NOT only is February 14 a celebration of love, but it's also the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth and make some delicious treats at home.

From chocolate covered strawberries to heart shaped cookies – here are three simple ideas that you can easily whip up ready for the big day.

Chocolate covered strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are a delicious treat, which are simple to make and also look pretty on any Valentine’s decorated table.

You will need:

• Strawberries (one punnet should be enough, but grab another if you’re catering for more people)
• 200g Chocolate (dark works best, but you can use milk if you prefer)

Line a plate or baking tray with grease proof paper and set aside.

Boil water in a saucepan and place a large heatproof bowl over the pan.

Break up the chocolate into chunks and add in the bowl, while stirring.

Once melted, dip each strawberry halfway into the chocolate, and then place on the grease proof paper.

Put the strawberries into the fridge for a couple of hours to allow them to set, and once you’re ready to serve, transfer them onto a pretty plate.

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Heart shaped cookies

Cookies are a firm favourite, and will also last longer than fresh fruit, so you’ll be able to enjoy them for a few days after February 14.

You will need:

• Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
• Large heart shaped cookie cutter
• Red icing pen, if desired
• Preheat the oven to 190ºC (170ºC for fan ovens).

Mix up the cookie dough according to the instructions.

Separate the dough into eight equal sized balls, and shape them into hearts using the cookie cutter

Place them on a lined baking tray, and bake for 12 minutes.

Remove them from the oven and place onto a cooling rack, and neaten the edges with a knife if required.

Once cooled, decorate with some red icing around the edge, or simply serve straight onto a plate.

Valentine’s cupcakes

Cupcakes are the ultimate sweet treat, and can be decorated however you fancy – you could even try and write your partner's name in the icing.

You will need:

• Betty Crocker Vanilla Cupcake Mix
• Two medium eggs
• 45ml vegetable oil
• 50ml water
• Muffin tray filled with cupcake cases
• Vanilla Icing (Dr Oetker or Betty Crocker is good)
• Sprinkles

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens)

Whisk together the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water until smooth.

Pour the mixture into the cupcake cases and place into centre of oven.

Bake for 15 – 17 minutes, or until a knife can be inserted and removed cleanly.

Place onto a cooling rack, and once cool, cover with icing and sprinkles.

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