Chocolate-covered strawberries are sweet and healthy.
Valentine's Day is considered a sweet holiday as gifts typically revolve around unhealthy candy and snacks. However, there are many alternatives to candy for Valentine's Day that are just as sweet, and your loved ones will like just as much.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Strawberries dipped in chocolate are not only delicious, but they are also healthy and easy to make. Start by buying ripe, plump strawberries from the grocery store. You can also use another fruits, based on your preference. Buy dark, milk or white chocolate, or a combination of all three, and melt them in a fondue part. If you don't have a fondue pot, heat the chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, or melt the chocolate in the microwave. Line a baking sheet or large platter with wax paper and set aside. When the chocolate has melted, dip the strawberries lengthwise halfway, shake off the excess chocolate and place them on the wax paper to cool.
Edible Arrangements
Instead of sending flowers or buying chocolates, send a fruit basket to your loved one. EdibleArrangements.com has a variety of creative fruit gift baskets. They have arrangements in every shape, size and price range. You can also choose to have your fruit dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with cinnamon, coconut or almonds. You can order online or by phone and have the arrangement delivered right to that special someone's door.
Jello Hearts
Jello is a sweet, low-calorie treat. Make the Jello according to the package directions, then pour into a shallow baking dish. After the Jello has hardened, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out Jello hearts. You can top each heart with a lengthwise-sliced strawberry so it looks like a heart.
Heart-Shaped Sandwiches
Your sweetie is sure to appreciate these festive, yummy sandwiches. You can use any kind of sandwich recipe you like, however grilled cheese or hot ham and cheese will most likely stay together the best. Assemble the sandwich as you normally would, use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the center of the sandwich, then grill it if you are making a hot sandwich. You can serve grilled cheese sandwiches with a bowl of tomato soup to incorporate the Valentine's Day red color into the meal.
Heart-Shaped Pancakes
What better way to start off the day than with heart-shaped pancakes? You can use whole grain pancake mix to keep the meal nutritious. Make the pancake mix according to the directions on the package. You can even add a drop of red food coloring to the mix. Heat the griddle over medium heat, using a little bit of oil or butter to keep the pancakes from sticking. When the pan is hot enough, poor the batter into a heart shape. The pan must be hot enough so the batter doesn't run. It will also help if you are cooking on an even cooking surface.
Tags: cookie cutter, dipped chocolate, grilled cheese, heart-shaped cookie, heart-shaped cookie cutter, your loved
