Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

"Love is patient,

love is kind.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres,

love never fails."

--1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Each year on February 14th, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts, or flowers with their loved ones. This day of romance is what we call "Valentine's Day," also called the feast of Valentine.


The color of this month is red, so I chose strawberries to be my post this holiday. There are so many creative and delicious ways to use this fruit as a tasty treat that would be fun to make for Valentine's Day.You can give this as a present to your friends, or as a dessert if you have a dinner or party.

Strawberries seem to be the perfect fruit for this holiday. You can dip this with chocolate and top it with chopped nuts, sweetened coconuts, sprinkles, or anything you want. You don't have to spend a lot of money to show your love and affection to loved ones.

Ingredients:

1 quart strawberries
1/2 cup baking chocolate ( preferably ghirardelli )
1 teaspoon oil or butter

Instructions:

1. In a microwave dish, heat up the coconut oil and chocolate for about 15 seconds in  the microwave. Stir thoroughly after taking it out.

2.To get the fun heart shapes, cut the strawberries length-wise into two pieces after removing the stem, and then make a divot at the top.

3. Now dip the fruit into the chocolate. To get a smoother finish, use some skewers or fork to dip the strawberries Let the covered strawberries cool down on a cookie rack or a sheet of wax paper.

4.Once the chocolate has hardened, its time to decorate them. You can drizzle on some white chocolate. If you want to sprinkle some chopped nuts, do it while the chocolate is still wet so that they can stick.

Everyone likes it and it tastes really good! This would be perfect while sipping champagne while celebrating Valentine's Day. Spread love everyday!

Granola Balls

"Do more of what makes you happy."

--Author Unknown

A New Year, a new you! Do you have a New Year's resolution? Most people made goals about themselves, relationships, and even diets. Whatever it is, just make sure it's simple and attainable. That way, you don't end up frustrated and distressed.

As I look back on 2014, I can say that I was successful with my resolution, because I worked to be healthy. I aimed for a better lifestyle last year, although it was a challenging. However, I think I attained it.

For this year my resolution is to become a better person and be happy. They say “Happiness is a choice.” How can I achieve this? Despite our everyday struggles, I always find time to do something that will make me happy; like watching funny movies, reading a good book, and baking sweet treats.

We all have our indulgences, like good food and sweet treats. It's okay to eat sweets once in a while, and I call this a “cheat day.” The granola ball that I made is like a Rice Krispie, but I mixed its ingredients with different nuts and seeds, which are rich in protein, fiber and Omega 3 oils. You can eat it with your favorite yogurt for breakfast or a snack. This is a healthy treat that everyone can enjoy without being guilty, because there are healthy benefits to it.

This Valentine's Day, you can give this as a gift to a special someone. You can just place the granola balls in a cute container or box, then decorate it with a bow.

Ingredients

1 cup roasted oats

½ cup chia seeds

½ cup raw pumpkin seeds

½ cup sunflower seeds

½ cup raisins

2 cups rice krispies

1 cup raw almonds

2 tbs butter

5 cups low-fat marshmallows

2 tbs flax seeds

3 tbs maple syrup

brown sugar for rolling the granola balls (optional)

Directions:

1. On a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add the oats, seeds (chia, pumpkin, sunflower, flax), rice krispies, almonds, and raisins

3. Add the maple syrup.

4. Let it cool, then roll it in your palm like a small ball.

5. Roll it in the brown sugar.

6. Put it in a wire rack until cooled completely.

7. Store it in a jar or plastic container. Seal tightly.

Sweet Heart Pizza

A healthy heart is a prized possession, and during February, we celebrate the American Heart month. The first Friday of this month is the National Wear Red Day. On this day we are encouraged to wear red to support women's heart health.

Red is the color of this cause because it's the color of our hearts. One way to go red this February is to live healthy. Learn new and healthy but delicious recipes that can be added to your cooking repertoire.

According to study, heart disease killed more women than men, so motivate your loved ones to participate in this nationwide awareness to beat heart disease and heart strokes.

So I made this heart-shaped pizza in honor of this celebration. For this upcoming Valentine's Day, this is the recipe you can serve for your sweetheart. :)

Ingredients:

1 lb. wholewheat pizza dough ( low in salt )
1 cup grated mozarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup mini pepperoni ( low - fat )
1 cup broccoli
2 red sweet peppers ( heart shaped )
1/4 cup pizza sauce

Instructions:

1. Roll the dough into 12 inch heart shape.

2. Spread dough with pizza sauce and pepperoni.

3.Top with two cheeses.

4.Top with broccoli, peppers, and Italian meatballs.
5. Bake at 375 F until cheese is melted about 15 minutes.

Happy National Wear Red Day!