Restaurants will be crowded tomorrow, while couples and sweethearts share romantic candlelit meals. Bars and clubs will be serving cocktails and love-inspired liquid creations, many at greatly elevated prices. Maybe you and your partner will be avoiding the crush, the expense or simply trying to spend time alone together. If you are planning to design your own Valentine’s Day menu, then here are some healthy and pretty suggestions on pink and red fruits you may wish to include:
• Pomegranate – if you don’t feel like taking a pomegranate apart (instructions here, if you do: http://allrecipes.com/video/716/how-to-seed-a-pomegranate/detail.aspx), then buy the seeds (actually known as arils) already removed from the fruit and use them in recipes like this delicious salad, from Martha Stewart’s website: http://www.marthastewart.com/274743/pomegranate-recipes/@center/276955/seasonal-produce-recipe-guide#255166.
• Raspberry – delicious as a sauce to serve over chocolate desserts, cheesecake, even chicken dishes. Here are some ideas: http://southernfood.about.com/od/berries/r/bl60403a.htm.
• Strawberry – so versatile and delicious all on their own, strawberries can be used in a multitude of recipes. Here are some delightful ideas: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/healthy-strawberry-recipes-00412000067251/.
• Pink grapefruit – look how good grapefruit is for you: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=25. Try something different, like this pink grapefruit with scallops recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Scallops-with-Pink-Grapefruit-10249.
• Blood orange – try this nutrient-packed fruit in this sorbet recipe: http://www.annies-eats.com/2012/03/09/blood-orange-sorbet/.
• Plum – aside from desserts, plums can be used to create scrumptious entrees. When paired with pork, the flavor is unbeatable. Try this recipe, where pork is stuffed with a mixture that includes plums: http://foodetcblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/pork-fillet-stuffed-with-plums-ginger-and-thyme/.
• Cherry – try this easy but beautiful dessert: http://www.dianasdesserts.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipes.recipeListing/filter/dianas/recipeID/293/Recipe.cfm.
• Watermelon – great in cocktails, added to salads, soups, and simply on their own, watermelon is a wonderful light addition to your Valentine’s Day menu. Here are some ideas: http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/watermelon-recipes-00417000068815/.
• Rhubarb – try this totally yummy rhubarb crisp recipe. Serve with ice cream or vanilla yogurt: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Rhubarb-Crisp.
• Red currant – though not widely available, red currants give a nutritious burst to any recipe. Try this gorgeous individual mousse dessert: http://honestcooking.com/2012/07/19/summer-dessert-red-currant-mousse/.
• Cranberry – start your Valentine’s Day with a delectable breakfast that includes cranberry orange bread – yum! Here’s a recipe to try: http://www.joyofbaking.com/breakfast/CranberryOrangeBread.html.
• Guava – as a special treat, try a margarita made with guava juice. Juice your own guavas, or find the juice at places like Trader Joe’s, ethnic markets, and Wegmans. Even the food section of some Walmart stores sell guava juice. Enjoy the dramatic color and luscious, unique taste: http://www.barnonedrinks.com/drinks/by_ingredient/g/guava-juice-527.html.
Any and all of these pink and red fruits can be included in everyday recipes as well as special treats. Color your table with a rainbow of heart-healthy vegetables, fruits and berries, and help to keep yourself and your loved ones in the pink.
Comments