We often celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving candy hearts, chocolates and flower bouquets to our loved ones. Even though these are classic and beloved Valentine’s Day gifts, there are other ways to celebrate the holiday and show the people you love how much you care about them.
This upcoming Valentine’s Day, consider doing something different than years before. Strive for a mix of fun and wellness by trying some of the following activities.
Other Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
- Consider a fun Valentine’s activity that’s different from the usual dinner out. How about taking your family ice skating, bowling or hiking? Spread some love this holiday by doing something active and engaging.
- Tell your loved ones how you feel. Spread the love by leaving notes of appreciation, affection and encouragement. You can lift someone’s mood or make their day by taping a note to the bathroom mirror or putting it in their lunchbox.
- Try heart-shaped foods. A heart-shaped cookie cutter can make your food cute and festive! You can make heart-shaped pancakes, watermelon bites or even peanut butter sandwiches. Don’t stop there! Arrange fruit for a party in a heart-shaped pattern for a fun and healthy dinner side.
- Modify some traditions. Instead of school Valentines attached to a sweet treat, try pencils, bracelets or stickers for a different type of fun.
- Spread the love with your actions. You feel good when you do good things for others. Try sending a card to a far-away friend, drop off some cookies at a nursing home, or take a moment to visit with an elderly neighbor. Little moments can spread joy to so many.
- Have a family night in. Instead of going to dinner at a restaurant, cook together in your kitchen as a family. Let your kids choose what to eat and have them help with dinner.
- Plan a Valentine-themed fun night. Consider going dancing, doing a heart scavenger hunt or watching a Valentine movie. There’s nothing better than simple time together.
- Modify some of your favorite treats. There are many ways to make treats taste delicious with less sugar and calories.
Try This Chocolate Souffle Recipe
Source: EatingWell.com
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 2 1/2 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 large egg, separated, plus 2 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Confectioners sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions:
Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 375 F. Lightly coat two 10-ounce ramekins with cooking spray; coat the insides of each with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Place chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
Whisk egg yolk and cream in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk in the chocolate until smooth, then whisk in flour and cinnamon until incorporated.
Beat egg whites and salt in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Beat in the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in four additions, until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold half the beaten whites into the chocolate mixture until fairly smooth. Next, gently fold this combined mixture back into the remaining egg whites until no white streaks remain.
Divide between the prepared ramekins and place on a baking sheet. Bake until puffed and firm to the touch, 18 to 22 minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar, if desired. Serve immediately.
