Scratch's peanut butter and bacon truffles
If you still need to get something sweet for your sweetheart, don’t panic. It’s not too late to find the perfect cookie, cake or other delicious treat just in time for tomorrow. These local bakeries have got you covered with their Valentine's Day-themed desserts. (Also, check out our roundup of Valentine's Day events here - make some plans to accompany these treats!)
DaisyCakes – In honor of Valentine's Day, DaisyCakes has several special cupcake flavors, including chocolate raspberry and champagne with white chocolate buttercream. You can also surprise that special someone with pre-packaged housemade marshmallows, French macarons or chocolate-dipped strawberries. Yum! 401 Foster St.; cupcakes $3; 919-389-4307
Guglhupf – If your loved one adores chocolate, don’t miss Guglhupf’s sacher torte for $22. The square dessert, which has two layers of chocolate cake separated by apricot confiture, is only served at the bakery this time of year. There are plenty of other treats to choose from, including French macarons, pink petit fours and truffles. 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.; macarons 6/$6.95, petit fours $3.95, truffles $6/3.95; 919-401-2600
Hummingbird Bakery – Forget cards and flowers—nothing says “I love you” like a heart-shaped red velvet whoopie pie. The bakery also has iced Valentine’s Day cookies on hand, complete with sayings like "Her Only" and “His One.” 721 Broad St.; 919-908-6942
The Mad Hatter’s Café and Bake Shop – Not sure what your Valentine will like? Get a little of everything. Mad Hatter’s has all kinds of goodies, from heart-shaped Linzer tarts to a Queen of Hearts cupcake. Feeling daring? Don’t miss the Death by Chocolate Candy cake. 1802 W. Main St.; 919-286-1987
Monuts Donuts – If you’re looking for a non-traditional treat on Thursday, head down to the RTP Food Truck Rodeo between 11:30am and 1:30pm. Monuts will be waiting with red velvet donuts, jelly-filled hearts and éclairs. RTP Headquarters, 12 Davis Drive; 919-449-6786
Scratch Bakery – Celebrate Valentine's Day with chocolate peanut nougat tarts and beet tarts—we’re sure your sweettart will thank you. Also check out the chocolate sea salt crostatas, heart-shaped chocolate cake (perfect for two, and only $15), and peanut butter and bacon truffles, available individually or by half-dozen. 111 Orange St.; 919-956-5200
One World Market – Give a box of fair-trade, heart-shaped chocolates in 70% dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate and strawberry. 811 Ninth St.; 919-286-2457
Bull Street Gourmet and Market – There’s still plenty of truffles, red velvet cake hearts and chocolate strawberries in the shop! 3710 Shannon Road, 919-237-2398
The Cupcake Bar – Order a Box of Chocolates – one dozen minis of the cupcake shop’s most popular chocolate flavors. Pick-up only ($16). 101 E Chapel Hill St., 919-816-2905
The Brothers Vilgalys Spirits Co. Krupnikas-Inspired Cocktails – From The Brothers Vilgalys website, these cocktails use Krupnikas, a spiced honey liqueur, as their main ingredient. Pick up a bottle at your local ABC store and impress your sweetie with your suave bartending know-how.
The Blind Date
1 oz. Krupnikas
1 oz. Campari
2 oz. Club Soda
Combine ingredients over ice and pour into a rocks glass to mix.
Berry Patch
1.5 oz. Krupnikas
1 oz. Rye Whiskey
0.5 oz. Chambord
Mix ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake three or four times and strain into a martini glass. Add either cherries or pomegranate seeds.
Pucker Up
1.5 oz. Krupnikas
0.5 oz. Grenadine
1 oz. sour mix
1 oz. club soda
Mix ingredients in a shaker, invert once and serve on the rocks with a twist of lime. For a less sugary cocktail, substitute 0.5 oz. lime juice for the sour mix.
