Last week, we talked about Valentine's Day and how it came to be the symbol for romance. One of my other questions was, why is chocolate always associated with Valentine’s Day?

Chocolate has been associated with romance since the beginning of times. It has always been believed that it is an aphrodisiac, and in ancient times it was only available to the wealthy. Chocolate symbolizes affection, attraction, deep love, luxury, passion and sensuality. Scientists have found that it has a deep, profound effect on people. When presented with chocolate, people have known to express desire, delight, happiness and uplifted morale. So why not give chocolate if it creates so much positive emotions? Not to mention how good it tastes!

For our blog today, I am choosing to include a simple chocolate cake that holds a nice surprise for your valentine.

Heart Shaped Chocolate Cake

2 ½ cups sugar

¾ teaspoons salt

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup of milk

1 cup of vegetable oil

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

¼ cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon red food coloring

1 heart shaped cookie cutter

Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray one loaf pan and one square 8x8 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom of both pans with parchment paper and spray the parchment paper with the cooking spray.

In a bowl, mix the baking soda, salt and flour and set aside.

In a measuring cup, mix the milk and the buttermilk and set aside.

Beat the eggs at medium speed in a mixing bowl with a hand held mixer. Add the sugar. Beat until pale yellow. Add the oil and beat until well incorporated. Alternate adding the flour and milk, and beat for about 10 seconds after each addition, starting and ending with the flour. Add the vanilla. Measure 2 cups of batter and take it out, then add the cocoa powder to the remaining batter and mix well.

Add the red food coloring to the 2 cups of batter and mix well. Pour this batter into the square pan and bake in the heated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

PRINT RECIPE

Invert on a rack and let it cool completely. Cut the hearts with your cookie cutter and arrange in the loaf pan in one line back to back. Pour the chocolate batter on top and bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Invert on the cooling rack and let it cool completely. When you slice your cake a heart will jump at you! Enjoy your Valentine!