This Valentine's Day, we're celebrating love in its most nourishing form, through food that heals, comforts, and brings us together. At Astera Cancer Care, we understand that cooking for someone you love is one of the most powerful ways to show you care, especially during treatment.
Whether you're a patient looking to prepare something special or a caregiver wanting to create a memorable meal, these three heart-healthy recipes are designed with both nutrition and taste in mind. They're gentle on the digestive system, packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients, and most importantly, made with love.
Honey-Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and help reduce inflammation. This dish is also high in protein, essential for maintaining strength during treatment.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- Place the salmon fillets on the same baking sheet and brush generously with the honey-lemon glaze.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh dill and serve warm.
Creamy Strawberry-Banana Smoothie Bowl
This beautiful, nutrient-dense breakfast or dessert is easy to digest, customizable, and visually stunning, perfect for Valentine's Day morning.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of frozen strawberries
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- Toppings: fresh berries, granola, chia seeds, sliced almonds, coconut flakes
Instructions:
- Blend frozen strawberries, banana, yogurt, almond milk, and honey until smooth and thick.
- Pour into two bowls.
- Arrange toppings in a heart pattern or decorative design.
Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries with Sea Salt
Sometimes the simplest gestures are the most meaningful. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C, plus, they're a classic Valentine's treat.
Ingredients:
- 12 large fresh strawberries
- 4 oz of dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a double boiler or microwave
- Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into melted chocolate
- Place on parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Valentine's Day and Beyond
- Make it a Shared Experience: If you're feeling up to it, cooking together can be a wonderful way to connect with loved ones. Even simple tasks like washing berries or stirring ingredients can become meaningful moments.
- Listen to Your Body: During treatment, appetites and taste preferences can change. Don't hesitate to adjust seasonings, portion sizes, or ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Focus on What Brings Joy: The most important ingredient in any meal is the love and intention behind it. Whether you're cooking for someone or being cooked for, take a moment to appreciate the care that goes into each dish.
This Valentine's Day, food is medicine, but it's also comfort, celebration, and love. We hope these recipes bring warmth to your table and remind you that even during challenging times, there are moments of sweetness to savor. From all of us at Astera Cancer Care, Happy Valentine's Day. Here's to health, healing, and cooking with love.