th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
My Valentine is my hubby Jon. We’re expecting our first child, and he’s taken such great care of me the first half of this pregnancy which has been pretty tough on both of us. I have been on bed rest for three months and craving donuts, so he’ll swing by a local shop throughout the week to bring me some before going to the office. I think he’ll enjoy trying this recipe. :)
February 4th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Those do look incredible. My husband is my Valentine and adores chocolate.
February 4th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
My husband of course but if I win the chocolates I’ll be sending them to my cute sister.
February 4th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
My husband and my girls are my Valentines. I don’t think I have time to make these, but might attempt cream puffs next week. I used to make them with my grandmother all the time and haven’t in quite a while. I’m sure they would be a welcome treat at my house.
February 4th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Those eclairs look delicious, as do the chocolates. What a delicious Valentine treat! My valentine is my husband, he is the sweetest and I adore him.
February 4th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Although I do have a lovely man to call my own, I think a girl’s best Valentine is always her father :) And this girl has her mother’s sweet tooth.
Your gorgeous photos might actually inspire me to give these a go!
February 4th, 2013 at 1:28 pm
My favorite Valentine is my wonderful Son… he is my heart, my joy!! From one of my favorite quotes: “Making the decision to have a child its momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” This expresses perfectly my feelings and love for my Son, my only child.
February 4th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
The Husband would be the valentine! Gorgeous eclair pictures!!!! I usually got lazy and filled them with chocolate ice cream in the past!
February 4th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
Thanks for the giveaway; Robin chocolates sound & look delicious (bet taste too).
My valentine is my best friend from childhood, who stuck with me all these years.
February 4th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
My valentine is my wonderful husband (also named Alex) who finds time to cook lovely food and fix everything around the house on top of a full time job!
February 4th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Mmmmmmmmm. I just started a diet today. I am so making these eclairs when I’m done with this diet! My valentine is my boyfriend. After a rough marriage and a broken engagement I deserve a guy who is warm, loving, smart, funny, cute, a great dad and loves me. Somehow I found him. Now I just have to let the puppy know she can’t have him as her boyfriend too.
February 4th, 2013 at 2:36 pm
Max
February 4th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
My husband is my favorite valentine! Our wedding anniversary is February 14 and this will be our 14th year. We dated in California from 1980 to 1987. We started seeing each other again in 1998 and married in 1999.
The eclairs look so good. I have made cream puffs, so I will attempt your recipe soon. <3
February 4th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
My valentine is my sweetie, Zandr. He’ll be away on business travel all month so I suppose this year my valentine is me :) Regardless, I have tons of time to contemplate actually trying to make these when he gets home. I *love* eclairs but this recipe might be too much for my meager cooking skills.
Love your blog, your beautiful photos, and your lovely family. Thanks for sharing these with us!
February 4th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
I’ll definitely share this chocholate with my mom. She’s a chocoholic – that means she eats chocolate every day! She even hides the chocolate from us so she can enjoy them later. So, having this will definitely put a smile on her face.
February 4th, 2013 at 3:20 pm
O M G these look U MAY ZZZZZZING!
My sweetheart (s) are my kids and of course my honey Jesse
February 4th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
My Valentine is my wonderful fiance, David! Such lovely looking chocolates, and photography, of course.
February 4th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
My valentine is my husband…..now as far the chocolate goes I would LOVE to win this. They look so delicious! Just like those eclairs do! Oh do I want to win this!!!
February 4th, 2013 at 4:18 pm
What a beautiful, decadent labor of love! Jeremy is a very lucky man to have you in his life and I also feel so lucky to have your beautiful photos to guide me through your recipes. Taking photos while making pastry creme can’t be easy. And your photos of Kaweah melt my heart. :)
My valentine this year (and for the past 6) is my boyfriend and partner, Michael.
Happy February!
February 4th, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Oooh maybe eclairs would be doable after all… you make them look easy!
My Valentine is my husband, Jim, who also loves your recipes.
February 4th, 2013 at 4:33 pm
my husband!
February 4th, 2013 at 4:35 pm
My valentine is my husband of 16 years. He is my best friend. We’ve been inseparable since we were 19 years old.
February 4th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
No current boyfriend, so I guess it’s me! These sound amazing.
February 4th, 2013 at 4:53 pm
My #1 Valentine this year is my daughter. She’s scheduled to come just before Valentine’s day. What a perfect gift (= these eclairs look amazing! I can’t wait to try them.
February 4th, 2013 at 4:57 pm
My valentine is (as always) my husband, but that doesn’t mean my dog-children don’t get a non-chocolate treat on Valentine’s Day too!
February 4th, 2013 at 4:59 pm
My favourite valentine…my nephew :)
February 4th, 2013 at 5:11 pm
My boys, all three of them :)
February 4th, 2013 at 5:20 pm
My Valentine is my boyfriend, of course, but I think those pretty chocolates would brighten my sweet mama’s day! She’s a chocoholic, and I certainly inherited the trait from her.
February 4th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
They look amazing…now I have to go to the grocery store for ingredients. And my husband of course.
February 4th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
My Valentine is my husband, couldn’t have asked for a better partner!
February 4th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
Gorgeous. Thanks for the giveaway!
My valentine is my mother.
February 4th, 2013 at 6:03 pm
My favorite valentine would probably be my mom…she appreciates fine chocolate nearly as much as I do!!!
February 4th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
My valentine is my ’90 Blacker Hovse Mole, who will surely not remember Valentine’s Day. :)
February 4th, 2013 at 6:35 pm
My fiance! Who shares my love of chocolates.
