7 delicious ways to spoil your Valentine

Giving a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day?

Nice, but a little cliche. There’s a lot more delicious ways to let someone know you love them. We’ve compiled seven edible options you’ll find here in the Valley.

1. Chocolate love

You can never go wrong with chocolate on Valentine’s Day.

And whether you are partial to chocolate dipped strawberries or handmade peanut butter cups, Bouquet of Fruits likely has something for you. The Fresno store, 2015 W Bullard Ave., offers a variety of delicious treats in a range prices, from $1.25 a truffle to $36.95 for a dozen strawberries. You can also create your own basket with the items of your choosing.

2. Boozy beverages

Clovis-based 559 brewery has released its Strawberry Ale – with actual strawberries in it – in time for Valentine’s Day. The beer can be purchased at 559 Local, the brewery’s tasting room at 608 4th St. and some Save Mart stores.

And if you need a little liquid courage to get the conversation going with your date, Eureka! has two cocktails to help you out that are available now until Monday, Feb. 15. FBO, or “Facebook Official” is designed to taste like a chocolate-covered strawberry. The spicy “It’s Complicated” cocktail is made with Junipero gin, beet sumac and fresh jalapenos. It’s served on the rocks – but hopefully your relationship isn’t.

3. Baked goodness

Fresno’s bakeries are busy preparing a slew of baked goodies to help you celebrate. At Frosted Cakery, 1292 N Wishon Ave. in Fresno, they have several options, including an attractive, yet simple, box with three mini cupcakes that say “I love you.” The box sells for $10.50. Or, there is the “Hidden Heart” vanilla bean white cake with a small red heart baked inside. The person who gets the slice with the heart is lucky in love, or the next to fall in love. The six-inch cake serves 10 people and is $40.

The store is taking online orders until Feb. 11.

4. Starbucks date

Starbucks describes its new trio of Valentine’s Day coffee drinks as chocolate-inspired. That may be an understatement. The coffee giant is rolling out three new drinks: Molten Chocolate Latte, Molten Chocolate Frappuccino and Molten Hot Chocolate. Each drink starts with a foundation of chocolaty chips, bittersweet mocha sauce and espresso-infused whipped cream.

The drinks will be available through Feb. 14.

5. Romantic restaurants

A meal at a nice restaurants is always a romantic option for the evening.

One place going all out for Valentine’s is the SchoolHouse Restaurant in Sanger. The restaurant will have candles, rose petals and Champagne on the table. The special three-course meal is $65 per person.

But plenty of other restaurants do something special, too. Call your favorite place to find out and always make a reservation.

6. Pizza my heart

If you aren’t up for a fancy dinner, but still want something special, try a heart-shaped pizza from Me-n-Ed’s Pizzeria. The pizza has been a local favorite for nearly 20 years. The pizza will be available from Wednesday, Feb. 10, through Monday, Feb. 15, at all San Joaquin Valley locations. The pizza sells for $12.99.

7. Wine and chocolate

Wine and chocolate are a classic combination and the Valley has plenty of options for them. Fresno County wineries are hosting the Wine & Chocolate Lovers Weekend from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14. Cost is $10 if you bring your own glass.

The Madera Wine Trail is also hosting a Wine & Chocolate Weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14.

“You, CRU & Chocolate Fondue” is happening at CRU Wine Company in Madera County (which is not part of the Madera Wine Trail) from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. The event features a chocolate fondue dipping bar, wine tasting and appetizers. Tickets are $20 for wine club members and $25 for nonmembers.

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 4:00 AM with the headline "7 delicious ways to spoil your Valentine."