Hershey's Hearts

Hershey's Hearts is a heart-shaped chocolate candy from Hershey's. The listing gives no flavor variety, piece weight or ingredient list, so the notes below describe what to expect from Hershey's milk-chocolate-style candy rather than a measured profile. Check the package for the exact variety. Milk chocolate in this style usually tastes sweet and creamy, with a soft cocoa note and a smooth, quick melt. The shape makes it a ready-made seasonal or gift item, and it works as a topper or garnish as well as a snack. For eating on its own, room temperature gives the softest texture and the most noticeable chocolate flavor. A short time in the refrigerator makes the pieces firmer with a cleaner snap, which helps if you plan to handle or arrange them. Avoid warm spots like a car or a sunny windowsill, because chocolate in this style softens and can bloom with a dusty surface film when it heats and re-sets. In baking and dessert-making, the heart shape is the main reason to buy them. Press whole pieces into the tops of warm cookies or brownies just out of the oven so they soften slightly and hold their shape. They also work as a garnish on cupcakes, a cheesecake rim, or a hot chocolate or milkshake. If you need melted chocolate, chop them and melt gently over low heat. Candy of this type isn't formulated like baking chocolate, so expect it to behave less predictably when tempering or setting. For drinks, milk-chocolate candy goes well with black coffee, espresso and plain milk, where the bitterness or the dairy balances the sweetness. A cup of hot tea also works. If you serve them after dinner as a small dessert plate, they sit well beside salted nuts, strawberries or raspberries, and pretzels, where the salt or acidity cuts the sweetness. No special glassware is needed. A small dish or a gift bag is enough, and a mug or tall glass suits the drinks above.