Valentine's Day

Sensible Sweet Treats for You and Your Sweetheart

 

 

This Valentine's Day, do not be scared to indulge in a little something sweet.  You may be thinking, "What kind of sweets can be delicious and rewarding at the same time!?" Natural sweets like fruit or dark chocolate of course!

 

Dark Chocolate does have some beneficial properties, including antioxidant and flavonoids, which may help to protect your heart and lessent the risk of heart disease.  When choosing dark chocolate, remember to consume a small amount.  To get the benefit that dark chocolate has to offer, choose dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa.

 

Here are some sweet ideas on how to incorporate fruits and dark chocolate into your desserts this Valentine's Day

 

Dessert #1:  Dark Chocolate covered Strawberries (2 per person)

 

Dessert #2:  Dark Chocolate covered (FRESH) Cherries (2 per person)

 

Dessert #3:  Dark chocolate covered fortune cookie with stuffed blueberries

Dessert #4: Dark chocolate covered nuts or raisins

 

Dessert #5: Baked or grilled fruit (pears, peaches) topped with a small amount of crunchy granola and drizzled with dark chocolate

 

By: Stephanie White, Dietetic Intern, Stephen F. Austin State University

 

 

 

References:   

http://books.google.com/books?id=Q2PtCd6GR_IC&pg=PA50&lpg=PA50&dq=american+diabetes+association+dark+chocolate&source=bl&ots=yIWIBTB7nh&sig=MYvY7CVm2Zp89sOpIT_ZNnKcXw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=cQTgUoaUFcjO2AWE84G4CQ&ved=0CJIBEOgBMAk#v=onepage&q=american%20diabetes%20association%20dark%20chocolate&f=false

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20030827/dark-chocolate-is-healthy-chocolate