This month, nix the heart-shaped box of chocolates and indulge in a sweet treat that’s, you know – actually good for your heart! These five recipes are so delicious, you’ll never miss the other artificial junk. Your sweetheart (and your waistline) will thank you.
Aphrodisiac Bliss Balls
Yep, you read that right. These raw treats (which are also gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan) contain the superfood maca, which has been reported to regulate hormones and increase libido. Simply blend the following ingredients in a food processor, form into balls, and refrigerate up to a week: 12 pitted dates, ½ cup raw walnuts, ½ cup brown rice crisps, 1/3 cup natural almond butter, 3 tablespoons hemp seeds and 1/3 cup shredded coconut. That’s it! We recommend enjoying these with your special someone before bed…wink wink.
Heart Healthy Granola
Get crafty and create a custom-made granola for your significant other. Start with gluten-free oats, mix in heart-healthy options like cherries and almonds, and mix with a little olive oil and natural sweetener like stevia or maple syrup. Then, bake for 30 minutes at 300 degrees and you’re good to go. If you’d like, you can even sweeten the mix with ingredients your S.O. loves, like cinnamon, cacao nibs or dried fruit.
Dark Chocolate Fondue for Two
Valentine’s Day means one thing – chocolate! Go the healthy route and try dark chocolate fondue (70% cocoa or above) paired with fresh fruit like strawberries, pineapple or banana. Packed with flavonoids, the dark stuff helps prevent heart disease and lowers blood pressure, while fruits offer up antioxidants and vitamin C.
Strawberry Frosting “Shots”
Five ingredients, one seriously yummy dessert. Refrigerate a can of coconut cream, transfer a dollop to a bowl, and blend away with fresh strawberries, vanilla extract, stevia and sea salt to taste. Voila! Creamy, dreamy “shots” that taste like strawberry frosting without any of the guilt.
Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles
Craving something sweet and salty? We’ve got you covered. In a bowl, combine a ¼ cup of finely chopped salted pretzels with ½ cup of crunchy natural peanut butter (none of that sugar- and hydrogenated oil-filled stuff in the plastic jar!). Roll the mixture into about 20 balls, pop in the freezer for an hour, then roll the frozen balls in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets (about 30 minutes) and dig in!