February 4th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
I’ve never really had a valentine but this year I do. It’s this really nice boy that I’ve been talking to. He makes me feel special and calls me beautiful. I love how he tells me that he cares about me very much. Thank you for your time :)
February 4th, 2013 at 6:43 pm
My Valentine is my wonderful boyfriend, who is a perfect complement to me, and who is fantastically thoughtful and handsome!
Also these photos are beautiful :)
February 4th, 2013 at 7:02 pm
My valentine is my husband!
February 4th, 2013 at 7:02 pm
I had Robin’s Chocolates last summer when we visited her store in Longmont. We bought some and shared them with our good friends, Joan and Paul from Santa Barbara, visited us in Boulder. We all loved them. As for these Valentine’s Chocolate Truffles, they are truely something special. I really love them. THANKS Jen!!
February 4th, 2013 at 7:23 pm
My boyfriend Keith is my Valentine!
February 4th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
These look absolutely gorgeous!! My favorite valentine is my friend Kim; she was going through a tough breakup a few years ago so I made her homemade marshmallows and heart shaped sugar cookies and mailed them to her so she would know that she was still loved! I still bake her something every year, even when she has a boyfriend, but because of that first year, I’ve also taken to baking and mailing things for my single friends so they don’t get sad on Valentine’s Day!
February 4th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
My Valentine is my husband. Another Superbowl spent hiking instead of watching the game reminds me of why he is perfect for me.
February 4th, 2013 at 7:53 pm
My hubby. :-)
February 4th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
My mum is my Valentine!
February 4th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
My husband is my Valentine even though I’ll be spending the 14th traveling for work.
February 4th, 2013 at 8:37 pm
My puppy is my valentine
February 4th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
I can’t pick a favorite Valentine as I always have several: my family members!
February 4th, 2013 at 8:56 pm
Those chocolates look beautiful! My valentines are my husband and daughter.
February 4th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
My hubby Rick is my favorite valentine, then my kids, Chrissey & Josh. I am very blessed!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Awww, what a beautiful giveaway!
My valentine, my FAVORITE valentine is my fiancee David <3 We have been together about 5 years now and we are getting married April 13, 2013!
February 4th, 2013 at 9:54 pm
First I must say that I’m with
First I must say that I’m with Jeremy on an eclair’s filling. Those look fabulous. And as for my valentine-on most days it would be my husband. We’ll see what happens this year.
And congratulations Shana!
February 4th, 2013 at 10:11 pm
My valentine is my husband, who conveniently doesn’t like chocolate!
February 4th, 2013 at 10:41 pm
My valentine appears to be a guy I have been friends with since grade school. Over the years, I have been absolutely clueless to the fact that he likes me. Coincidentally he loves chocolate
February 4th, 2013 at 10:57 pm
Valentine’s day will be with my husband and our two Labradors, Sami and Jessi.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:06 pm
My favorite valentine? Really valentines…my dearest, Wayne, and my beautiful daughter, Sarah, who both adore chocolate. But Gromit, our 14 yo lab, would eat them if he could get to them!
February 4th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
It has to be my dog – Benjy. He’s better than chocolates :)
February 4th, 2013 at 11:10 pm
My grandma is my valentine.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:16 pm
They look amazing! You make it look so easy!!
My valentine is my boyfriend Michael.
(And my dog, but he can’t have chocolate…)
February 4th, 2013 at 11:22 pm
Those eclairs look soooo yummy. I usually save your recipes, but I’m letting this one go because it is just too tempting for this diabetic! Kaweah is adorable, as usual, but I’m sorry to hear she has retired from picking winners.
I would have to say that my favorite Valentine is my grandson Logan in Missouri. He is 8 years old and takes his library books down the street to read them to the 2 and 4 year olds who live there. He calls it “story time.” How can he not be my valentine? 8-)
February 4th, 2013 at 11:25 pm
My 2 girls are my valentines tat I’ve dreamed about my whoe life! And, i’ve recently been telling them about eclairs, so I hope to make them for them soon.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:28 pm
Great Post. Yum. The Chocolates look beautiful. Since my puppy can’t eat chocolate I would have to choose my incredible daughter Marieke, who left her husband and little girls for two months to go to L.A. with me for two months when I had my heart transplant. She took care of me every day. She had to watch her littlest daughter walk on Skyp for the first time. She is my hero.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:40 pm
My favorite Valentine is my mother. I will always make sure that she receives a special gift from me every year no matter how far away I may be, because she is the most important woman in my life.
February 4th, 2013 at 11:41 pm
It is always a joy to read your blog. You give me inspiration as I embark on a new journey toward graduate school and a new career.
My Valentine is my precious Pomeranian Stella. She is always smiling and full of love.
February 5th, 2013 at 12:31 am
My valentine’s name is Ainsley and we just celebrated our second anniversary of admitting we were (had) falling in love {we knew each other for about a year before that.} I was 59 when he first said “I love you” ~ the moral being that it’s never too late!
My late mother made cream puffs with vanilla cream filling, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. When she gave me the recipe, she told me I had to beat the dough by hand ~ I found out later that she had been using a mixer for years. {smile}
Thanks for a chance at the giveaway. Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy New Year!
February 5th, 2013 at 2:32 am
My valentine’s would be my boyfriend!
I love you R <3
February 5th, 2013 at 3:13 am
I’m a total disaster when it comes to baking and making sweets, but how I wish I wasn’t because I love éclairs and those look amazing.
My valentine is my husband, who’s always been there for me when I most needed someone, I feel blessed to have him in my life!
February 5th, 2013 at 3:32 am
My Valentine is my husband who I
will be married to 25 years on Apri” 24.
