Valentine’s Day is being celebrated by people all over the world today, to convey the wonderful feeling of love, in an earnest and heartfelt manner. This popular day, in remembrance of St Valentine, is associated with expressing love for the dear ones, on how truly we care for their wellbeing, in a unique and special manner.

Contrary to the belief that Valentine’s Day is only meant for couples, it is being celebrated these days among the family members – be it mother and daughter, father and son and even among siblings.

And what better way to secure an exclusive place in your valentine’s heart, than through their stomach? Taking inspiration from none other than the city of love – Paris, we bring you two mouthwatering, saccharine and delightful French pastry recipes. Also Read: Cool, Smooth Desserts Made With Agar-Agar

Made using wholesome, nourishing ingredients that contain essential nutrients including proteins, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, these strawberry banana crepes and berry-flavoured macaroons are the perfect means to give the gift of love and health, to your kith and kin, on this festive, romantic occasion.

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So what are you waiting for? Put on your chef’s hat and whip up these sugary treats, to impress your near and dear ones and make your V-day celebrations truly memorable.

Strawberry Banana Crepes

Give the French version of pancakes - sweet crepes - a healthy twist, by making the batter with whole wheat flour and flaxseed extracts, while garnishing the tasty dish with some garden-fresh, ripe and nutritious strawberries and bananas.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 cups milk

½ cup flax seeds

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp sugar

A pinch of salt

1 cup nutella chocolate spread

1 cup strawberries, cut into small slices

½ cup bananas, finely chopped

Method:

In a bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, milk, flax seeds, butter, sugar and salt, adding a little bit of water.

Transfer the contents of the bowl to a mixer and blend on high speed for a few minutes.

Pour this crepe batter into a vessel and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Heat a teaspoon of butter in a pan on medium flame, pour some batter and quickly swirl it into a circle.

Cook on one side until it turns light brown, then flip it over and repeat the same for the other side as well.

Place the crepe on a plate and spread a generous layer of nutella on one side.

Top it off with some fresh strawberry and banana slices, wrap it up and serve the nutella crepe warm.

Nutrition:

Whole wheat flour and bananas supply ample calories, carbohydrates and healthy unsaturated fats, thus serving as an instant source of energy, to ensure optimal metabolism. Milk is blessed with the goodness of calcium and magnesium, for strong and robust bones. Flax seeds comprise profuse amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, that maintain blood cholesterol levels within the normal range and augment heart functions. The remarkable amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants in strawberries assist in flushing out toxins from the system and boosting immunity. Also Check Out: Strawberries: Know How This Summer Fruit Keeps You Healthy - Infographic

Berry-Flavoured Macaroons

These soft, cream-filled pastries are a popular French dessert. Infuse some delicious flavours and bright colours, by adding some blueberry and raspberry syrup to the batter and enjoy the velvety-soft macaroons chilled.

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour

½ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup flax seed extract

2 tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter

½ cup powdered sugar

5 tsp blueberry syrup

5 tsp raspberry syrup

Method:

In two large clean bowls, mix equal amounts of the almond flour, granulated sugar, flax seed extract and salt, adding blueberry syrup in one and raspberry syrup in the other.

Whisk it using a mechanical stirrer, to obtain a homogenous batter.

Mould the batter into small, concentric circles, place it on the baking tray lined with a silicone mat and allow it to dry for about 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 1800 Celcius and bake the circles for about 10 minutes, until they become firm and rise up slightly.

Remove the baking tray from the oven and let the circles cool down to room temperature.

Beat the unsalted butter with powdered sugar in a vessel, until uniform paste forms.

Spread this creamy sweetened mix on one baked macaroon and sandwich it by placing another one on top.

Keep the macaroons in the fridge for about an hour and relish the cooled, chewy and absolutely yummy sweet treats.

Nutrition:

Almond flour and flax seeds, being packed with proteins and fibers, regulate appetite and promote weight loss. They also possess abundant reserves of iron, which assists in healthy red blood cell synthesis and transport in the body. Loaded with copious quantities of good fats, butter helps to facilitate better nutrient absorption and standard hormonal activity. Furthermore, it contains ample amounts of vitamins A and E, for enhanced eyesight and enriched skin texture. Blueberries and raspberries are a treasure trove of antioxidants, which eliminate harmful free radicals from the system and improve overall health.