Some Healthy Ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day can of course mean a lot of candy but it can also mean a lot of artificial food dyes which aren't good for anyone and could be very problematic for some kids.  For more information check out this post on "Naturally Red" Valentine's Day parties.


The Spoonfed blog also has a number of posts on the problems with petroleum-based food dyes. Read one here and see where it takes you.

 Nutrition committee member Nina Livingston shared this with us that she creates natural red coloring in food: " I use things like concentrated pomegranate juice, concentrated cranberry juice, or pureed fruit.  You can use beet juice for a gorgeous pink color too."

In fact, you can make red heart-shaped pancakes naturally with this recipe from Weelicious - no artificial dyes - just beets (don't tell the kids -- or do, up to you.)  

And finally, check out this Bento Blog on how to make really cute heart-shaped tomatoes (It's not hard! They are red!)