February 5th, 2013 at 3:52 am
now those chocolates of Robin’s are exquisitely gorgeous!
perfect for my husband and best valentine! since he
is a cameraman he will definitely appreciate their stunning colors!
thanks for sharing with us Jen :)) Happy Valentines Day!
February 5th, 2013 at 3:54 am
My beloved valentine is Ali, who I’ve waited for all my life. Thank goodness he finally showed up, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
February 5th, 2013 at 4:57 am
I made eclairs a couple of years ago for valentine’s day (vanilla pastry cream) and my valentine (hubby) loved them. They are a strangely satisfying pastry to make, at least the puff pastry is strangely satisfying. Maybe it’s the way the eggs become incorporated and then the pastry puffs up and hollows out as it bakes. Very fun to make…
February 5th, 2013 at 5:29 am
My wonderful husband of 41 years is my Valentine every day!!
Thank you for the fun contest!!!!
February 5th, 2013 at 5:33 am
I have a whole family of Valentines!
February 5th, 2013 at 5:41 am
My wife is my favorite valentine!
February 5th, 2013 at 5:42 am
My eleven year old daughter Anne is my Valentine. I am a single mom working three part time job. Several times a week Anne arrives home from school hours before I get home from work. She does her homework and cooks dinner. We love your blog and have tried some of the easier recipes. The step-by-step photographs are very helpful. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have a meal waiting for me after a long day! She is truly my Valentine.
February 5th, 2013 at 6:12 am
These look amazing. I have always wanted to try them but thought they would be “too difficult”. Now I am going to try them…maybe this weekend! Thanks for the great recipes and beautiful photos. I dig chocolates and my special valentine is Johan. Maybe the chocolate hearts will let him know if I win.
Lisa
February 5th, 2013 at 6:13 am
My Valentine used to always be my mom–because her birthday is on Valentine’s Day! I felt lucky because I never associated anything negative with Valentine’s Day (as I was apparently supposed to when I was single) because we celebrated her birthday. My dad and I and my brothers would scheme, and we would bake her heart-shaped treats and pamper her (because, let’s face it, she’s a hard-working mom and deserved it). It was always fun for everybody.
When I started dating my now-husband, he didn’t mind sharing the day, so now I have two Valentines. L and I developed some awesome traditions for Valentine’s (he’ll cook me dinner, and I buy him a bottle of something delicious), and it just makes Valentine’s doubly awesome.
February 5th, 2013 at 6:41 am
My special Valentine is my husband. It would be wonderful to give sweets to my sweetie!! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway. I always enjoy your photography, the different places of interest you share, and, of course, your recipes. Thanks.
February 5th, 2013 at 7:00 am
My special Valentine is my husband, who shares my love for all things sweet, and is always my willing guinea pig to taste test the things I bake.
February 5th, 2013 at 7:11 am
My husband is my Valentine!
February 5th, 2013 at 7:19 am
The chocolates and the elcairs both look incredible!
My husband and my puppy are my valentines this year, but one’s diabetic and one’s canine, so neither one will be getting a box of chocolates. Honestly, one of my good friends is going through a really rough breakup, and so if I won I’d have the chocolates to go her – prettiest pick-me-up ever!
February 5th, 2013 at 7:29 am
My family’s my valentines this year. Robin’s chocolates are really incredible pieces of art!
February 5th, 2013 at 7:40 am
My husband of 37 yrs, of course.
February 5th, 2013 at 7:46 am
My Valentine is my hubby. He loves chocolate too!
February 5th, 2013 at 7:52 am
My valentine is my lovely husband, Jim, who sadly has to be on the road for Valentine’s Day this year.
February 5th, 2013 at 8:00 am
I would have to say my favorite valentine is my mom…she has always been there for me when I didn’t have a valentine and she loves chocolate as much as i do. I would love to send her a box of Robin Chocolates!!!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:13 am
my boyfriend firstly and my airedale is the jr. valentine!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:14 am
My valentine is my husband Dan, who loves chocolate and me!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:16 am
Love this eclair recipe and will try it. I pin your recipes very regularly,;your technique, photos, both food, dog, and Colorado, are amazing.
My favorite Valentine is my newest granddaughter who is about to turn one. We did Facetime last night and she recognized me and waved and clapped her hands. She and I were both pretty excited at this new level of communication. Not quite the same as cuddling with her but still very heart-warming!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:18 am
My valentine is my husband Eric, with my daughter Margaret a very close second. We all love chocolates – especially the good stuff!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:23 am
My 1st valentine, and my current valentine – My mom.
February 5th, 2013 at 8:29 am
Mr. Moon is my always and forever valentine, but the furry kids get a shout out :)
February 5th, 2013 at 8:34 am
You make this look easy! My Valentine is my husband, who always has sweet and encouraging words for me.
February 5th, 2013 at 8:38 am
Woa ~ BIG interest in the chocolate. Since Dakini-the-Cat walked across the keyboard as I was reading the recipe, I believe she was telling me to be sure to say that she is my #1 Valentine!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:40 am
What an inspiring website! Thank you for all your hard work and tasty recipies! My favorite V this year is my granddaughter Anya! She is a sweetie- it is going to be her first V-day ever! ;)
February 5th, 2013 at 8:50 am
Always love your photos. I’m also NOT much of a chocolate fan. Hadn’t heard of Robins chocolates before. My valentines are my family and friends and of course all our pets. Hugs to sweet Kaweah!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:53 am
Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes PLEASE! I have three pint sized valentine’s this year, three little girls all in a row. The biggest of which, has tried Robin’s magnificent chocolates and will proudly declare “They are the BEST grown up candies EVER!”
