I’m pretty sure there’s some kind of law that Valentine’s Day must include chocolate. Me, being a law-abiding gal (AND a devout chocoholic), am more than happy to do my part. Throw peanut butter into the mix, and you’ve got a winner!

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS are a family favorite – and not just my family, but my neighbor’s, as well. But because they involve a bit of time, I only make them for special occasions such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

BTW, if you have little ones who like to “help” in the kitchen, this is the perfect recipe. They can assist with the ball rolling and chocolate dipping.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS – makes about 40

• 1/2 cup butter (1 cube)
• 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 cup confection’s sugar (powdered sugar)
• 3/4 cup graham crackers, crushed (3 oz total – about 5 rectangles)
• about 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a saucepan, over a medium flame, melt butter and peanut butter together. Turn off heat. Blend in sugar and graham crackers. Remove from stove and let cool.

Roll into 3/4″ balls – don’t make them too big since the chocolate will add to the size. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Chill until they’re solid – at least an hour.

Over a VERY low heat, melt half of the chips, stirring constantly. Turn off the flame now and then as you’re stirring to keep the temperature down – if the chocolate gets too hot, it solidifies. Once the chips are melted, turn off flame but leave pan on burner to keep the chocolate warm and melted.

One by one, drop peanut butter balls into melted chips, using a spoon to coat with the chocolate. Gently place back on the waxed paper, making a little swirl on top with the chocolate dripping off the spoon. Replenish saucepan with more chips as needed, melting them over a low heat into the remaining chocolate.

Chill the CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS.

Best stored in refrigerator (especially on hot days) so they don’t get melty, but in cold climates, they’re fine on the counter in a covered container – although, they won’t last long once people know they’re there.