Love, African Americans and Heart Health - What do they have in common?

February is the month of love, a celebration of the contribution made by African Americans and the month to think about what we can change in our lifestyles to reduce the risk of heart disease.  So many things to do and in only 28 days…let’s think of it as a jumping off point for a year filled with love, appreciation and good health!

 
Have you planned your Valentine's Day Dinner yet?
What a perfect time to show your main squeeze or special someone how much you adore him or her by preparing a meal laden with heart-healthy foods. 
Heart disease is a dangerous and silent killer -- and, contrary to what you may have heard, it's not a problem for men alone. For most people, heart disease is preventable. One of the most effective ways to prevent heart disease is through diet. (Of course, not smoking, exercising regularly, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check are also important in keeping heart disease at bay.)

Here is an easy low-calorie, higher protein recipe with only 17 grams of carbohydrate per serving that you can serve as a side dish or as an appetizer before the big meal.

Spinach Fontina Squares

from the kitchen of Candyce Mackbee


 Ingredients:
2 eggs
1/2 cup whole milk or almond milk
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour or Spelt flour (whole wheat can be substituted for half of the flour)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cube
4 oz Fontinacheese, cut into 1/2-inch cube
2 ounces (about 2 cups) spinach leaves, washed and dried or
2 - 10-ounce boxes frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (gently squeeze excess water with hands)
Directions:
•    Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat a 9x9-inch baking dish with olive to prevent sticking.
•    Beat eggs, milk, flour, salt, baking powder, melted butter, and yogurt or sour cream in mixing bowl on medium-low speed until smooth batter has formed.
•    Stir in cheese cubes and spinach. Pour into prepared pan, spread evenly with spatula, and bake about 35 minutes. Test center to make sure it isn't runny. Let sit about 10 minutes before serving.

Bon Appetit!

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." -Booker T. Washington 




Do you use the February celebrations to enrich your family togetherness time?