Valentine’s Day – The Pear Dish

Dark Chocolate Dipped Pears

Andrea Slonecker — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 00:40:58 +0000

Move over strawberries—chocolate dipped pears are a fresh twist on this decadent Valentine’s Day treat. Rich dark chocolate pairs perfectly with Red Anjou pears, which just so happen to be heart-check certified by the American Heart Association. (Happy National Heart Month!) Decorate your dipped pears with a variety of creative options for sprinkling, like nuts, coconut flakes, and even vivid red chile powder for a kick. With this thoughtful homemade gift, your Valentine will definitely be yours! Makes 32 2 USA Red Anjou pears (about 1 pound) 1 teaspoon Fruit-Fresh® Produce Protector 8 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 70% cacao), chopped Options for Sprinkling: Finely chopped pistachios or other nuts Flaky sea salt Shredded coconut Chile powder Curry powder Sesame seeds Chopped colorful dried fruit, such as apricots, cranberries, or goji berries Fill a medium saucepan with about 1 inch Continue reading →

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Love Your Heart!

Amy Kweller MS, RD — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 23:11:48 +0000

For centuries, the heart was thought to be the center of all thought processes and, therefore, responsible for emotions – particularly love. If you’ve ever been in love and felt your heart pound at the mere sight of your sweetheart, this makes sense! Although we now know that the heart does not control emotion, you should still love your heart. The heart is the epicenter of the body’s transportation system; through muscular contraction and relaxation it pumps blood through every single tissue to nourish and remove waste products. When the heart or blood vessels are damaged, such as from stress, inactivity, or a poor diet, there is an increased risk for hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and more. Researchers, again and again, suggest a diet high in plant foods – whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant oils, particularly Continue reading →

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A Pear of Hearts

Amy Kweller MS, RD — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:10:01 +0000

Not only is today Valentine’s Day, but February is American Heart Month. Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women, despite being preventable (CDC). Today, some of my culinary nutrition students presented current research on cardiovascular disease prevention with a focus on increasing antioxidants in the diet. Antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, are naturally occurring nutrients in plant foods that prevent damage to the body’s cells; this damage, called oxidation, is a primary cause of most chronic illnesses, including heart disease. To protect your heart and the hearts of those you love, the recipe for success is simple: Eat more fruits and vegetables! Brightly colored fruits and vegetables offer the strongest oxidation fighters, and also contain heart-healthy vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Want to make your valentine’s day and still indulge? Pair dark chocolate (flavonoids) and Continue reading →

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Will you be my Valentine?

Amy Kweller MS, RD — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:39:26 +0000

February is American Heart Month. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; it’s no wonder Valentine’s month is devoted to the heart! The best way to love your heart is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, exchange saturated fats for unsaturated fats, exercise, and manage weight and stress. From my personal experience in nutrition, most of us eat too many processed foods and not nearly enough plant foods packed with heart-healthy nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. Certainly, we don’t have to cut out foods we love; we simply need to creatively come up with healthier, more natural alternatives. Do something sweet for your heart this Valentine’s Day. Instead of an extravagant, high-calorie dinner, opt for a romantic dessert at home. Combine dark chocolate, rich in phytonutrients that may improve Continue reading →

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Have a Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day!

Amy Kweller MS, RD — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:02:50 +0000

I look forward to Valentine’s Day every year. It’s a day to celebrate love of family, friends, and chocolate! As a dietitian, I get many questions about the health benefits of chocolate. Is it true? Well, it is no coincidence that the American Heart Association chose February as American Heart Month. Well, maybe that’s because of Valentine’s Day, but the science is true. As part of an overall nutritious and physically active lifestyle, chocolate has a place! Specifically, cocoa contains agents protective against high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. These benefits are from flavonoids, a type of antioxidant; antioxidants have been shown to protect cardiovascular tissue by neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals. Like fruits and vegetables, cocoa is a plant food. However, how chocolate is manufactured tends to make it less than healthful. In Continue reading →

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