A ‘berry’ delicious Valentine’s Day treat
Valentine’s Day is notorious for two typical gifts: roses and chocolate. This year, think about sharing your love in a new way…
Show your love with berry bark
This berry delicious snack recipe – developed by McMaster Children’s Hospital’s Children’s Exercise and Nutrition Centre (CENC) and Meant2Prevent (M2P), a youth type 2 diabetes prevention initiative – is a fun alternative to the usual niceties.
“This recipe for frozen yogurt bark is a nutritious recipe that families can add to their regular routine as well as Valentine’s Day,” says Stephanie Tibelius, registered dietitian in the CENC. “The fruit provides a source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. The yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium. For Valentine’s Day, you can add some chocolate chips on top or drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate.”
Sharing loving moments
Dr. Sheri Nsamenang
Frozen yogurt bark is also a great alternative for people who perhaps don’t enjoy chocolate or even the novelty of Valentine’s Day. Two years into this pandemic, some may find it hard to celebrate for their own reasons. One way you can still enjoy this February occasion is by reflecting on and celebrating your relationships with people you’re close to.
“Families can create a family V-Day tradition by intentionally communicating love and sharing loving moments with each other,” says Sheri Nsamenang, child psychologist at the CENC. “Some ways to do this are sharing a special ‘love’ meal together, expressing appreciation for one another, playing a game or enjoying a movie night, or doing something else as a family for your neighbour or community.”
Plan to make this tasty treat part of your celebration of love – for Valentine’s Day or anytime! Check out the recipe and video for Frozen Yogurt Bark:
Frozen Yogurt Bark (makes 6-8 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt (at least 2% fat)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 a ripe banana
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mango, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, plastic wrap, or waxed paper.
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Spread over the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer about ¼ inch thick.
- Blend the banana and strawberries together in a blender until smooth. Swirl this through the Greek yogurt layer. Scatter the chopped mangoes and strawberries overtop.
- Freeze for 4 hours or overnight. Break into pieces and serve.
