Sweet Idea: Striped Valentine's Mousse

Stick with me here. I know you don't usually think of peppermint for Valentine's Day, but what better way to use those leftover canes from the holidays than in a pink, layered, white chocolate mousse? Steph of raspberri cupcakes whipped these beauties up for Christmas, but I'm seeing a sweetheart dessert idea here.

images by raspberri cupcakes

Sweet Idea: White Chocolate Confetti Popcorn

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, then you already know that I've been making my own white chocolate popcorn for an after-dinner snack a lot lately. When I saw this little bit of extra flare today on Pinterest, it was a "Why didn't I think of that?" moment. Amy of She Wears Many Hats shared these lovely pics of her Party Popcorn.

Simply drizzle melted Candy Qwik or other hardening white chocolate over your lightly salted popcorn (I like Pop Secret's Homestyle) and dust the morsels with colorful sprinkles for a festive treat. You can even make some the night before Valentine's when your kids are asleep and put a little baggie into their lunch for the holiday. Now you know what I'll be munching tonight while watching Alcatraz and SMASH.

Dessert Table: White Out!

Linda of Call Me Cupcake shared these gorgeous, winter white photos with my friend Maddy of The Inspired Bride, and I just had to share them you. Linda played with various shades of white and lots of different textures to add dimension to this monochromatic display.

This inspirational shoot will doubtlessly encourage party hosts, brides, and event planners to go beyond using just tables and dressers for their dessert displays. Linda chose a chair, a side table, and shelves to showcase each white wonder.

This shoot just screams sophistication. The fur rug, lace appliqued cake, and luminous setting all work together to create a fresh take on a Winter Wonderland theme. Have you ever seen all-white done so right?

Be sure to swing by tomorrow. I've got some really fun things in store. See you then!

Deconstructed Cheesecake

I found this recipe for Deconstructed Rhubarb White Chocolate Ginger Cheesecake on Whisk the Pantry. Whew, that's a mouthful. Even if you think the recipe is a little too much to tackle, consider presenting some other layered cake or cheesecake in similar cute little jars.

Want to share some of your sweet creations? Email images along with the recipe, tips, and techniques to info {at} shaunayounge {dot} com

White Chocolate Cocoa

I love a twist on a classic. Nothing says "winter" more than hot chocolate, but there is something decidedly chic (and wonderfully buttery) about white chocolate cocoa. You can easily make some from scratch, but if you're like me the most you're willing to do is substitute milk for water.

I also experiment with toppings. Crumbled peppermint went over well, and so did butterscotch chips. My favorite addition this winter has been Cookies n Creme Hershey's white chocolate nuggets. The little cookie bits float to the top, making a nice crunchy little nibble with each spoonful (not to mention a gooey white chocolate heap at the bottom of the mug).

What toppings are you adding to your cocoa this winter?

Image 1 (Life 123), Image 2 (The Good Mood Food Blog), Image 3 (Once Upon a Plate)