February is Heart Health Month AND Valentines Day so I wanted to share a recipe that would be fun to make for Valentines Day that is also Heart Healthy!!

So, first of all, what makes a food heart healthy?

Generally, it has a high amount of fiber and is low on saturated fats. Of course having other cardio-protective nutrients, like anti-oxidants is great too!!

This recipe has all of those qualities!!

The whole wheat flour and oats add more fiber than if we were to just use only white flour. Remember, whole grains are a great way to get fiber in!!
The oil used is canola oil. I feel like canola oil gets a bad wrap, but if we look at the types of fats that are in canola oil, it is mainly made up of unsaturated fats (poly and mono) compared to saturated fats… which is a good thing for your heart!!
Almonds are also high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats. These unsaturated fats can help increase your good cholesterol and decrease your bad cholesterol.
Chocolate and cherries contain antioxidants. Anthocyanins, flavanols and catechins to be exact!! Antioxidants protect our cells which ultimately help keep us healthy!!

So, now for the recipe!!

Heart Healthy Cherry Almond Chocolate Scones

Ingredients:

1 cup white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup sugar
1 TBSP baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup mix ins (I used almonds, dried cherries and mini chocolate chips)

How To:

Preheat oven to 400F
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Combine wet ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients in. Mix until just combined.
Place spoonfuls of batter on a baking sheet (recipe should make 18-24)
Sprinkle to tops with sugar if desired
Bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Do not over bake!
Enjoy!

This can be made into a balanced snack by adding some protein!! I ate mine alongside greek yogurt mixed with peanut butter and raspberries!!