Valentine’s Day Treats…A Little Chocolate Goes A Long Way

Valentine’s Day always gets kids excited.

After Halloween, it’s the second-best reason to indulge in chocolate. As parents, we don’t want them to go overboard, so moderation is key.

You can limit their intake by making snacks that satisfy their cravings without the “sugar high” worry. Plus, too much candy is bad for their teeth and overall diet.

These three recipes are tasty and healthful too. The chocolate flavor is front and center, and the kids won’t realize they are getting lots of nutrition along the way.

Choco-nana Smoothie

A tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Large ripe banana

Cup low-fat milk (or milk alternative)

Small container banana baby food

2 teaspoons brown sugar

5-6 ice cubes

Blend everything until smooth in a blender and serve immediately. Kids love the creamy consistency. It’s even good for a quick breakfast.

“Berry” Good Chocolate Oatmeal

Packet instant oatmeal (plain)

3/4 cup low-fat milk (or milk alternative)

One tablespoon dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Tablespoon honey

1/2 cup raspberries

1/2 cup sliced strawberries

Prepare oats as directed with milk. Add more if you like a thinner consistency. Stir in the cocoa powder, honey, berries, and chocolate chips. Kids love seeing those chips melt into the oatmeal.

Celery Stalks With Something Sweet

3 celery stalks, washed and completely dried, cut into 4-inch segments

2 tablespoons nut (or seed) butter of choice

2 tablespoons raisins

Tablespoon dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Spread the nut butter inside each celery stalk segment and press the raisins and chocolate chips evenly distributed onto each. Serve as an after-school snack…perhaps with a glass of low-fat chocolate milk!

Any recipes you’d like to share?

For more information like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs.

By: Melissa A. Kay