Chocolate is a classic Valentine's gift. It's a special decadent treat that nearly everyone loves. But there are problems with modern chocolate manufacturing: it often exploits the land and native peoples. Also, many big name companies use artifical flavorings and additives.

Treat your love like a king or queen and seek out fair trade, all-natural chocolate from an honest manufacturer. We like Dagoba, Equal Exchange, and Theo brands.

For an extra special gift, consider hand rolling truffles. This recipe is simple to put together and can be customized to a wide variety of tastes by changing the liquid flavoring and outer coating.

Lil and a friend made these truffles for holiday gifts. Their versions more closely resembled truffle mushrooms than a candy store confection, but they tasted fantastically gourmet. If distractable kindergarteners can make these, you can too.

Hand rolled Chocolate Truffles Makes: approximate 30 Time: 45 minutes

12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate 6 ounces milk chocolate 1/2 cup heavy cream Assorted toppings: powdered sugar, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, coconut, chopped candy

1. Chop chocolate finely. Transfer to a microwave-proof bowl. 2. Heat heavy cream to simmering. Pour over chocolate. Stir to mix well and melt. 3. If needed, heat chocolate for thirty seconds in the microwave. Stir well. If chocolate is still not fully melted, continue heating and stirring. 4. Chill mixture in refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes or until it is cool enough to handle. 5. Shape tablespoon-sized portions into balls. Roll in toppings until covered. Place on a sheet tray or in paper liners. 6. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Added to Hearth and Soul blog hop 2/7.