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We all know Hostess makes some of the best supermarket sweets. The classic Twinkies, Ho Hos and Ding Dongs are enough to make our mouths water. Not only that, but Hostess always makes it a point to roll out limited edition flavor combinations, Mint Chocolate Twinkies. Yes, they’re ridiculously delicious.
The Perfect Gift for Your Valentine (and Yourself)
What flavor do you associate with Valentine’s Day? If you thought chocolate, you’re on the right track.
Chocolate is everywhere for Valentine’s Day and for good reason. Not only is it a total crowd-pleaser, but it can be dressed up in every way possible. (Like chocolate-dipped strawberries. Yum.)
Now, for Valentine’s Day, Hostess has dressed up their charming cupcakes with dark chocolate and raspberry! I know, I know! It’s exciting.
The Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes are beyond adorable. While they keep the signature spongy chocolate cake of a regular Hostess cupcake, this limited edition flavor has a pink raspberry filling and a pink-frosted swirl on top. It’s simple, sweet and absolutely necessary for Valentine’s Day. Hey, I can’t help myself!
Grab Them Before It’s Too Late
The Hostess cupcakes come eight to a box, so you’ll definitely need a few to tide you over for…a week. Maybe. They’re already in stores and have been spotted at Walmart and Family Dollar along with their companions, Valentine Ding Dongs.
Then, as we get closer to Valentine’s Day, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the delectable desserts pop up at stores all over. So, since you already have the intel, might as well grab a few boxes, right? Your valentine will thank you!
This chocolaty, flaky dessert is one of my favorite show-off recipes because
it makes a spectacular presentation. The best part? It’s actually surprisingly easy and quick to make. —Anneliese Deising, Plymouth, Michigan
To say this cake is elegant would be an understatement. It’s worthy of special occasions, but once you learn how to make chocolate ganache, it's so easy to whip together that you can enjoy it any day of the week. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I’ve saved this jam-filled whoopie pie recipe for years after cutting it out of a newspaper. It’s one of my grandson's personal favorites. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
You’ll fall in love with this sweet treat. Each silky slice is topped with juicy raspberries. Yes, you can have cheesecake without breaking the calorie budget. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This cookie recipe will be a hit whether you are making it for your family or for a potluck. Apricot is traditional but you can choose whichever fruit preserves you prefer.—Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Something about the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is just so addicting. This fudge makes a heartfelt homemade gift, or just a treat that's worth sharing. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
These cups are easy to put on a platter for impressive presentation—they're a true one-bite pleasure! Top them with the fresh fruit of your choice: Half a strawberry or a piece of mandarin orange complements the hazelnut chocolate flavor of the Nutella. —Joanie Fuson, Indianapolis, Indiana
This special-occasion cake impresses all who see and taste it. People are surprised to hear that this torte starts with a simple cake mix—they're sure I bought it at a bakery. —Julie Hein, York, Pennsylvania
Here’s a delectable dessert that’s simple but feels upscale. With its fresh raspberries and Nutella-covered homemade pastry crust, you and your guests won’t be able to get enough. —Christina Seremetis, Rockland, Massachusetts
You don't need a fancy fondue pot to make this melt-in-your-mouth concoction. I serve the dip in my small slow cooker. Folks love the chocolate-raspberry combination.--Heather Maxwell, Fort Riley, Kansas.
Talk about a scene-stealer! This raspberry-filled cake, an exceptional dessert for any meal, is an especially lovely ending for a holiday feast. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
When I pass around the cookie tray, all eyes land on these fancy thumbprints. The white chocolate filling and dab of jewel-toned jam will satisfy even the most discriminating sweet tooth. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Lunch on the go just got a whole lot sweeter. Tuck jars of rich chocolate custard into lunch bags for a midday treat. These desserts in a jar are fun for picnics, too. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
This lovely layered dessert is my husband's favorite. I always make it for our Christmas dinner, but it's excellent after any special meal. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
This gorgeous make-ahead dessert is a light, refreshing ending to a summer meal. I first made it for my aunt's 85th birthday dinner and everyone loved it! —Nancy Whitford, Edwards, New York
Wow holiday guests with this striking cake that looks fancy but is easy to decorate. The fresh raspberries and chocolate mounds on top make it a real standout.
My chocolaty triangles layered with raspberry jam are a must during the holiday season. The cakelike bars look festive, and one batch goes a long way.—Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Just when I thought nothing could beat the specialness of creme brulee, I created this decadent version that stars rich chocolate and sweet raspberries. Cracking through the top reveals a smooth and rich custard everyone enjoys. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
With its rich chocolate and fruity flavors, a little bit of this tart goes a long way. The berry-wine sauce lends an elegant touch. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
I am asked to make these for baby showers, bridal showers, church socials, tea parties—you name it. You can use different cookie cutter shapes to make them fit any occasion.—Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
A co-worker's mother gave me this gem of a recipe a few years back. I can never decide what's more appealing—the attractive look of the bars or their incredible aroma while they're baking! Everyone who tries these asks for the recipe. —Mimi Priesman, Pace, Florida
After tasting this pie at my sister-in-law's house, I had to get the recipe. A dreamy cream cheese filling separates the tangy raspberry layer from the chocolate topping. Garnish with fresh berries for an extra-special presentation. —Ruth Bartel, Morris, Manitoba
People are amazed that this luscious, moist and tender cake is a light dessert. I love the rich chocolate flavor and fruity sauce. —Mike Pickerel, Columbia, Missouri
This adults-only hot chocolate is a decadent addition to any holiday gathering. It can easily be adapted to dairy lovers' tastes by substituting chocolate milk and heavy cream for the almond products.—Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
Everything about this dessert, from the pretty presentation to its silky smooth texture, says "special." Rich chocolate is accented by the flavor of sweet, ripe berries perfectly. —Susan Asanovic, Wilton, Connecticut
When my daughter, Katie, was 2, the juicy, ripe raspberries in my backyard inspired me to create this cutout cookie. It's become a mother-daughter tradition to pick the raspberries, choose the cutter shapes, cut out the cookies and frost them. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
A very long time ago, when I was a child, I decided that chocolate and raspberries was a combination made in heaven, and that any treat made with these two delicious ingredients would be at the top of my holiday list. Any seedless jam or preserves may be used, but raspberry is our favorite. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Expecting company? Have these quick delicious parfaits ready to pull out of the freezer for a welcoming treat—or an excellent dessert offering. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
These are my family's favorite Christmas cookies. If you arrange the slivered almonds in pinwheel fashion, the cookie looks like a poinsettia. —Marianne Weber, South Beach, Oregon
Having always wanted a career in writing, Melany couldn't have found a better place than Taste of Home to begin. When she's not scribbling in her notebook or working at her computer, she can be found experimenting with new recipes or relaxing with a book and her cats.