Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Whether you're cooking a romantic dinner for someone special or baking treats for your children's classmates, chocolate is always a favorite.

Here we feature recipes for cookies and candies that are perfect for gift giving. Tuck chocolate-hazelnut biscotti or pieces of crunchy toffee bark in waxed tissue paper and tie with a colorful ribbon. For an especially luxurious gift, arrange bourbon truffles in a gift box or tin. And our chocolate brownies will be a guaranteed hit with the kids.

You'll also find recipes for desserts that are ideal for sharing—and make an impressive ending to a meal. Our dense bittersweet chocolate cake is sure to please the whole family. If you're preparing an intimate dinner for two, try our chocolate fondant—rich soufflé-like cakes with molten centers, baked in individual ramekins. And what could be more romantic than sharing a pot of chocolate fondue, with chunks of pound cake and fresh fruit for dipping?