3 Candy Alternatives To Give Your Sweetie On Valentine’s Day

Are you looking for some healthier and more creative alternatives to the traditional box of chocolates to give your Valentine this year? You’re in luck! We have some smart-and equally delicious-options that say, “I love you” better than any candy ever could.

Heart shaped pancakes.

Whip up some healthy pancakes on Valentine’s Day morning to start the day off right. An excellent choice is oatmeal pancakes made with old-fashioned oatmeal, egg whites, bananas or pumpkin puree and cinnamon. Pour the batter into a heart shaped cookie cutter and cook. Top off your pancakes with fresh fruit instead of syrup.

Fruit arrangements.

There are many companies that provide “fruit arrangements,” beautiful bouquets made of a variety of fruits organized in elaborate designs. You can also make your own arrangements by skewering colorful fruits (such as blueberries, grapes, raspberries, pineapple, kiwis, etc.) into pretty arrangements.

Dark chocolate-covered strawberries.

This idea is already synonymous with Valentines Day. Even though it’s a bit more indulgent, it’s still much healthier than processed candy. Dark chocolate can also have some health benefits when consumed in moderation. This treat is easy to make yourself. First, melt the dark chocolate. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Hold the strawberries by the stem and dip them into the melted chocolate. Set them on the pan and let the chocolate harden, about 30 minutes.

With a few creative touches, it’s not hard to keep Valentine’s Day healthy and fun, without loading up on the usual candy.

Sources:

• http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chocolate-covered-strawberries-recipe.html
• http://www.foodily.com/s/oatmeal-pancakes-no-flour