While it's known as the day for sweetness, there's no obligation to over indulge in store bought snacks or overly sweet treats to enjoy Valentine's Day. Spread the love with these better-for-you lunchbox recipes instead! 

 

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MUFFINS

Packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes, these gluten-free & naturally sweetened muffins are extra heart healthy and make for a guilt-free breakfast, snack, or dessert!  Double sized chocolate chips mimic mini kisses and add a fun touch for Valentine’s Day, too!

Use your Baking Trays for perfectly sized lunchbox treats!

 

Ingredients (Makes 10 Baking Tray loaves)

1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato

1 egg

3/4 cup maple syrup

½ cup milk of choice

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ avocado oil

1 ¾ cup oat flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup chocolate chips

 

Directions

1.Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray Baking Trays with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Mix sweet potato, egg, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and avocado oil with a blender until smooth.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt,

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

5. Fold in the chocolate chips and fill Baking Trays evenly.

6. Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

*Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days

PUFFED RICE HEARTS

Using simple puffed rice cereal cuts some of the sugar out, without compromising the flavor! 

Ingredients (Makes 13” x 9” tray)

6 Tablespoons unsalted butter 

10 ounces marshmallows + a handful for decoration

½ teaspoon vanilla

Pinch salt

1 cup freeze dried strawberries + a handful for decoration

4 ½ cups puffed rice cereal

Sprinkles, optional

 

Directions

1. Use a food processor to turn the strawberries into a powder.Lightly grease a 13” x 9” baking pan with butter.

2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

3. Add the marshmallows and stir over low heat until the marshmallows are just melted.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and then the crushed strawberries.

5. Stir in the cereal.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press into an even layer using a buttered spatula.

7. Sprinkle tops with mini marshmallows, freeze dried strawberries, and/or sprinkles.

8. Let cool for an hour.

9. Use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes.

*Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.