Some time ago, I received a phone call from a frantic mother asking for fun and healthy treats to bring to her child’s Valentine’s celebration at school. She needed these snacks to taste great while also obeying the school district’s wellness policy. What healthy substitute could she serve to convey the spirit of Valentine’s Day while pleasing all those sugar-loving taste buds? I let out a sigh as I experienced a quick flash-back to 1970 and thoughts of Terry, my fourth-grade crush. Anyone in my age bracket will remember the days when each child had to bring a shoebox to school to decorate with red construction paper hearts, paper doilies, and lots of glitter. This decorated box became your mailbox for all the valentines you would receive from your classmates. About two weeks before the big event, a letter was sent home from the teacher containing the name of every child in the classroom and parents were instructed to make sure that a valentine was provided for each child on the list so that no feelings would be hurt. Of course, these were also the days of "hand-made" valentines; no mass-produced, store-purchased valentines allowed. This project took days to complete as creativity and perfect penmanship were at an all-time high. A perfect valentine had to be created for each classmate to convey your true intent. Mixed messages could turn into mayhem in a classroom already charged with excessive energy and excitement. These days, some schools do not even allow Valentine's celebrations since they cut into valuable classroom time. Other districts allow an hour of fun, but the foods distributed during party time must comply with wellness policy guidelines. I have assisted several school districts with wellness plan development, so I know a thing or two about making smart substitutions for sugary Valentine’s treats. I have put together a list of three easy-to-make, healthy treats for your child’s Valentine’s party-- the same three treats that I suggested to the mother on the phone years ago. They were a hit with her child’s class, and hopefully you will find one to brighten up your child’s Valentine’s Day celebration as well. Remember, check with your child’s teacher about what food allergies are present in the classroom before bringing in anything edible. Oh yes, and if you are wondering about Terry’s response to my Valentine's question of “Do you like me?”, he circled 'yes' and carried my books to the bus stop later that afternoon. Ahhh! Young love at its best. Happy Valentine’s Day! Dietitian Becky Ruby Red Smoothies Ingredients: 1 cup strawberry yogurt 1 banana ½ cup orange juice 10 frozen strawberries To make: Place ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. For child-size portion, pour smoothie into plastic bathroom cups (3 ounce size). Servings: 14 Valentine Jewels Ingredients: 14 small rice cakes or 7 small bagels, cut in half 7 tablespoons cream cheese, nut butter, seed butter, peanut butter or hummus 7 strawberries Craisins, dried cherries, dried blueberries To make: Remove stem from strawberries. Rinse and pat dry. Cut in half. Spread ½ tablespoon cream cheese or other spread on each rice cake or bagel half. Have children decorate with strawberries and dried fruit. Servings: 14 Cupid's Arrows Ingredients: Celery sticks, 4 inches long, 3 per child Hummus, peanut butter, soynut butter, sun butter, or cream cheese Craisins, dried cherries, dried blueberries To make: Carefully cut celery into 4-inch sticks. Cut one end of each celery stick into a point. Spread the hummus, nut butter or cream cheese in the center of each celery stick. Top with dried fruit in fun designs. Or have children create their own. Serving size: 3 sticks per child |
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