The Sweethearts Box Playbook: 5 Mini Dates, 1 Smart Treat Kit

What’s inside (25.90€)

• 1 Zùsto Hazelnut Spread
• 1 Zùsto Dark Chocolate tablet
• 1 Zùsto Milk Chocolate tablet
• 10 Zùsto Melocakes

Before you start: the “smart sweet” rules

• Portion cues: 2–3 chocolate squares per person; 1–2 Melocakes after dinner
• Order matters: enjoy sweets with/after a meal, not on an empty stomach
• Teaspoon‑first sweetening for coffee/tea (add 1 tsp Zùsto, stir, taste, then adjust)
• Water sip before and after sweet moments

Date 1: Fondue for Two (10 minutes)

• You’ll need: Hazelnut spread, a splash of milk, fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, pear slices), pinch of flaky salt
• How to:
  1. Warm 5–6 tbsp hazelnut spread with 1–2 tbsp milk over low heat to a dip‑able gloss.
  2. Plate fruit; sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt into the fondue to make flavors pop.
  3. Dip, chat, and keep portions gentle—aim for 1 small bowl to share.
• Make it special: Add orange zest to the fondue; light a candle; play a 20‑minute playlist.

Date 2: Blind Chocolate Tasting (15 minutes)

• You’ll need: Dark + Milk tablets, two small plates, sticky notes, water glasses
• How to:
  1. Break both tablets into 2–3 square portions; label the undersides A/B.
  2. Taste in silence: sniff, snap, melt, note flavors (cocoa, caramel, berry, vanilla).
  3. Reveal and rescore. Pair with water and—if you like—an espresso or tea.
• Portion cue: Limit to 4–6 squares total per person across the tasting.
• Conversation prompts: “Which one lingers longer?” “What fruit or coffee would you pair it with?”

Date 3: Melocake Movie Night (set‑and‑forget)

• You’ll need: 2–4 Melocakes, berries, herbal tea (chamomile/rooibos), a cozy blanket
• How to:
  1. Plate 1–2 Melocakes per person with a handful of berries.
  2. Brew herbal tea sweetened teaspoon‑first (or keep it plain).
  3. Start the film after dinner, not during—mixed‑meal timing helps the treats “behave.”
• Tip: Pause halfway for a water sip and a stretch; it makes the sweet last.

Date 4: Espresso + Chocolate Square Ritual (10 minutes)

• You’ll need: 2–3 dark or milk squares per person, espresso or strong tea, water glasses
• How to:
  1. Sweeten the hot base with 1 tsp Zùsto (teaspoon‑first), then add milk if desired.
  2. Two gulps of water → one square → sip → repeat slowly.
  3. Add a berry or clementine wedge for brightness.
• Why it works: The structure turns dessert into a mindful pause, not a pantry raid.

Date 5: Breakfast‑in‑Bed Pancake Art (10 minutes)

• You’ll need: 2–3 small pancakes, Zùsto Hazelnut Spread, berries, optional Zùsto Fruit Spread (strawberry/raspberry), lemon, cocoa or cinnamon
• How to:
  • Warm the topping: In a mug, microwave 1–2 tbsp Zùsto Fruit Spread with a squeeze of lemon for 10–15 seconds until glossy.
  • Swirl the base: On warm pancakes, add a thumb‑sized hazelnut swirl and paint a few ribbons of warm fruit spread.
  • Finish with fruit: Top with sliced strawberries/raspberries. Dust lightly with cocoa or a pinch of cinnamon; optional lemon zest for brightness.
  • Plate with balance: Serve a side of Greek yogurt (protein first), then the pancakes. Pour coffee/tea sweetened teaspoon‑first with Zùsto.
• Kid‑friendly add‑on: Use a heart‑shaped cutter for pancake minis; let kids “paint” with tiny teaspoons of hazelnut and fruit spread.

Make it a week of mini dates

• Mon: Espresso ritual
• Wed: Fondue for two
• Fri: Movie night (Melocakes)
• Sat: Blind tasting
• Sun: Breakfast‑in‑bed

Hosting and cleanup shortcuts

• Pre‑break both chocolate tablets into small squares and store in a jar—elegant and portion‑friendly.
• Keep teaspoons with your coffee gear to nudge “teaspoon‑first.”
• Rinse small bowls right after each date; you’ll be more likely to do the next one.

Troubleshooting

• “Too sweet?” Add citrus zest, a pinch of salt, or pair with berries and water.
• “Still peckish?” Add protein first (yogurt, cottage cheese, or an egg) before more sweet.