partying with conversation heart bark

While I'm not exactly a bluebird-on-my-shoulder kinda gal, I have no ill will whatsoever about Valentine's Day. We're not big on celebrating in my house, but I promise, there is no bitterness involved in the smashing of conversation hearts necessary to make these. And I also realize, dear reader, that the smashing of conversation hearts makes it near impossible to read said conversation, save the few that escaped the wrath of the mallet. But I stand by my creation, because conversation hearts are so cheery and colorful (even ground to bits) and dress up white chocolate so nicely.

Plus I got this silicone heart ice cube tray from the dollar bin at Target and I wanted to make something with it.

Plus, I'm going to a party and I needed something to bring. A Valentine's Day party. A virtual Valentine's Day party at the Dollhouse Bake Shoppe blog. Isn't it always so nice to be invited to parties? You can join me, if you like. If you've not yet stopped by the Dollhouse Bake Shoppe blog, you must scroll through page after page of Lindsay Ann's cutest, cleverest treats. Case in point: all of these Valentine's Day goodies.

how to make conversation heart bark

you will need:*

silicone ice cube tray (hearts if you can find one)

white chocolate chips or candy melts, any color

conversation hearts

Ziploc

hammer or mallet

disposable decorating bag

scissors

*I found the tray at Target. Find the candy melts at the craft store.

step one: crush your hearts
Oh, that sounds so sad. Place some conversation hearts in a Ziploc and smash with the hammer or mallet. Best to do this over a cutting board or dish towel so you don't destroy the counter. Sprinkle a layer of crushed hearts on the bottom of each heart in the tray.

step two: melt your chocolate
Add some chocolate chips or candy melts to the disposable decorating bag. Fold over the top so they don't fall out of the bag. Don't fill the bag too much, use about 1/2 cup of chips or whatever fits comfortably in the bag. Microwave at 50 percent power for a minute and a half. Massage the chips and keep microwaving at 30, then 20 second intervals just until the chips are melted.

step three: add your chocolate
Snip the tip of the decorating bag and pipe the melted chocolate on top of the crushed hearts to fill the tray. Pick up both ends of the tray and gently stamp it flat on the counter to tamp down the chocolate. Let set well, a couple hours. Pop out of the tray and that's it!