Strawberries for Valentine’s Day

~ Lynn

I’m generally not a big fan of Valentines Day. The hype that surrounds it makes it very difficult to live up to if you are in a relationship, and very depressing if you are not. Commanding people to feel lovey-dovey on a particular day is really kind of silly.

Instead of ignoring the day as I usually do, this year I’ve decided to treat like we did in elementary school. Everyone gets a Valentine! (Read that with an Oprah delivery, ie “You get a card, you get a card, EVERYONE GETS A CAAARD!!!!”) And you, my dear readers, are getting TWO strawberry recipes today.

You might notice that there is no refined sugar in these treats, that’s because I don’t think they need any. If you feel either of them needs a little more sweetness for your tastes feel free to add some.

The first strawberry treat I have for you is a smoothie. I love these for breakfast when I’m in a rush. Just pour them into a portable cup and drink on your way to work. If you want to up the healthiness factor, you can add flax or chia seeds, or even some protein powder. (Note, I’m not a huge powder fan but protein in the morning is great way to get energy for the day.) If you want to up the indulgent factor, add some cocoa powder and sugar or other sweetener.

The second is something I like to make myself when I’m craving a creamy dessert but feel like doing any work. It’s quick and easy to put together, and the drizzle of maple syrup is a perfect finishing touch.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

(serves 1)

  • 1 Banana
  • 5-6 strawberries, cleaned and hulled
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt (or vanilla)
  • 1 cup milk (soy or almond also work)
  • mint leaves
  1. Put all ingredients in a blender and puree till smooth. Serve!

Strawberry and Ricotta Cup

  • Ricotta
  • Cinnamon
  • Maple Syrup
  • Strawberries, cleaned and sliced
  1. In a small bowl, mix ricotta, cinnamon, and a couple of tablespoons maple syrup.
  2. Put ricotta mixture in serving bowls, top with strawberries. Drizzle some maple syrup on top.

Enjoy!

19 thoughts on “Strawberries for Valentine’s Day”

  3. Can’t agreed more on your statement, in fact nowsday, most of the special occations too commercialise to follow.
    Having said that, your smoothie is too sweet to resist , it will def melt your love one’s heart! Happy V day!

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  6. I am not a huge valentine’s person either, it’s really just a Hallmark Holiday. I do enjoy making treats with the kids now, but my husband and I have never really celebrated it.
    Love both your simple, easy recipes here. Fresh strawberries, is there anything better???

    Reply

  9. A girlfriend of mine make a Strawberry Ricotta similar to that and always raves about it… what a good idea! I’m going to try it. We just came home with a nice basket of berries from the farmers market and this will be ideal!!

    Reply

  10. The first paragraph of your post precisely describes my feeling towards V day. And I’m not a frustrated single. I’m happily married. But I do find it a consumistic holiday that just delivers the message “today you have to show your appreciation to your beloved one”. I try to do that every day. And I like that you gave us 2 strawberries recipes that are amazing and really can be an everyday treat :)

    Reply

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