As most of you know, I have two boys. At the ages of eleven and one that’s moments away from turning thirteen, it’s getting harder and harder to impress them. Or maybe it’s better to say, it’s getting harder and harder to do things together they think are cool.
Take for instance baking, when they were little pulling out the sprinkles got them excited about spending time in the kitchen. Now, it’s getting challenging to keep their attention when it comes to helping. So I asked them to hang out and help me make these chocolate chip bars. Big yawn. Then I told them, how about we make chocolate chip bars with chocolate hearts that bleed red blood right on top? Magically, I had their attention. Boys. Of course they would think a bleeding heart is the perfect Valentine’s Day treat!
These little hearts are Junior Mints made especially for Valentine’s Day. Their insides are either red or white. The colors are mixed in a package so you do not get all reds in one box. I explained to the boys I could only get maybe half of them to bleed. The white ones also bleed, you just can’t see them when they do.
They didn’t care, they got the bloody Valentine’s they wanted…a treat they could be proud of and feel manly about. No girly sprinkles for them. But here’s the best part…these bars taste really good!! I used a mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, as well as walnuts. They have that really good cookie taste and are nice and sturdy without being dry.
You can imagine how well these go with a glass of milk.
Check your stores Valentine’s candy aisle for these special shaped mints.
- Two years Ago: Pomegranate-Balsamic Glazed Carrots
- Three Years Ago: Deviled Egg Spread
- Four Years Ago: Up the Creek
Edith M says
Oh that’s hilarious, my boys are the same way. What is it about boys that makes them ove the blood and guts of things. So much different than raising a little a girl.
I have been needing a new cookie bar recipe!
Cathy says
Thanks Edith!
Gail says
LOVE these! Good luck as you enter this phase of your boys’ lives. Fun times! They are lucky to have you as such an amazing mom.
Cathy says
Hi Gail, thank you!! Miss you lady..how’s your kitchen remodel?
Pamela in Georgia says
Oh yes, the little boys mind is a great one..hard fo us Mom’s figure out, but once we do, it’s all good. Looks like you are well on your way!
Cathy says
Thanks Pamela for stopping by!
DessertForTwo says
How adorable! And so boy-appropriate! 🙂
Jacey says
I love these, so super cute!
Ashley says
What a fun idea! They sound delicious too!
Jones says
there are no eggs in the ingredients, but there are in the recipes. what?
Cathy says
Sorry about that, all fixed.