February 5th, 2013 at 9:32 am
You know…TPH.
February 5th, 2013 at 9:35 am
My dear, sweet husband!
February 5th, 2013 at 10:09 am
My wonderful husband!!
February 5th, 2013 at 10:17 am
I’m not going to say hubby cause we don’t celebrate V day, I pick my Dad!
February 5th, 2013 at 10:19 am
Those chocolates look divine!!! My Valentine is my husband… the hardworking, driven soul in my life!
February 5th, 2013 at 10:21 am
Oh my. Thank you for the beautiful recipe! Just the colors of the wrappers of those chocolates are enough to make me drool. My valentine is the love of my life, my ever challenging and tough guy boyfriend, who has the sweetest, softest heart if you are allowed close enough to see it.
February 5th, 2013 at 10:22 am
Oh, my. Look at all those entries. Please add mine, too!!!
I’ll give them — tentatively — to my partner Steve, as long as he promises to share!
PS – If I don’t win, you can just ship me some of those incredibly decadent eclairs.
February 5th, 2013 at 10:23 am
Oh, so sad Kaweah has retired! (though I’m sure Jeremy is quite up to the job… will he also pick out dog toys? :) Such gorgeous photos of the truffles. I can almost taste them through the screen! My husband is my valentine.
February 5th, 2013 at 10:33 am
This recipe looks great! My valentine is my husband, Mike.
February 5th, 2013 at 10:38 am
It all looks great!
Antonin Artud is my valentine.
February 5th, 2013 at 10:42 am
My dear, sweet, hard working husband is my valentine! And my two little babes are my mini-valentines.
February 5th, 2013 at 10:47 am
Since I have 5 children I can’t narrow it down to just one Valentine. They are all my Valentines!
February 5th, 2013 at 10:47 am
Even though we have never done the V-day thing, my husband. But a very close second it my pup – Homer.
February 5th, 2013 at 10:49 am
chocolate! oh wait you mean a person? my husband..*smooches and slurps to him*
February 5th, 2013 at 10:58 am
My 2.5 year daughter is my #1 Valentine. She’s the love of my life.
February 5th, 2013 at 11:04 am
My favorite valentine is Amanda – with whom I’d love to share these chocolates.
February 5th, 2013 at 11:28 am
Beautiful recipe and lovely eclairs. I do not have a special valentine at this time so I would have to share the chocolates with all my special friends – and I’m sure they would love that.
February 5th, 2013 at 11:39 am
I <3 Tom, my favorite Valentine.
February 5th, 2013 at 11:47 am
My husband is my favorite valentine of course! He loooooves chocolate!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so funny, I have known him since we were fifteen (yikes, 27 years ago) and even then you could always tell when he had eaten chocolate because he would get some on his shirt. He still does it and now our kids think it is hysterical that Daddy is messy then they are when he eats chocolate. Thank goodness for shout! :-)
February 5th, 2013 at 11:55 am
I have two tiny men that have totally stolen my heart in a very short time….my two grandsons, born last year. They are my favorite valentines this year.
February 5th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Can Kaweah be my valentine? If not, I’ll have to go with my parents. We like each other a lot. Miss you! xoxo
February 5th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
My favorite Valentine is my fiance! This is our first Valentine’s Day since getting engaged — it’s extra-special!
February 5th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
My valentine is my chocolate loving grandson.
February 5th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
My husband has been my valentine for almost 13 years. :-)
February 5th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
My valentines are my two sons Jason & Lucas!
February 5th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Beautiful eclairs!
My Valentine is my husband Tim, but my grandson Ethan has a piece of my heart that only grandsons can access. <3
February 5th, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Yum
Looks delicious!
My valentines are my guys: 2 boys & husband of course!
February 5th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
My husband…he is my strength…my only love…and the one who loves me unconditionally. Married for 35 years with an 18 year old; our only child. Life’s path is never easy and definately uncertain how the road ends. I choose him as my valentine….I love you Chuck!…Wife #2
February 5th, 2013 at 1:05 pm
My wife, Lelia, is my valentine, for the last 40 years, and forever more. She is a chocaholic and deserves to be indulged even more this year since she is managing the healthcare for an aging mother and a critically ill brother in addition to attending to her wifely and mothering duties.
Steve
February 5th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
I love your blog. I’m sorry it took a free giveaway to let you know.
My Valentine is God.
February 5th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
My favorite valentine this year is my good friend, who has supported me through a tough year.
February 5th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
The love of my life, my husband… he is most certainly my valentine!
February 5th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
My favorite Valentine will always be my daughter – 36 years & counting! We both love great chocolate, so even if we don’t win your giveaway I’ll be shopping your friend’s website for nummies!
February 5th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
My husband, Jay, is my valentine followed very closely by my 3 little loves. I have been wanting to try Robins for a while now. I hope I win!
February 5th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
My Valentine is my wonderful husband, Richard.
February 5th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
My valentine is my husband, Steve. He is always supportive and ready to lend an ear or a hand when I need it! Thanks for sharing the eclairs. I haven’t made them in such a long time and they always remind me of my Mom.
February 5th, 2013 at 3:15 pm
My Valentine is my wife but for the purpose of this drawing it has to be our 3 year old Grandson Elias in Boulder He and our daughter-in-law love chocolate.
February 5th, 2013 at 3:17 pm
My dog is my favorite! I suppose my boyfriend after that, but this is our first 2/14 together. We’ll see how THAT goes! Sad to hear Kaweah has retired, we’ll miss her!
February 5th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
My husband is the chocoholic and also the romantic so these would be perfect. Forty seven years my valentine!
