Treat Yo’ Self (and Your Sweetie): Valentine Treats that aren’t Candy

January 31, 2019
| Created by Hannah Langley, MS, RDN, CD

Valentine’s Day is here! Time to scramble and make plans for a special day with the sweethearts in your life. Candy and chocolate are rarely a bad idea, but if you’re looking for something a little less, well, sweet to brighten up your day, we’ve got you covered. Hint: It’s not hard!

Start with (pink) breakfast. Give your special someone a few more minutes in bed and an energizing start to their day with a festive smoothie. Use your favorite smoothie recipe and make sure there are plenty of strawberries or raspberries. You can’t go wrong with this peanut butter and jelly smoothie from Dietitian Ashley. Heart-shaped strawberries on top are a bonus.

Splurge on seafood. There is no better time than V-Day to cook a romantic meal with the finest seafood. Harmons takes great pride in the quality and freshness of their seafood. It’s worth every penny. Give it a try!

Shrimp scampi from chef Lesli (use whole wheat pasta for a health kick)

Cajun shrimp linguine from dietitian Kayla

Celebrate with cheese. Nothing says “I love you” like a favorite specialty cheese or, even better, cheeseboard. Talk to your Harmons cheesemonger to make a lovely selection.

Capitalize on strawberries. This is a bit of a no-brainer, but always a winner. Enjoy as a snack or dessert. Not a berry fan? Show your love with our best in-season citrus: sumo tangerines.

Hearts. Hearts. Hearts. Cutting things into heart-shapes makes even the mundane super special for kids and adults. Grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter and go to town on sandwiches, fruit slices, pancakes, tortillas — you name it.

Go beyond food. Dress up your space with Valentine-themed napkins, a mug, or dish towels. You’ll find all these at your Harmons store. Pick up a cute card and write a meaningful message to a loved one.

Use fragrances. Pamper yourself or loved one with a new candle or bath. Soap Lady has you covered.

Flowers. Cliché, maybe, but you can’t go wrong with flowers, cut or potted. Try something new like a succulent or air plant.

Make it personal. Treating yourself or your loved one doesn’t have to mean red, chocolate, and hearts. Think about what would be a true treat — an experience or mini-adventure together, a favorite nail polish, a bag of coffee beans or jar of olives, the expensive kind of kombucha, a chore done without asking — then splurge a bit!