Valentine’s Day Recipes from the Heart

Heart shaped dinner rolls, anyone? These rolls are a fun way to make your Valentine’s Day dinner “extra” this year. 

Here’s the thing - Valentine’s Day is looking a little bit different this year. I think we were all expecting it, but it’s still something that we have to prepare for.

Heart-Shaped Dinner Rolls 

I don’t know about you, but I have never really liked the idea of a romantic dinner with my special someone in a crowded restaurant where we have to wait in line and we can’t even hear our own conversation. I have always preferred a private dinner at home. This year, however, most of us will have to enjoy our Valentine’s Day dinner at home.

If this is a little out of the ordinary for your typical Valentine’s Day dinner, I’m going to help you make your dinner at home a little more special with some delicious and fun heart-shaped dinner rolls.

These dinner rolls are a super easy way of incorporating delicious fresh made bread into your romantic dinner with that special someone. Or, if your Valentine’s Day is looking a little more like family dinner night, the heart-shaped rolls are going to be a hit with the kids too! If Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, these are great for anniversary dinners too.

Start with the Dough

Now we have reached the beginning! It’s time to make the dough for your dinner rolls. You can choose your favorite dinner roll recipe, I happened to love the recipe for "The Best Dinner Rolls" by Mom on Timeout.

Separate the Dough

Once you have completed making your dough, it’s time to separate it. Pull two ounces of dough off and set it aside. Continue doing this until your entire dough mixture is in 2 ounce pieces.

Let’s Roll

It’s time to roll out your dough! Roll each 2 ounce piece of dough into rolled up sections that are approximately 4 inches in length.

Separate Again

Now that you have your rolled up sections of dough ready, it’s time to separate it again. This time though, let’s take a sharp knife and cut down the center of each roll. Leave half an inch still attached at one end: your dough should be V shaped.

Time to Make the Heart

Fold one end of your dough into the center of the roll. Next fold the other end into the center. This will create your heart shape. Press each of these ends in to sharpen your heart shape.

Proofing 

Break out the Superstone® La Cloche Bread Baker and place your rolls on it to allow them to proof. I recommend spraying a small amount of olive oil on the tops of your rolls and covering them with plastic wrap or dough rising cloth.

If you haven’t yet used the La Cloche®, you are in for a treat! It is literally the best tool for baking homemade bread or rolls and you are going to absolutely love it. Lauded by fine chefs and bakers the world over, the superstone® la cloche® mimics a professional brick-lined oven right in your own kitchen to make an artisan, country bread loaf.

It’s Baking Time!

It’s time to place your La Cloche® full of heart-shaped rolls into the oven and bake until they are golden brown, crusty on the outside and melt in your mouth delicious. For a little added flavor, brush with a little bit of melted butter while they are still hot.

To add even more of a gourmet feel to it, use melted garlic butter to add richness and flavor. You can also serve these rolls with delicious bread dipping oils on our recipes page.

Sassafras® Valentine's Day Recipes

If you aren’t yet sure what the main course of your meal will be, we have some really great recipes for you over at Sassafras! Here are some Valentine’s Day favorites, like:

• Wine Marinated Pot Roast
• Halibut Steaks with Mushrooms and Shrimp
• Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Apples
• Herbed Lamb Shank Dinner
• Bread Dome Roasted Turkey Breast
• Margherita Pizza

Any of the above will make a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner and all of them pair well with delicious and fun heart shaped dinner rolls.

Buon Appetito!

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, my friends! Stay safe and enjoy your baking!