February 5th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Andy is my valentine.
February 5th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
my valentine is my boyfriend, andrew.
February 5th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
My Valentine is my boyfriend. Neither of us are romantic at all, so V-Day for us usually consists of playing video games and working out together, then realizing it’s Valentine’s Day at 9:00pm and ordering celebratory Chinese food.
February 5th, 2013 at 4:52 pm
These truffles are so unique! This year my significant other and I will celebrate our first valentine’s day together. I hope we can celebrate by munching on some of these!
February 5th, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Once again I can’t wait to make those eclairs! And the chocolates look fantastic (and if I don’t win the contest I will definitely buy some from Robin’s website).
My Valentine is the one man who’s said he truly loves me–Todd, my boyfriend.
February 5th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
My Valentines are my sons :) I love my husband but the little ones take the title :)
February 5th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
My Valentine is Love of life for 40 years- husband .PS Valentine’s day is over rated. Love every day and eat Chocolate.Thanks for the giveaway. Love your recipes.
February 5th, 2013 at 6:22 pm
My valentine is my husband, we just got married last month. It’s the first time, I can actually say he is my valentine forever.
February 5th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
I don’t think I have a valentine this year – unless you count the dogs (1 grown and 1 puppy!). They can’t have the chocolate, though, so I guess if I could pick I’d share it with my chocolate-fiend girlfriend!
That photo of Kaweah with the rose is so sweet…
February 5th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
My valentine would be my husband who puts up with so much from me. I made your chicken stir-fry with vegetables tonight and it was delicious. My three boys loved it and they ate lots of veggies which made me happy. I love your blog and am looking forward to trying more of your recipes.
February 5th, 2013 at 7:18 pm
My husband…for 32 years <3
February 5th, 2013 at 7:18 pm
That would be my husband. We don’t usually do Valentines stuff, I do use it as an excuse to bake something way, way off the ass reduction plan though. And, wow, those eclairs might be the ticket this year.
February 5th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
My favorite Valentine is my little sister :)
February 5th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
My totally platonic valentine is my lab manager. As a neurosci grad student, I count on her to help me with my orders & trainings, and she always keeping the flow cytometer up and running! I couldn’t do my work without her or her meticulous protocols.
February 5th, 2013 at 7:42 pm
My valentine is my sweet husband!
February 5th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Those eclairs look and sound too good! :9
Hmm~ My valentine is my dear boyfriend :) I can’t imagine how he’s put up with me for so long! haha
February 5th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
My favorite Valentine is my 16 year old son. I’m so proud of him! He loves my cooking and eats as much as I can make! He won’t hold my hand in public….but I’m sure that will happen eventually!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
My friend from college, she and I have been each others Valentine for ten years now!
February 5th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
I would love to try this recipe to serve for dessert at our restaurant. My favorite valentine is my husband, but my son is a close second.
February 5th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
My Valentine is my husband…for 7 years now.
I’d love to win the chocolates, but I wouldn’t mind getting some eclairs sent to me either. They look delicious.
February 5th, 2013 at 8:32 pm
My valentine is my husband-
These eclairs look so delicious, you have inspired me to make them this weekend-
Thank you for the giveaway-
February 5th, 2013 at 8:49 pm
My favorite valentine is the man who surprises me every morning with his good humor and dear greetings. I am surprised because he does not look like someone who has a ready smile that spouts forth a stupid pun at the crack of dawn. He is 6’5″ with a scruffy beard and wild grey hair. He moves very efficiently from the moment he rises to the moment he skates out the door, as he allows no time on any given morning to ease into the day. Yet, he quips and skips and flips a smile before he goes. Gosh, I love that guy. P.S. That valentine? He’s my husband of 30 years.
February 5th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
I’d have to go with Superdawg, because she’s always home for Valentine’s Day! Spouses are less reliable…
February 5th, 2013 at 9:38 pm
My valentine is sitting across from me! (Our desks face each other.)
February 5th, 2013 at 10:17 pm
My favorite valentine is my Mama!
February 5th, 2013 at 10:41 pm
My valentine is my husband of nearly 6 months, Bryan. :)
February 5th, 2013 at 11:27 pm
My favorite valentine is my boyfriend.
February 6th, 2013 at 4:06 am
I’m not quite sure how to respond to the favorite Valentine question… It’s not really a holiday I celebrate or am around people who celebrate it so it hasn’t really come up. I guess if I had to pick someone, I would pick my mother or my sister.
February 6th, 2013 at 5:45 am
For the past three years, I have been lucky enough to have my incredible, loving boyfriend as my Valentine, but what he doesn’t know is that my father has been my favorite Valentine for the past 22 years. XO
February 6th, 2013 at 7:17 am
These look amazing! I’m going to try to make them for my favorite valentine, who would have to be my wonderful girlfriend! (She likes chocolate, just a tad more than I do)
February 6th, 2013 at 7:23 am
My favorite Valentine is my darling husband! : )
February 6th, 2013 at 7:35 am
Everything in this post looks awesome. We’re not big Valentine’s Day fans either, but I still like consuming some of the confections associated with the day!
February 6th, 2013 at 8:25 am
My Valentine’s are my husband and our granddaughter, Cameron. ALL of us love chocolate, and Cameron and I will be trying out this recipe soon.
February 6th, 2013 at 8:33 am
I have a hard time choosing between my 2 cats and my fiancé, but I guess my fiancé would win as my favorite.
February 6th, 2013 at 8:47 am
My Valentine is Rachel, who is clever and elegant and marvelous.
