Easy Valentine's Day Treats!
Feb. 13, 2025
By Mary Wade Burnside and Sarah Moore
Happy February! The days are getting longer and the snow has slowed down. It’s also the month that we celebrate Valentine’s Day too.
That’s one reason WIC Kitchen is presenting these colorful, easy-to-assemble holiday-themed treats.
Another is that because Monongalia County Health Department’s Morgantown WIC office was in the middle of a move at the end of January, we went for something that wouldn’t require too much time and kitchen space.
The Strawberry Snack Mix is not only pretty and healthy, it’s a great trail mix option for kids with nut allergies. This also makes it a safe goody to send to school for an event or party.
Strawberries are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber and manganese. They support immune health, aid in reducing inflammation, promote heart health and contribute to bone health and metabolism.
The Berry Heart Parfaits are not only healthy, featuring berries, yogurt and a bit of strawberry preserves, but they are also adorable. Cutting the strawberries with a notch in the top makes them look like hearts.
Blueberries are also high in antioxidants and vitamin C and help reduce inflammation and promote bone health. They also contain fiber, which supports brain health, boosts immunity and aids digestion.
Speaking of digestion, yogurt is a rich source of probiotics, in addition to protein and calcium.
Those ingredients also promote bone health, boost the immune system and potentially reduce the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis.
As for WIC’s new Morgantown location, our staffers are settling into their new digs at White Birch Towers at 1311 Pineview Drive, across from the J.D. Anderson Drive entrance to Mon Health Medical Center. MCHD WIC is in the second tower, which can be accessed easily by driving through the parking lot to the end of the second tower. The entrance is well marked!
Berry Heart Parfaits
Ingredients:
1 pint blueberries*
8 large strawberries, stemmed*
2 cups plain yogurt*
1 tablespoon strawberry preserves
Instructions:
Place blueberries in the bottom of the cup.
Slice the strawberries lengthwise and then cut a notch in the top to form heart shapes.
Place five strawberries inside the cups so heart shapes are visible through the glass.
In a small bowl, stir yogurt and preserves together.
Spoon the yogurt mixture into cups on top of the blueberries.
Continue layering blueberries, strawberry hearts and yogurt until the cup is full.
Serve and enjoy!
Strawberry Snack Mix
Ingredients:
1 14.5 oz box Very Berry Cheerios*
1 1.2 oz package freeze-dried strawberries (no sugar added variety recommended)
8 oz vanilla yogurt covered raisins
1 cup mini white chocolate chips
Instructions:
Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
Gently toss until everything's evenly combined.
Serve & enjoy!
*Ingredients with an asterisk next to them are available through Monongalia County Health Department WIC. Call us at 304-598-5181 for more information.