Offbeat Sweet: Homemade Black Licorice

Judging by America's obsession with possessive, moody vampires and young entrepreneurs with a taste for domination, we have a national fascination with the darker side of love. Here's an idea for those not interested in the usual pink, sweet and simple homemade treat: dark and chewy DIY black licorice.

Saveur has a recipe for a from-scratch version of the familiar black twists, flavored with blackstrap molasses and anise extract. There's nothing complicated about the ingredients or the instructions; the only special equipment needed is a candy thermometer. The finished twists last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator and would make the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the dark moody complex black-licorice-loving person in your life.

Get the recipe: Homemade Black Licorice Twists at Saveur

Do you have any ideas for offbeat homemade treats for Valentine's Day?

Related:Licorice-Flavored Foods: How Many Can You Name?

(Image: Todd Coleman/Saveur)

---