February 6th, 2013 at 9:03 am
My favorite valentines are my Mom and my Fiancé. Both love chocolate, but Fiancé is the connoisseur so he would probably get the package. I won’t be able to see either of them on Valentine’s day, but we do pretty well expressing our love the rest of the year.
February 6th, 2013 at 9:10 am
These look so gooooood!!!! My valentine is my sister!
February 6th, 2013 at 9:28 am
My valentine this year is my boyfriend… who loves chocolate, and would love this giveaway!
February 6th, 2013 at 9:34 am
My sweet dog Sunday is my valentine – she makes every day a better one!
February 6th, 2013 at 9:45 am
My favourite valentines are my darling niece and nephews! I can’t pick just one. They are (some of) the loves of my life :) Thank you for all your amazing cooking, writing, and work! I have never posted but I use your site all the time (and real butter).
February 6th, 2013 at 9:52 am
My husband.
February 6th, 2013 at 9:59 am
My valentine this year is Kitty, my dearest friend and writing partner. She’s supported me through all kinds of disasters from halfway across the country, and I couldn’t have finished college without her.
February 6th, 2013 at 10:17 am
My favorite valentine is my husband of course. Although I’ll be spending the day with the little man in my belly I haven’t met yet….
February 6th, 2013 at 10:23 am
my favorite valentine is my fiance, Nick. but he’s my valentine all year round, not just on february 14th :D
February 6th, 2013 at 10:38 am
dc is!
February 6th, 2013 at 10:41 am
Yummy-looking eclairs! I love so much how you do the step-by-step photos of your recipes. I get some of the enjoyment of cooking even while reading this from my office. My one-and-only valentine is the one who first smooched me 11 years ago today, but I would send these chocolates to a dear friend of mine whose upcoming wedding I will miss due to the birth of my child this spring!
February 6th, 2013 at 11:08 am
My valentine will be my husband, but my daughter would get a truffle as well (her favorite type of chocolate).
February 6th, 2013 at 11:30 am
My faaaavorite Valentine is my partner Taylor. A close second would have to be my nana. The both of them would love the chocolate on chocolate eclairs.
February 6th, 2013 at 11:59 am
I favorite Valentine is my boyfriend of 8 years! I might even share chocolates with him!
February 6th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
My favorite Valentine is my boyfriend who works very hard everyday at being a Navy Seal. Somehow he manages to make me smile and feel close to him everyday, even though we are thousands of miles apart. He has the hardest job, but gets it done, while still making me feel like a princess! I have plans to see him in March, since we wont be together on Valentines day, and would love to take some truffles with me, when I visit, to share with him. :-)
February 6th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
My valentine will be husband and close second are my two boys.
February 6th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
My husband is my Valentine.
February 6th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
My valentine is my new Border Collie/Lab mix puppy, Barbie :) how gorgeous those chocolates are! I’m adding it to my list for when I visit my aunts. Since I can get there in the near future, should I win, please send them to someone else. That’s my Valentine’s good deed haha
February 6th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
My husband faces some serious competition from the new granddaughter!
February 6th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
My wonderful husband!!
February 6th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
My Valentine is, but of course, my wife!
February 6th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
My valentine has to my mom (sorry hubs). Valentine’s Day is her birthday so it has also felt like a very special day to me.
February 6th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Tie between my hubby and my daughter!
February 6th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
My Valentine is my sister. Or my friends.
February 6th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
thanks look so good. My Valentine & sweet-heart is my husband. The best in all the world. been together 34 yrs
February 6th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
I would say my little grandkids. They make me smile!
February 6th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
My valentine is my boyfriend and I may share a few with my friend/roommate.
February 6th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
My beautiful wife loves chocolates almost as much as I love her. Winning would be a win-win-win.
February 6th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
I’ve always wanted to make a pate a choux recipe but too scared too try. Thanks for these instructions! :)
My Valentine are my parents :)
February 6th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
My favorite valentine is my daughter, who is away at college finishing up her Junior Year. I just got a call from her today and she is hitching a ride home for the President’s day holiday, which will also include Valentine’s Day! So it will be extra special this year, I think we’ll make these yummy looking eclairs!! Can’t Wait!
Great Blog, Amazing photos!!
February 6th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Everything on this post looks divine! And I hope my valentine is Rob! :)
February 6th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Gorgeous eclairs! My mouth is watering. My valentine is my funny, fabulous husband. Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 6th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
These look so beautiful in your photo. My favorite Valentine is my dad these days, age 92!
xoxo
Jeanne
February 6th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
My husband, Alex, is my number 1. I’ll never forget our first V-Day together. It was 7 years ago and I made these peanut butter brownies and shaped them into hearts. And as I was headed over to his house to deliver them I heard a really funny noise come from the top of my car. Wasn’t a minute later that I realized I left the plate of brownies on the top of my car and the noise was the plate sliding off :)
February 6th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
I guess my wonderful friends (not that they’d be getting any of that chocolate!).
February 6th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
My kiddos are my bestest valentines :). How I wish I had know about this shop before I visited Denver :)
February 6th, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Those look delicious, my husband is my valentine
February 6th, 2013 at 4:59 pm
my little puppy!
February 6th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
They look delis :) <3
February 6th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
They look great! My valentines would be my friends who have stuck by my side through the worst and the best of times.
February 6th, 2013 at 6:14 pm
I have to try these eclairs out!! and my valentine will be my mum :D some might say that’s sad but she’s the first love of my life!
February 6th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
My Mr. would be my valentine.
He’s pretty great:)
Your eclairs look delightful!
Thank you for sharing your gift with us, the blog reader world!
