Sweet Indulgence - Recipes for February Carneval and Valentine's Day Parties

For the shortest and coldest month of the year (at least in our latitudes), we've put together a collection of delightful German sweet comforts sure to keep you and your guests happy. Make one or two of these recipes as a special treat for that special person in your life on Valentine's Day or for a crazy carnival crowd. To keep your guests extra warm and toasty, we recommend serving hot mulled wine (Glühwein), and the non-alcoholic version for the younger guests and designated drivers.

Almond-Cherry Soufflés with Warm German Chocolate Sauce

By themselves, these rich, flavorful soufflés are virtually fat-free. The German chocolate sauce is rich but not too sweet, as most German-produced chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa and less sugar than most American chocolate.

Bee Sting Cake

A buttery brioche cake with a caramel cream, named Bee Sting because it is glazed with honey just before baking.

Berliner Pfannkuchen (Krapfen)

German jelly-filled donuts such as these are found every Karneval season. They're known as Pfannkuchen in Berlin, Kreppel in Hessen, Krapfen in Southern Germany and Berliner just about everywhere else.

Crullers with Lemon Frosting (Eberswalder Spritzkuchen)

Popular German cruller, these popular donuts are coated with powdered sugar and lemon juice or rum. Looking back on a long history, going back all the way to 1832, this deep-fired pastry may well be one of the earliest versions of the beloved donut.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes with Kirsch Frosting

Delightful cupcakes with German flavors of dark chocolate, cherries, and kirsch. The bright pink frosting over chocolate makes them a perfect Valentine's Day treat.

German Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Black Cherry Preserves

The classic brownie, German style, with flavors of dark chocolate, black cherry, apple butter and honey. Recipe by Chef Jackie Newgent.

Hazelnut Waffles with Blackberry Cream

Homemade hazelnut flavored waffles served with blackberry cream and topped with fresh blackberries make a great brunch or romantic breakfast dish.

Spiced Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

The classic German spiced wine that's served hot at outdoor fairs and celebrations during the winter season in Germany. It will warm you up in no time, even on the coldest of days.

Non-Alcoholic Hot Fruit Punch

A flavorful hot fruit drink for young guests. Especially popular during the Christmas season, this beverage also will help keep the guests at your carnival party warm.