Valentine's Day is always an exciting holiday, whether or not you have a date, because it means one thing: sweets and treats of all shapes and sizes. But, you don't always have to end the holiday in your fat pants.
Making fun treats for your loved ones is always a relaxing task, so delve in to some new recipes. Pinterest is filled with links to some really talented bloggers and cooks. But, sometimes it can be difficult navigating what you want and the choices are overwhelming. You just want to eat everything you see without actually making it! We made it easy for you and narrowed it down to the top 10 best goodies.
Two Valentine's Day treats that did not make the list, but are still great and worth mentioning: low-fat brownies and chocolate covered fruit. These are so easy, still decadent, and the best part is you know there are some nutritious ingredients. To make low-fat brownies, Women's Health recommends swapping the butter for unsweetened applesauce. I can attest to this rule, and you will hardly (if at all) notice a difference! Chocolate covered fruit is pretty self-explanatory. You can take any fruit you like: raspberries, bananas, strawberries, blackberries, etc. and douse them in melted chocolate. To add even more health benefits, make the chocolate dark for the antioxidants and you can even add chopped nuts for some protein! If you are not a chocolate lover, which I know there is a rare population, then put the fruit on skewers to make them look more appealing. Get creative!
We have compiled a list of recipes that will rid you of that awful guilt. Enjoy yourselves!
Image: Amazon.com
[ new page = Candy Apples ]
10. Candy Apples
These aren’t your typical heavy, calorie-packed candy apples. Compared to all of the other chocolate, M&M infested apples on Pinterest these are a delight. This recipe, along with other Valentine’s ideas, can be found on Lauren Conrad’s blog.
[ new page = Cocoa Strawberry Smoothie ]
9. Cocoa Strawberry Smoothie
A smoothie may seem boring, but this creative way of adding a chocolate rim to the glass makes it different and delicious.
[ new page = French Toast ]
8. French Toast
This french toast includes freshly stewed berries, which allow you to gather that sweetness from somewhere other than syrup. This is a very simple and easy recipe that will dazzle your loved ones from the moment they wake up!
[ new page = Nut Butter Crispies ]
7. Protein nut butter crispies
These are great because these nutrient dense power balls are extremely portable. It's one of those recipes that you can make a bunch at a time and either save them or hand them out as special favors! They contain an ingredient called cocoa nibs, and you can read all of its amazing health benefits, including high magnesium and fiber, on the blog: thefitfork.com
Pinterest
[ new page = Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs ]
6. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
It's strawberry shortcake on a stick! Need I say more?
[ new page = Coconut Banana Bread ]
5. Coconut Banana Bread
YUM! Banana bread is one of those timeless recipes. But, I have never seen banana bread in the form of pizza.
[ new page = Cinnamon Pancakes ]
4. Cinnamon Pancakes
Chocolate Covered Katie delivers with this sugar-free recipe. You would never guess there are dates involved! She also shares with you the nutrition information: nutrient content.
[ new page = Pastry Wrapped Pears ]
3. Pastry Wrapped Pears
This is by far the most fancy looking dessert on the list, so if you are looking to impress your guests this may be the one for you. This was actually pinned from Better Homes and Gardens out of a piece they put together, titled "Healthy Recipes for Two." As long as you like pear, you will love this!
[ new page = Yogurt Mini Pie ]
2. Yogurt Mini Pie
This is something so incredibly easy, you cannot really mess it up. It is fun, nutritious, and something even the kids would enjoy.
[ new page = Strawberry-orange Sorbet ]
1. Strawberry-orange Sorbet
There is nothing I love more than a recipe with a short ingredient list, and this one only has four: strawberries, orange juice, water, and sugar. So simple and refreshing!
Find the original recipe at deliciousshots.blogspot.com.