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Healthy Finger Foods for Valentine’s Day!

Insider's Viewpoint: Heidi Diller, Albertsons

Valentine’s Day means… Romance. Love. Candlelight. There is no better way to celebrate the feelings of the heart than with a romantic meal at home. The most romantic foods are finger foods because… feeding your partner is fun. Foods perfect for a night of romance include fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce, vegetables and fondue, and steamed artichokes with stuffing. Here are some fun-filled recipes to help you spark the romance this month:

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
 
  • 1 pint fresh Strawberries with long stems
  • 5 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped

Preparation:
In a microwave-safe bowl, or in the top of a double boiler, warm chocolate until melted. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth. Holding berries by the stem, dip each one in molten chocolate, about three-quarters of the way to the stem. Place, stem side down, on wire rack and chill in refrigerator until hardened.
 

Stuffed Artichokes
Serves 2.
 
  • 2 whole artichokes
  • 2 slices Italian bread, cubed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
  1. Snip the pointed tips of artichoke leaves, and cut off the stems. To open the artichoke for stuffing, hold it by the base, and firmly rap the top on a hard surface.
  2. In a medium bowl combine bread cubes, garlic, parsley, romano cheese, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper, and mix well.
  3. Press the stuffing into each artichoke separating the leaves with your fingers. Stuff the center as well as between the leaves. Tightly pack stuffed artichokes together in a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven. Add an inch of water.
  4. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for one hour, or until leaves pull out easily. Check water level occasionally to make sure it doesn’t all evaporate.
 

Happy (Healthy) Valentine’s Day!

Heidi Diller, RD
Nutritionist
Albertsons

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