Valentine’s
Day is likened to the “Super Bowl” of romance! So, how can you spice it up?
Just use your imagination! I am sure you don’t need my help with that one
(forget the box of chocolate unless you are using it for foreplay…do I need to
explain?!?).
This “holiday”
who couldn’t use some extra hot spice in their relationship? It’s the hot stuff
that’s so good for us!
Did you
know that research shows “spice” is actually good for your stomach and can ward
off disease. Research also shows hot chili
peppers actually protect the stomach lining
and may prevent the gastric damage associated with anti-inflammatory
painkillers. They are high in nutrients such as calcium plus vitamins A and C,
and there’s some
evidence that hot chilies can reduce cardiovascular disease risk,
help prevent diabetes and boost metabolism. They may also have some ability to
prevent cancer.
Here’s a sweet drink to spice up
your day/nite:
Hot Chili Chocolate:
Warm up a cold winter day/nite with a cup of this spicy hot
chocolate. The added chili peppers give this drink an extra boost of vitamins A
and C.
2 cups 1% milk½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips or
1 oz bittersweet chocolate, grated
Heat milk over medium heat. Add vanilla, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Stir in dark chocolate chips (or chopped bittersweet chocolate) until melted. Pour into two mugs. Serves two.
And, what do you serve up your little ones on this special day? What about some delicious sweets that are healthy! My kids love the combo of oats and chocolate. And, for a real easy no fuss, no bake treat, try the “No Bake Thumbprint Cookie”.
No-Bake Thumbprint Cookies:
- 3/4 cup pitted dates
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cup smooth almond butter
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup 100% all-fruit preserves, such as cherry or apricot
In a food processor, pulse oats until coarsely ground; transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Transfer dates and reserved 1/2 cup soaking liquid to food processor and purée until smooth. Add date mixture, almond butter, coconut, orange zest and juice, cinnamon and salt to bowl with oats and knead together to make a dough.
Roll dough into 24 balls, transferring them to a parchment paper-lined sheet tray as done. Make an indentation in the middle of each cookie by pressing down with your thumb. Spoon a bit of fruit preserves into each indentation and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Or what about good ol’ fashioned “Chocolate Mousse”? Try it out. The secret sneaky ingredient is the avocado! How great! You don’t taste the avocado! It just adds a creamy texture! And, the best part is no one needs to know how you made it! All they will know is that it tastes great!
1/4 cup raw cacao powder *or unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 to 1/3 cup water
1/4 cup raw agave nectar*
1 avocado
*Raw cacao is considered a "superfood." It's unsweetened, unprocessed, unrefined chocolate. It's the real thing!
1) Peel the avocado and cut it into chunks.
2) Add all ingredients to your blender or food processor and blend until VERY smooth (there should be no chunks!). You may have to stop the blender and stir the mixture if it becomes too thick and prevents the blades from moving.
3) Once the mousse is completely smooth, you're done! Spoon into a bowl and refrigerate for two to three hours before serving. Will keep for several days.
And for those of you who don’t have the time to bake, let someone else do it for you! My good friend is an incredible baker. Cynthia owns CBK Cookies and Cakes at 337 E. 81st St. Her cookies and cakes are made with whole ingredients of milk, butter and eggs. While these ingredients are not low fat, when you eat only one or two cookies or a small slice of cake, as a special treat, and not every day, you won’t sabotage all your hard work. You can place a holiday order (do it soon as time is of the essence!), pick it up or send it fedex to your out of town sweethearts!
So, spice up this Valentine’s Day and with spicy and sweet and healthy treats!
