It is a rare person that doesn’t love getting chocolate and sweets for Valentine’s Day. But so many of us have a goal of getting healthier and don’t want to wreck that goal in celebration of love. However, we still want to celebrate! Central Ozarks Medical Center understands, and we want to help! So we have four easy recipes for some tasty treats you can have with your valentine this year that won’t leave you feeling like you have blown your health goals. If you are interested in some healthier options for some tasty Valentine’s Day snacks, we think you will love this blog.
ZIPPY SHRIMP SKEWERS
Ingredients
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
3/4 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Directions
In a large shallow dish, combine the first 7 ingredients; add shrimp. Turn to coat; cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
Drain and discard marinade. Thread shrimp onto 6 metal or soaked wooden skewers. Grill, uncovered, on a lightly oiled rack over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat until shrimp turn pink, 2-3 minutes on each side.
Nutrition Facts
1 skewer: 57 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
SPICY ALMONDS
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 large egg white, room temperature
2-1/2 cups unblanched almonds
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. In another small bowl, whisk egg white until foamy. Add almonds; toss to coat. Sprinkle with spice mixture; toss to coat. Spread in a single layer in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Spread on waxed paper to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
1/4 cup: 230 calories, 20g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein
BLACK BEAN BROWNIES
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
3 tablespoons canola oil
3 large eggs, room temperature
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions
Place the beans, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, and oil in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Add eggs, brown sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking powder, and salt; cover and process until smooth.
Transfer to a parchment-lined 8-in. square baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Nutrition Facts
1 brownie: 167 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
BLUE CHEESE-STUFFED STRAWBERRIES
Ingredients
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 ounces fat-free cream cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
16 large fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans, toasted
Directions
Place vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in blue cheese. Remove stems and scoop out centers from strawberries; fill each with about 2 teaspoons cheese mixture. Sprinkle pecans over filling, pressing lightly. Chill until serving. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition Facts
1 stuffed strawberry: 36 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Central Ozarks Medical Center!
We hope you’re excited about trying at least one of these four recipes with your sweetheart. We found them all on www.tasteofhome.com and thought they would be appealing to anyone who is counting calories, fat content, or just trying to look out for their health. Our health clinics in mid-Missouri are dedicated to helping to improve the health of citizens in the communities we serve. Our health care providers in central Missouri are here to help you reach your health goals and support your efforts. For all your dental, mental, and health care needs in the Lake of the Ozarks area, reach out to us anytime. The contact information for all our locations is provided on our website. To stay informed with all our latest news and health-related information, don’t forget to follow us on social media. We have links to our channels listed below.
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