He always gets me at chocolate.

How can we not embrace a day that professes love and chocolate? Dear Ones, I’m speaking of Valentine’s Day. And that’s today, which calls for a chocolate recipe that’s so easy you can love it all the rest of the 394 days in a year!

Originally, this ranch recipe hails from the genuine rodeo wife of legendary saddle bronc rider, Butch Small. It’s called oatmeal fudge (I know, not very romantic-sounding). But add dark cocoa and it’ll be love at first bite. Add a few extra goodies like white chocolate chips and dried cherries and Cupid will sing in your kitchen. Here’s the Carrot Ranch version:

Chocolate Live Bites

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup canned milk
• 1/4 pound butter
• 2 Tbsp. dark cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1 package white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Boil the first three ingredients for 2 minutes. Add cocoa and and oatmeal, mixing well. Add the chips, fruit and vanilla last. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then drop by the spoonful onto waxed paper. Once solid, store in a bowl and share with the ones you love.

Or hide away near your desk.