Healthy choices can make Valentine's Day special.
Valentine's Day can be a delight for children, as they revel in yet another candy bonanza. However, you can celebrate Valentine's Day with kids without all the sugar, and they'll delight in creating or receiving something that's new, fun and good for them.
Fruit and Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate fondue does have sugar, but studies show that it also has antioxidants, which help your body reduce cell damage. And the children will be eating it with fruit. Choose dark chocolate for the most benefit. Dip pineapple, strawberries and bananas into a melted dark-chocolate mixture for dessert as a special Valentine's Day treat. Be prepared for some messy fun.
Heart-Shaped PBJ
For a healthier peanut butter and jelly sandwich, choose organic peanut butter and jelly that's sweetened only by fruit juice. Get the kids involved by having them apply the peanut butter and jelly to one slice of bread. Put the second piece of bread on top, and push a combination of small and large heart-shaped cookie cutters through the sandwich. Your kids will have fun gobbling up the little hearts.
Toasted Cheese Heart Sandwiches
Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut heart shapes out of bread and square slices of cheese. Place two layers of cheese between the slices of bread. Spread softened butter on both sides, and put the sandwich in a frying pan on moderate heat. Turn over and toast the other side. Serve with milk.
Valentine's Day Gorp
"Gorp" stands for "good old raisins and peanuts." The term was created by hikers and mountain climbers who use the mix as energy food on the trail. Your kids will like the sound of the funny word. Dress it up a little with dark chocolate-covered raisins, yogurt-covered raisins and peanuts. Place the mixture in a cellophane bag, and tie it with a red satin ribbon. Or put it in a glass jar and tie a ribbon around the lid.
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