Join us for a series of classes here at Sweet Maria's featuring basic cake decorating, cookie baking, a very decadent chocolate class and a class on Easter Sweets. All of our classes offer "hands-on" opportunties. Plus, you'll take home recipes and samples from the lesson.

The 13th annual Chocolate Lovers expo to benefit Greater Waterbury Easter Seals is scheduled for Sunday, February 12th at the Connecticut Grand Hotel, 11 am to 4 pm. This annual event spotlights the area's best chocolate makers. Join us for an afternoon of sampling chocolate and champagne.Stop in and buy a treat for your Valentine. For tickets and/or more information, call Easter Seals at 203-754-5141.

The newest issue of Intermezzo magazine is set to hit the newsstands. In it, you'll find Maria's article on Black and White Desserts. Celebrating the combination of chocolate and vanilla, this article features decadent White Chocolate Chunk cookies, a rich Black and White Cheesecake and an updated version of the classic Whoopie Pie. Look for it soon, and visit www.intermezzomagazine.com

Try this easy smooth fudge for a perfect treat for your Valentine.

2 1/4 cups chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

1 cup walnuts, optional

Grease an 8 x 8 x 2 baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside. In a double boiler over low heat, melt chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, salt, and walnuts, if desired. Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly. Cover and refrigerate until set. Cut into squares (or using a cookie cutter, cut into hearts). Yields: about 20 squares)