6 minute read
Sweet, luscious snacks for loved ones
FOOD V alentine’s Day naturally brings thoughts of hearts, flowers, sweetness and love. Because it also occurs during American Heart Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to start taking care of your own heart and the hearts of loved ones.
Part of the charm of the day’s celebrations is in giving family and friends flavorful foods to enjoy from chocolates and candies to other sugary treats. However, the festivities don’t have to be completely focused on unhealthy bites in order to make someone feel special.
This year, it can be easy to share in the fun of Valentine’s Day by serving those you love with sweet, seasonal treats. For example, these Frosted Watermelon Cutouts make for ideal snacks for children and adults alike whether it’s an after-school treat or a sweet dessert with just three ingredients, heart-shaped cookie cutters and minimal time spent in the kitchen.
If you’re really looking to impress that special someone, this Watermelon and Chocolate Dessert Board calls for creativity and plenty of tasty morsels like berries, cashews, almonds and dark chocolate. Without any baking or cooking required, simply spread out the ingredients for a platter that’s just as visually appealing as it is appetizing.
Both recipes include the benefits of watermelon, which boasts plenty of vitamin C to boost the immune system’s defenses as a cholesterol-free, fat-free and sodium-free food. Plus, watermelon draws its red color from the powerful antioxidant lycopene (12.7 mg per serving), which may help protect cells from damage, and the healthy treat is American Heart Association Heart-Check Certified with just 80 calories per serving, making it the Sweet, luscious snacks for loved ones Frosted Watermelon Cutouts 1 seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-3/4-inch thick slices 4 brownie bites 1 cup frosting (any flavor) Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut shapes out of watermelon slices or simply use cut watermelon wedges, if desired. Top heart shapes with brownie bites and add frosting as desired.
perfect centerpiece for Valentine’s Day recipes.
Find more Valentine’s Day inspiration and recipes at watermelon.org. Watermelon and Chocolate Dessert Board Servings: 6-8 1/2 medium seedless watermelon, cut into wedges and cubes 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup fresh red cherries 1 cup strawberries, trimmed and halved 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup roasted, salted cashews 1 cup chocolate covered almonds 1 bar dark chocolate, broken into squares 1 cup coconut chips mint leaves, for garnish On serving board, arrange watermelon in center and surround with raspberries, cherries, strawberries, cranberries, cashews, almonds, chocolate and coconut chips. Scatter mint leaves around board for garnish. (Family Features) \ Pasticcino di Cioccolato con Lampone Individual chocolate cakes with fesh raspberries Makes 8 servings 1-1/3 cups cake flour, sifted 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 pint fresh raspberries Vegetable cooking spray Pinch of sea salt Preheat the oven to 325 F. Spray a standard muffin tin with nonstick spray or fill 8 of the cups with paper or foil liners. Sift the flour, 1/3 cup of cocoa, salt, and baking soda into a bowl and set aside. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and set aside. Combine the eggs and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Set the bowl over a pan partially filled with simmering water. The water should not touch the bowl. Using a whisk, beat the egg-sugar mixture until it feels very warm to the touch and all of the sugar has dissolved. Immediately remove the bowl from the heat and transfer it to the electic mixer. Whip the egg-sugar mixture on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until it triples in volume and is very thick and light colored. Add the vanilla and whip 2 to 3 seconds longer to blend. Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the flour-cocoa mixture. Place about 11/2 cups of the batter in a separate bowl and fold in the melted butter. Do this gently, as you do not want to overwork the batter. Fold this into the remaining batter. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted in the center of one cupcake comes out clean. Remove and cool completely on a rack. While the cupcakes are cooling, combine the heavy cream with the confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 2 tablespoons of cocoa, beat into soft peaks, and set aside. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and place them on dessert plates. Spoon the whipped cream on top, divide the raspberries among the plates and serve. (MC) \
PETS This common virus can affect young pups J uvenile dogs, much like their similarly aged human companions, have immature immune systems that develop over time as they gain more exposure to their environment.
Many dogs are immunized against certain harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses that can cause serious illnesses. But exposure to certain viruses may catch new pet parents off guard when their furry friends begin to exhibit symptoms.
Canine oral papilloma virus is a contagious DNA virus that can be spread anywhere dogs interact. It is common at dog parks, daycare facilities, overnight boarding houses, or even among multiple dogs in a household.
Transmission is spread through direct contact with an infected dog or through indirect contact from shared toys or communal water bowls, advises the pet health resource Vetstreet. Oral papillomas, also known as a respiratory obstruction. Treatment also may be necessary if the lesions oral warts, are typically small, benign tumors of the mouth caused by the papilloma virus. They can produce white or gray cauliflower-like eruptions on the lips, gums, mouth, and other mucous membranes, advises the Pet Health Network.
These papillomas typically affect young dogs under the age of two, as they are more susceptible to the virus due to an underdeveloped immune system. Immunocompromised dogs also may be affected.
A report in The Canadian Veterinary Journal says the growths can form after a roughly four-week incubation period. The oral lesions are usually mild in most cases and will not produce any discomfort or complications. In most instances, the papillomas will resolve themselves within a one- to two-month period. Treatment is not necessary for oral papillomas unless the case is severe and is affecting the animal’s ability to eat or drink or if the warts cause become infected. Because the virus often has a short lifespan with no long-term health consequences, many people do not seek confirmatory testing of the papillomas. Vets can typically perform visual examinations to determine if papillomas are the culprit. It is a good idea to have a vet diagnose papillomas to rule out cancerous lesions.
Once a dog has had the papilloma virus, he or she likely will not get it again, as immunity is established after exposure.
The virus is species-specific, so pet parents should not worry about catching it from slobbery kisses. However, owners should keep infected dogs away from other canines for a period of time to prevent spreading the virus.
Papillomas tend to look worse than they typically are, and will usually resolve themselves in due time. (MC) \ Canine oral papilloma virus is a contagious DNA virus that can be spread anywhere dogs interact.
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