Valentine's Day Gift Ideas with Trudeau Kitchen Products

Disclosure: I received Trudeau products for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.

Some say breakfast in bed is a great way to start the day - especially Valentine's Day. It can be as easy as egg on toast with a cup of coffee to get you started in the morning and Trudeau has some great kitchen gadgets to add a little personal touch with their heart shaped products, perfect for Valentine's Day:

Heart Shaped Silicone Egg Ring ($5.99)

Serve up a breakfast filled with lots of love with heart shaped eggs, works for pancakes, too!

Heart Shaped Chocolate Molds ($11.99)

Prepare a chocolate treat with this set of 3 heart shaped, easy release silicone chocolate molds.
(Thanks to a friend suggesting it; In addition to our chocolate hearts, we used the mold to freeze flavored juice (and water) for ice cubes, it worked wonders and they are adorable and perfect to add to any cold beverage! Thanks, Melissa.)

Tips on How To Mold Chocolate:

- Molds should be chocolate molds so that the chocolate will release properly. Make sure molds are clean, dry, scratch free, and room temperature.

- Small batches are best and once poured, place the molds immediately in the refrigerator until set. Try not to leave the chocolate in the refrigerator for too long though as they could crack when brought to room temperature.

- Fill your molds using your favorite technique:
disposable bag / parchment paper triangle rolled into a funnel / squeeze bottle / ladle or spoon.

How To Mold Chocolate:

1. Place mold on flat surface, such as a counter top or table.
2. Melt or temper your chocolate according to instructions for the type of chocolate you have purchased.
3. Fill each mold until chocolate is level with the top.
4. Gently tap the mold on the counter to remove any and all air bubbles.
(*Add lollipop stick if desired, see below.)
5. Scrape and remove any excess chocolate from the mold by running the long edge of your offset spatula along the surface.
6. Allow the molded chocolate to set-up in the refrigerator on a level tray for at least 10 minutes. (Or freezer for 5-7 minutes - depending on mold size)
7. Check to see if the chocolate has completely set-up. Allow the chocolate to completely dry through-out. When ready, turn the mold upside down and tap it until the chocolate comes out of the mold.
8. If there is any moisture on the chocolate, gently wipe with a dry paper towel.

*If you wish to make lollipops: Insert the lollipop stick angled slightly downward, into each chocolate filled opening. Twist the stick to coat with chocolate, making sure there is enough stick in the chocolate to hold the chocolate on the stick and a long enough handle to hold it.

Store finished chocolate in an air tight container and keep in a cool, dry place.

I have my eye on this lovely Espresso Maker above ($69.99), a true Italian style stainless steel stove top espresso maker that can be paired perfectly with their white porcelain and stainless steel Bianca Espresso Cup ($6.99), a perfect 3 oz. size for a quick pick-me-up.

ABOUT TRUDEAU:

Trudeau Corporation was established in Montreal, Canada, back in 1889, as an importer and distributor of high-end specialty goods from around the world. The U.S. headquarters is located in Woodridge, Illinois. Trudeau now specializes in useful and unique kitchen products to aid in the preparation and serving of food and beverages at home or on-the-go.