Pace Paw Print

Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Health

Media Credit: flickr.com Top your meal off with this delicious desert!

For the New Year, many people make resolutions to lose weight, work out, or tone up in some kind of way. After a month, people are still trying to live up to their plans. With Valentine's Day only one day away, the sweets, chocolates, and other junk food will be rolling in.

In addition, some people will be showered with dinners they love the most. If this is the case and your valentine is a health nut, here is an easy-to-follow recipe from mealmaster.org that is not only romantic, but a dish that both parties can enjoy.

Spaghetti with shrimp and sun-dried tomato is an easy dish to prepare and loved by many. The ingredients that need to be gathered are:

*

8 oz thin spaghetti *

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) *

2 teaspoons crushed fresh garlic *

1 lb cleaned raw shrimp *

½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil) *

2 tablespoons dry white wine *

½ cup chicken broth *

1 teaspoon dried rosemary *

¼ cup ground black pepper *

¼ cup minced fresh parsley

After gathering the ingredients, the directions are as follows:

"Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot. If desired, add the olive oil and toss to mix. Cover the pot and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add the garlic, shrimp, tomatoes, wine, broth, rosemary and pepper to the skillet and stir to mix. Cover and cook over medium heat for three minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and the tomatoes plump. Reduce the heat to low. Add the pasta to the shrimp mixture. Tossing gently, cook for a minute or two, or until the mixture is heated through. Toss in the parsley and serve immediately."

In total, this portion of the dinner contains 240 calories, six grams of total fat, one gram of saturated and polyunsaturated fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates, six grams of protein, and 411 milligrams of sodium.

At the side, a raspberry tossed salad works great with the shrimp and sun-dried tomato spaghetti. The ingredients include:

* 4 cups torn red leaf lettuce

* 5 ounces spring mix salad greens

* 1 cup fresh raspberries

* 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

* ½ cup julienne red onion

* ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

* ¼ cup pecan halves, toasted

* 2 tablespoons 100% raspberry fruit spread, melted

* 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar

To prepare, gather a salad bowl and "combine the first seven ingredients. In a jar with a tight filling lid,

combine fruit spread, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper; shake well. Pour over salad; toss gently to coat."

This salad has 102 calories, seven grams of fat, one gram of saturated fat, eight grams of carbohydrates, and three grams of protein. However, the meal is not over yet.

You cannot end a great Valentine's Day dinner without great dessert - dark chocolate-covered strawberries. To prepare the desert, gather six ounces of dark chocolate, three tablespoons of half and half cream, half a tablespoon of unsalted butter, and 20-30 large strawberries.

Simply combine the chocolate and cream in a one quart glass bowl and heat in the microwave for one and a half to two minutes. Stir occasionally and until smooth. Add the butter and stir until melted. This meal contains 114 calories, seven grams of total fat, five grams of saturated fat, zero grams of polyunsaturated fat, twelve grams, and one gram of protein. (This value is based on three dark-chocolate covered strawberries.)

Overall, the nutritional intake for this three course meal is recommended for those watching their waistlines but still want to enjoy a romantic dinner. Together, this meal is only 456 calories; something that would be difficult to find if eaten in a restaurant.

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