#BaptistHealthy Easy Eats: Delectable Valentine’s Day Desserts

If you’re having trouble finding that perfect gift for your special someone, cooking dinner for them can often do the trick. And what better way to celebrate — or end — Valentine’s Day than with something sweet that will delight both you and your valentine? Easy to prepare, these desserts are guaranteed to make your Valentine smile. Enjoy!

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the world’s most favorite flavors and humans have been consuming the delectable confection since 1900 BC. Most of us do not need a special day to consume a piece of chocolate.

Eating mindfully is a practice that can help people enjoy food more, while avoiding overeating. They say that the first bite is the best one, so why not make Valentine’s memorable by putting mindful eating into practice. To learn how to eat mindfully (click here).

Balsamic Marinated Strawberries

This is a nice, refreshing dessert on its own, or you can serve it with a scoop of ice cream for an even more tempting dessert. The key to this is getting good balsamic vinegar – preferably one that aged 7-8 years or longer.

• 4 cups strawberries, cut in halves

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Preparation

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss well.

• Let stand 30 minutes.

• Toss well again before serving.

Banana-based Chocolate Ice Cream

• ½ frozen ripe banana

• 1/2 cup pf 2% cow milk

• 1 tablespoon cacao powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation
• Mix all ingredients in high-speed blender.

Strawberry Nutritional information:  Calories 5, Fat 0.6g, Saturated fat 0.0g, Monounsaturated fat 0.1g, Polyunsaturated fat 0.3g, Protein 0.9g, Carbohydrate 13.6g, Fiber 3.9g, Cholesterol 0.0mg, Sodium 2mg.  

Banana-based Chocolate Ice Cream nutritional information (1 serving made with 2% cow’s milk): Calories 124, Fat 3g, Carbohydrates 22g, Protein, 6g, 54 mg of sodium.

About the Author

Carla Duenas is a registered dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator and Care Specialist (CDCES) with Community Health at Baptist Health South Florida. A passionate promoter of wellness and prevention, and nutrition’s role in managing chronic diseases, Ms. Duenas’ expert tips and advice have been featured in print and broadcast media, including Miami Herald, CNN, CNN en Español, NBC and Univision. She has consulted with the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade to help local restaurants offer healthy meals. Ms. Duenas is also an avid endurance athlete, competing regularly in races and marathons.