Valentine's Day - Woo Your Sweetheart with Valentine Sweets that are Good for Her Heart

(ARA) - Whoever coined the phrase “If music be the food of love, play on” probably never sank his teeth into a chocolate-covered strawberry. The perfect application of chocolate and sincere ardor has been known to melt more than one frosty heart. And contrary to Americans’ ever-growing interest in weight-loss and nutrition, sweets remain one of the most popular ways to woo your Valentine. Research increasingly shows even the most decadent sweet, when consumed in moderation, can offer some health benefits. Lovers tired of giving the same old box of chocolates can now pursue their hearts’ desire with updated romantic treats and some persuasive facts about their healthful appeal.

Chocolate

With the average American eating more than 10 pounds of chocolate every year, chocolate is the favorite flavor of more than 50 percent of people in the United States, studies show. Research also indicates that chocolate may help prolong life by lowering bad cholesterol. And you’ll enjoy life more when eating chocolate because it contains ingredients that both relax and stimulate.

“Chocolates are the top-selling candy for Valentine’s Day,” says Ken Bain, owner of Mary of Puddin Hill, creative confectioners who specialize in updating familiar favorite sweets. “But a guy doesn’t have to give a big, pink heart-shaped box to make an impression with chocolate.” Try a box of all dark chocolates – the type of chocolate with the greatest health benefits – available at www.puddinhill.com. Tastefully presented in a gold foil box, your sweetheart will also be impressed that you gave her something that’s actually good for her heart.

For the ultimate combination of romance and sophistication, try chocolate- enrobed strawberries. The popular Valentine’s treats are the perfect marriage of chocolate’s indulgence and health benefits, with the wholesome goodness and antioxidant punch of fresh strawberries. Mary of Puddin Hill totally enrobes its fresh strawberries in pure milk or dark chocolate, unlike some companies who only dip their strawberries in a chocolate coating mixture. .The company also offers traditional chocolate-covered cherries made one at a time.

Pecans

Arguably, nuts are not at the top of most people’s list of romance-inspiring foods. But most Americans love nuts, and there is no debating their health benefits. Take the pecan.

Research shows that vitamin-rich pecans, which are full of the unsaturated fats that scientists tell us are good for our hearts, can help lower your cholesterol, according to the National Pecan Shellers Association (www.ilovepecans.org). Those “good fats” also help you feel fuller sooner, so pecans can contribute to your weight loss efforts, the NPSA says.

To blend the health benefits of pecans and chocolate, Bain’s team created a chocolate pecan cake. Crisp Texas pecans are enfolded within a mix of fruits and light cake highlighted with lots of pure dark chocolate morsels. After baking, white chocolate is drizzled on top. “Adding chocolate was the only way we could think of to actually make our original Texas pecan cake taste ever better,” Bain says. For those who like to go large with their Valentine’s gift, Mary of Puddin Hill also offers a praline pecan pie that is topped with a thick layer of rich dark chocolate. Apricots

In addition to being loaded with fiber (and who today doesn’t know the benefits of a fiber-rich diet), apricots are high in beta-carotene and lycopene, two compounds that promote heart health. Apricots also contain lots of vitamin A, which is linked to healthy eyes. For an unusual chocolate-dipped fruit experience, try apricots. Bain’s confectioners hand dip Australian apricots in luxurious dark chocolate.

“Food is still one of the most personal and romantic gifts,” Bain says. “With a little creativity, you can show you care by giving a treat that not only warms your loved one’s heart, but is also good for it too!”

For more updates of traditional Valentine’s Day treats, visit Mary of Puddin Hill at www.puddinhill.com, or call (800) 545-8889.