Valentines Treat to Make for Valentines Day.

1	box (1 lb 6.5 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme brownie mix
	Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box
1	bag (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped
3	tablespoons whipping cream
1/2	cup chopped pecans

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1.	Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with foil. Grease bottom only of foil with shortening or cooking spray. Make brownie mix as directed on box, using pouch of chocolate syrup, water, oil and eggs. Bake as directed for 13x9-inch pan. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
2.	Using foil to lift, remove brownie from pan. Remove foil. With deep 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut 12 brownies.
3.	In medium microwavable bowl, microwave caramels and whipping cream uncovered on High 1 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until caramels are melted.
4.	Arrange brownies on serving plate. Drizzle caramel mixture over brownies. Sprinkle with pecans.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Follow High Altitude directions on brownie mix box for 13x9-inch pan.

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How To: Heart Shaped Soaps for Valentines Day..

(Photo: Martha Stewart.com)


I just got my email for the craft of the day from Martha Stewart and
lept for joy at this one. I love doing something new at home with my
kids and hope that you'll find this one a "To do" on our activity list for
Valentines also.

Here's a link to Martha Stewart's page and the video on how to create
these wonderful Soaps. Please be sure to send us your pictures of
what you made so that we can post it up for our readers to see.

Stamped soaps, inspired by candy conversation hearts, are great gifts for friends. Put in cellophane bags tied with tags; adorn with glitter.

Tools and Materials
Nonstick 9-inch square pan
Heart-shape cookie cutter
Glass measuring cup
Glycerin soap
Bench scraper
Soap colorant or food coloring
Spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol
Cutting board
Needle nose pliers
1/8-inch metal letter stamps
Masking tape

Heart-Shaped Soap How-To
We used a 2-inch cookie cutter (1 inch high) and 2 1/2 pounds of glycerin soap-sold at crafts stores-to make 16 hearts.

1. Depending on your equipment, yields may vary. To determine how much glycerin you'll need, fill pan with water to 1/4 inch below height of cookie cutter; pour water into measuring cup. Record amount; discard water.

2. Cut soap into small pieces with bench scraper; fill measuring cup. Microwave on medium heat until melted; stir. Add soap and heat until you've reached the water amount. Add colorant; stir. Pour liquid into pan. Spray with alcohol to eliminate bubbles.

3. Let harden at room temperature, 2 hours. Freeze 10 minutes.

4. Turn upside down onto cutting board. Create soaps with cookie cutter; pull cutter out with pliers if it sticks. Tape stamps together to form words, and imprint on soap, applying light, even pressure.

First Published: February 2006