WINDFALLS

An egg is an egg is an egg… unless it’s one of these. Incredibly rich, these chocolate and chocolate praline-filled eggs (yes, that’s a real eggshell) don’t have to be fried, poached or scrambled to be enjoyed. The 2-ounce eggs ($5. 50 each), made by Bonnat, are available at L’affaire Chocolate, 1120 Collin Creek Mall. 423-1945.

There’s a reason chocolates are a Valentine tradition among lovers. They are, in a fashion, the perfect expression of the first few moments of love: wholehearted indulgence in an extremely satisfying, frequently forbidden pleasure. But like so many other symbolic tributes to February the 14th- the traditional long-stemmed roses, the dainty lace-trimmed cards of endearment, the message-bearing candy hearts-giving your loved one still another plastic flower-topped box of assorted candies can make for a boring statement. Why not skip the cliches and venture into uncharted territory? Instead of waiting for him to buy you a dozen roses, buy him a rosebush (Hilger’s Nursery, 11511 Harry Hines, has about 40 varieties), and you’ll have roses year-round. For her, send a life-sized chocolate telephone or an edible greeting card-an 8×10 or 8 x 16-inch chocolate “card” with the desired inscription written in icing across the top; both from Kron Chocola-tier. On these two pages, we’ve stretched our imaginations a bit further and discovered a few other extraordinary Valentines. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination.

Capture her heart with romance-this dainty slip of a pillow made of antique rose brocade and trimmed with a swirl of off-white lace and grosgrain ribbon. Top it off with a touch of potpourri. The pillow ($23. 99), by Soft Antiques, and the potpourri (available in five scents; $1. 99 per ounce), by Olivia, are from the Dream Garden, Olla Podrida, Suite 100. 934-1606.

For an oriental approach, try this blue-and-white print imported Japanese porcelain box ($7. 50), designed to store hidden treats inside. We’ve shown raspberry-flavored hard candies by Barnier of France (available in seven flavors; $8. 50 a pound). Both the box and the candies are from Neuhaus, 427 NorthPark. 691-9156.

Soothingly sweet with a subtle, smooth aftertaste, these fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate will practically melt in your mouth. Dipped daily when in-season (and even not when in season, if ordered a day in advance), they’re $8 per half-pound and $20 per pound at Kron Chocola-tier, 11 Highland Park Village. 526-4722.