By Jaclyn Smock

One of the many joys of Valentine’s Day is all the mouth-watering treats that start appearing all around you. Walking through the grocery store bakery section becomes a heavenly retreat as you are immersed in the aroma of delicious sugary heart-shaped goodies. Instead of gauging your wallet and buying already made desserts, it’s time to step into the kitchen and make your own scrumptious Valentine’s Day spread! Below are two recipes that require no baking and are guaranteed to dazzle the taste buds of anyone who tastes them.

Oreo Truffles
(Adapted from Bakerella)

Ingredients needed:

• 1 package of Oreos
• 1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)
• Chocolate bark (white, milk, or dark chocolate depending on your preference)

Directions:

1. Finely crush cookies in a food processor.
2. Once cookies are crushed, stir in softened cream cheese and blend thoroughly.
3. Roll the mixture into 1″ balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.
4. Melt chocolate as directed on the package and then dip balls into chocolate, tap off extra and set aside on wax paper covered cookie sheet to dry. You can sprinkle the tops with the 7 crushed cookies for decoration.
5. Once dry, refrigerate and enjoy!

To make these into Valentine’s Day truffles, use a small cookie cutter to push the mixture through for the heart-shaped truffles. Also, if you decide to use white chocolate you can decorate your truffles with pink and red sprinkles/icing!

Healthy Hearts
(Adapted from About.com)

Ingredients needed:

• Watermelon slices
• Orange slices
• Toothpicks

Directions:

1. Slice watermelon
2. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter on watermelon to make heart slices
3. Poke a toothpick through each heart
4. Then slice oranges and complete the arrow by adding an orange slice to both the tip and tail of the arrow

 Make these treats and your Valentine’s Day is sure to be extra sweet this year!