Valentine’s day is a time to show your sweetheart how much you love them.
Decadent candies and elaborate desserts have been the tradition, but with the health movement of late, there are some healthier, heartfelt ways to show love for your sweetie.
- Chocolate dipped strawberries. Use dark chocolate, melt it in a microwave, clean fresh, ripe strawberries and dip or drizzle the chocolate over the strawberries. Lay them on wax paper until cool. White chocolate is also good.
- Angel food Cake and berries parfait. Get a low-fat angel food cake from your local bakery. Clean fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Cube the cake and in a clear glass bowl, layer the cake and berries. You can add some low fat whipping cream.
- Very Berry Pink Smoothie -Mix in a blender, fresh or frozen strawberries a banana plus some orange juice. Top with low fat whip cream and top with a Hersheys kiss!
- Jello Hearts - Always a favorite with the kids! Get a red jello mix and prepare according to directions. You can cut up some strawberries to add to jello or use as a topper. The chocolate dipped strawberries look nice on top. After jello has cooled, take heart shaped cookie cutter and cut out jello hearts.
- Heart shaped grilled cheese sandwich. Use low-fat cheese and two slices of wheat bread. Spray pan with light oil and brown sandwich till cheese starts to melt and bread becomes toasted. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to make heart shape. Great served with tomato soup!
- Warm Oatmeal with Yogurt heart in center. Place oatmeal in bowl, in center, hollow out and place berry flavored low fat yogurt. Shape like a heart for love!
- Cupid’s arrows - This snack makes a great appetizer! Take freshly washed cherry tomatoes and low fat mozzarella cheese that have been cut into cubes. Alternate on kabob sticks. Lay the arrows flat on a serving tray and drizzle with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Mediterranean inspired!
- Chocolate Cake - Buy a devil’s food cake at grocery store and follow directions. Replace the oil called for in directions with applesauce. For frosting, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top and drape a few fresh berries on top. The dark and light gives the eye a great visual!
- Berry Crisp - Layer waffle crisps, low-fat cream cheese and fresh berries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with a mint leaf.