February 6th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
You always have such lovely photos! I really enjoy your blog. :)
My favorite valentine is my fiancee, Paula. We just got engaged a month ago!
February 6th, 2013 at 7:38 pm
Those look absolutely gorgeous. I’m pretty into my boyfriend, but I think this year my sister is my favorite valentine!
February 6th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Thank you for the recipe! I will try this out after Valentine because I have already prepared a special one for him ;) of course, my lovely husband!
February 6th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
My husband and baby are my favorite valentines!
February 6th, 2013 at 8:34 pm
My favorite Valentine is my cousin Melissa because she’s always so sweet!
February 6th, 2013 at 8:51 pm
My favorite valentine is my sweet boyfriend!
February 6th, 2013 at 9:05 pm
My two sweet valentines…..my hubby and son!
February 6th, 2013 at 9:17 pm
My favorite Valentines are my husband and dog. Yep, I can have two!
February 6th, 2013 at 9:31 pm
My valentine? must be my two kiddos. I think they’ll get a special 2/14 dinner. fondue, maybe? oh, and my husband can come too because he’s pretty cool (and generally hungry).
February 6th, 2013 at 9:37 pm
It would be my husband of course.
February 6th, 2013 at 10:14 pm
My favorite valentine is, of course my husband. What a great give away! :)
February 6th, 2013 at 10:27 pm
My valentine is my Mom (d. 2010) …. who along with my dogger has been an example of and taught me what unconditional love is all about. Thanks for the lovliness you pour into URB.
February 6th, 2013 at 11:10 pm
My valentine is Jared. Thanks!
February 6th, 2013 at 11:12 pm
My Valentine’s are my husband and my 2 little babies. Thanks for the giveaway!
February 6th, 2013 at 11:35 pm
My Valentines are my husband of 16 years and our beautiful daughter! Thanks for the opportunity to win some divine chocolate!
February 6th, 2013 at 11:54 pm
My very best Valentine is my dear husby. Our two sweet girls come in a very close second.
February 7th, 2013 at 12:13 am
My valentines are my lovely wife Vicki and our incredible 2-year-old daughter Brennan. I am the luckiest woman alive! The chocolates are gorgeous (as is your blog!!)
February 7th, 2013 at 1:03 am
My favorite Valentines are my boys Nick and Nate.
February 7th, 2013 at 1:16 am
My chocoholic husband!!!
February 7th, 2013 at 2:38 am
My favorite valentine that would most certainly be my family. And short of winning those lovely chocolates – I’ll be making your wonderful e lairs. Thanks for all your recipes and blog entries.
February 7th, 2013 at 2:52 am
This reminds me of the time I had to bake these in a class, lot of work but the end result is always worth the effort! :) My favorite Valentines would have to be my sister and my 10-year-old niece who recently moved to Kona to live. Both of their birthdays are in February, so if chosen, it will be a pleasant surprise for them. :)
Like always, I get so inspired reading your posts! thank you Jen!
February 7th, 2013 at 4:29 am
My favorite valentines are the men in my life: my husband, my father, and my three year old grandson. They would love these chocolates!
February 7th, 2013 at 4:29 am
Thank you for posting the eclairs recipe! they look fantastic!
My husband Onder is my Valentine but, most probably, our two boys would eat the chocolates!
February 7th, 2013 at 6:00 am
My hubby is my Valentine. Celebrating our 20th year together this year and it still seems like it was just yesterday when we met at work sharing an office.
February 7th, 2013 at 6:25 am
YUMMY
February 7th, 2013 at 6:57 am
My husband is my valentine! We were engaged last Valentine’s Day, so this one is our first as a married couple.
Also, I would probably send half the chocolates to my mom, my other Valentine!
February 7th, 2013 at 6:58 am
Delicious – I could almost eat the page. My valentine is my boyfriend, Matt. I didn’t know what to get him for valentine’s day until now, but I think even if I don’t win I just might be getting him these!
February 7th, 2013 at 7:12 am
My valentine this year and every year is my wonderful long time boyfriend. We have been together almost 9 years. I know he would love those chocolates because he has an incredible sweet tooth!
February 7th, 2013 at 7:26 am
I love reading your blog. Don’t believe I’ve ever made a comment, but I’m hooked!
My Valentines are my kids and my hubby. I am one very lucky gal! Happy love day to you and yours!
February 7th, 2013 at 7:45 am
I must make these eclairs! They are beautiful. This year my dear valentine would be my youngest son, who just got back to the states after being in the middle east. The poor boy missed the holidays and his brother’s wedding.
February 7th, 2013 at 7:50 am
This is my first time commenting. I’ve been secretly reading and admiring your blog for a few months. I love your recipes and beautiful photography! So far I’ve tried the sesame tofu and kale salad recipes and they came out amazing!
My valentines are my husband and my 6-year-old son. Having come to this country in my 20s, they’re the only family I have here. I’ve shown some of the photos on your blog to my husband and he loves them too. My son is a big fan of chocolate even dark chocolate with a low sugar content. I’m sure he’ll love Robin’s chocolates. Thanks for hosting this giveaway! And Happy Chinese New Year!
February 7th, 2013 at 8:05 am
My favorite valentine is my beautiful daughter. Her birthday is coming up and all she wants is “family love”. That says a lot from a soon to be 10 year old!
February 7th, 2013 at 8:12 am
I love your pup! My favorite valentine would have to be ALL my pets!! Your photography is beautiful.
February 7th, 2013 at 8:39 am
Those look so good. My favorite valentine this year is my niece who just started blowing kisses. I love that girl.
February 7th, 2013 at 9:30 am
Beautiful site! My valentine is the father of my two boys and my husband, Paul, because he is truly a partner in life. I cannot imagine this world without him.
February 7th, 2013 at 9:46 am
My valentine is my red KitchenAid stand mixer. It is always there for me, day after day, ready to give me some quick cookie dough or fresh whipped cream. It never lets me down and can power through any problem.
But seriously, my valentine is my amazing boyfriend, who gave me the amazing stand mixer.
February 7th, 2013 at 10:21 am
what a beautiful giveaway!
My valentine is my 10 month old baby boy who has endless smiles and laughs – makes me so proud to be a mom.
February 7th, 2013 at 10:49 am
My sweet husband Steve for 33 years now.
February 7th, 2013 at 11:17 am
Those chocolates do look incredibly gorgeous! I’d say my favorite valentine would be my mother.
February 7th, 2013 at 11:58 am
My valentine is my husband of 15 years…… we don’t celebrate it because I work at a flowershop and beyond exausted is an understatement….. so this would be an awesome surprise for him, and he would share with me! half of each heart, cause together our hearts beat as one! Thank you for the opportunity.
February 7th, 2013 at 11:59 am
I don’t have a Valentine this year…there is always hope for next time though :) but i do send notes to my loved ones, any chance to tell them how much they mean is a good occasion. thank you!
February 7th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
I have two valentines this year, and I could never pick between them. My amazing mom, who is there for me no matter what, through everything. And my baby, who will be born this spring…I already love the little one SO much!
February 7th, 2013 at 1:25 pm
My favorite Valentines are my two nieces: Sophia and Frankie. Still under the age of 10, they love the silly, sappy sentiments that often accompany this holiday. I also love sending them Hello Kitty stuff or even a whoopee cushion because it makes them giggle. They’re pretty much the loves of my life. I’m a lucky aunt.
February 7th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Art is my Valentine for 12 years!
February 7th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
I want to say our dog, but I guess I should say my fiancee…we’ve been dating for 8 years now and will be married in 3.5 months! :)
Thanks Jen!
February 7th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
These eclairs look delicious. My valentine is my hubby.
February 7th, 2013 at 1:47 pm
my valentine is my husband but i wish it was YOU, considering how fabulous these eclairs look LOL
February 7th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
my valentine is my husband though, like jan, i am tempted to say my valentine is my loving golden retriever sienna, only because my husband doesn’t believe in “hallmark holidays”. he says our anniversary is more important. i suppose i understand. but i still want chocolates! :)
February 7th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
You are sooooo right… I need those chocolates! they are stunningly beautiful and I’m certain that they taste just as fabulous … your eclairs look dang good too!
If I win the chocolates I’d share them with my single girlfriends since we’ll be getting together for dinner on Valentine’s Day
Thanks for the opportunity to receive those gorgeous chocolates!
February 7th, 2013 at 1:59 pm
My husband is my favorite Valentine, of course!
February 7th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
Normally my Valentines are my husband and my three 4-legged children, but this year we’re fostering a pit bull, so I get an extra Valentine! If I win the chocolates, I will share them with my husband, but not the other Valentines!
February 7th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
My mom. She was my first valentine and still my #1 valentine.
February 7th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
The eclairs look fab!!!! My valentine is my beautiful daughter, Savannah :) Thanks for the contest Jen!!
February 7th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
My favorite valentine is my mom! She’s always there to support me, no matter what.
February 7th, 2013 at 4:04 pm
Beautiful photography, beautiful dog, beautiful eclairs!
My favorite valentine(s) are my two grandchildren – they’re the best!
February 7th, 2013 at 4:31 pm
My favorite valentine is Teddy. He is my best friend and travel companion.
February 7th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
By favorite valentine is my husband of 45 years.
February 7th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
My sweet, sweet valentine is my h-word who is willing to change, try his best & loves his family so much!
February 7th, 2013 at 6:01 pm
My favorite Valentine is my husband of 7 years – David. He is amazing and a wonderful father to our two children.
February 7th, 2013 at 6:38 pm
My favorite Valentine is my amazing husband!
February 7th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
my husband (who saw me through breast cancer with tons of love, plenty of humor, and just the right amount of bad movies).
February 7th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
My fave valentine: my niece Mackenzie
February 7th, 2013 at 7:44 pm
My valentine is my husband of thirty-eight years, Ray. Together we have two daughters, one son-in-law and two grandchildren. He still makes me ‘melt’ like only a good quality chocolate candy can do!!
February 7th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
My favorite valentines are my husband whom I have known for 53 years and have been married to almost 48 years and Sophie, our loving Maltese.
February 7th, 2013 at 8:06 pm
Can’t wait to celebrate this valentine’s with my wonderful boyfriend Robert!
February 7th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
My Valentine is my husband, Dale. Love your blog, and these eclairs look absolutely wonderful. Thanks for doing the giveaway! We love chocolate here!
February 7th, 2013 at 9:06 pm
My favorite valentine(s) is my boyfriend of 6 years and my best friends since grade school :)
February 7th, 2013 at 9:37 pm
My favorite valentine is my sweet toddler who tells me daily “Ollie loves mama!” over and over again. A close second is his wonderful daddy, Celso.
BTW, I your blog is my go-to place for inspiration of all kinds. Thanks!
February 7th, 2013 at 10:11 pm
My favorite Valentine would be my pet cat, Picasso. He’s always the first to come over and meow, and I always have to rub my face in his fur, even though he hates it. I love my cat. Love you, Pica. Thanks for hosting a giveaway!
February 7th, 2013 at 10:47 pm
My favorite valentine is my husband, who would love to share some chocolates with me.