Round Up! Random Foodie Finds: Recipes and Healthy Eating Tips

When this foodie blog was started back in 2016, I made it clear that "its purpose is to share food finds for food lovers, recipes, cooking tips, and all things foodie!" 

Staying true to the purpose, it's been almost 10 years, and as they say: Time flies when you're having fun! This blog post includes recipes to encourage you to eat your fruits and veggies and a link to an informative article published by the American Cancer Society for reducing the risk of cancer.

Photo by Eaters Collective on Unsplash

American Cancer Society: Avoid Meat to Reduce Cancer Risk | livekindly.co : The American Cancer Society (ACS) unveiled its new guidelines for reducing the risk of cancer. The organization advises people to eat less red and processed meat and more whole, plant-based foods. …

Mexican Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa & Black Beans (vegan & gluten-free) | momswhosave.com :  A delicious recipe for Mexican stuffed peppers with quinoa and black beans. This recipe is vegan (& gluten-free), but some melted some cheese on top, or a dollop of sour cream would be tasty …

11 Best Indian Mango Recipes To Try At Home | food.ndtv.com : 
The best of our Indian mango recipes for you to try at home. Let's just agree that the primary reason for most of us to wait for the peak summer season is only the… 

20 Minute Vegan Meals - Rainbow Plant Life https://t.co/b6djzJM2Ax

— Joie de Vivre Magazine (aka My Fox Nooze) (@FoxMarks_ATX) May 11, 2026

10 Healthy Valentine's Day Desserts | KaleJunkie ❤️ (Reblog)

Sweet, Simple, and Better‑for‑You Valentine’s Day Treats ❤️

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean complicated baking or sugar-heavy indulgence. Sometimes the most heartfelt desserts are the ones that feel good to eat and easy to make — and this collection delivers just that.

ETERSION Heart Cookie Cutter 5 Pieces 5 Sizes

👩‍🍳 This roundup comes from Nicole Modic, the creator behind Kalejunkie, known for her wholesome, approachable recipes. Her post, “10 Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts” (2022), highlights treats that are festive, flavorful, and aligned with a balanced lifestyle.

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What You’ll Find in Her Roundup

Modic’s list features ten thoughtfully curated recipes ranging from chocolatey classics to fruity, no‑bake favorites. Each dessert leans into whole ingredients, simple methods, and nutrient‑forward swaps — perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate love without feeling weighed down. The post is easy to browse and offers options for different tastes, dietary needs, and time constraints.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Valentine’s Day desserts have evolved over centuries. The tradition of gifting sweets gained momentum in the Victorian era, when ornate confections symbolized affection and luxury. Chocolate, in particular, became tied to romance thanks to innovations in cocoa processing that made it more accessible and more decadent.

Heart‑shaped treats also have deep cultural roots. In medieval Europe (around the 13th and 14th centuries), the heart symbol was associated with courtly love, and by the 17th century, it became a common motif in pastries and decorative foods. Today, heart‑shaped cookies, cakes, and chocolates remain some of the most iconic Valentine’s Day desserts.

Sources (MLA 9):

• Grivetti, Louis E., and Howard‑Yana Shapiro. Chocolate: History, Culture, and Heritage. Wiley, 2009.
• Mintz, Sidney W. Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History. Penguin Books, 1985.

🔗 Explore the Full Recipe Collection

Modic, Nicole. “10 Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts.” Kalejunkie, 10 Feb. 2022.

Healthy Dessert Recipes for Valentine’s Day 💖 (Reblog)

Healthy Valentine’s Day Treats Worth Falling For ❤️ 

If you think Valentine’s Day automatically means sugar overload, think again. There’s a whole world of desserts that feel indulgent but still keep things light, fresh, and nourishing—and this roundup delivers exactly that. 

Gift Boutique Valentine Heart Shaped Gift Boxes 3 Pack 

This delicious collection comes from Rachel Conners of Bakerita, who specializes in gluten‑free, dairy‑free, and refined‑sugar‑free baking. 

• Her post, “50+ Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts (Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free)” (2021), is a treasure trove for anyone who wants festive treats without compromising on dietary needs.

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What You’ll Find in Her Collection

Conners curates more than fifty+ recipes ranging from chocolate‑dipped delights to fruity bars, creamy tarts, and elegant cakes—all crafted with whole‑food ingredients. The post is organized so readers can quickly browse categories and pick desserts that match their mood, skill level, or dietary preferences. It’s a celebration of flavor-forward baking that doesn’t rely on traditional dairy, gluten, or refined sugar.

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Valentine’s Day desserts have a surprisingly rich history.

Chocolate became tied to romance in the 1800s, when Richard Cadbury began marketing heart‑shaped boxes filled with cocoa confections—a clever move that helped cement chocolate as the holiday’s signature gift.

And strawberries? Their association with love goes back even further. In medieval Europe, they symbolized purity and passion, and were often served at festivals celebrating love and fertility. Today, pairing strawberries with chocolate remains one of the most iconic Valentine’s Day treats.

Sources (MLA 9):

• Grivetti, Louis E., and Howard‑Yana Shapiro. Chocolate: History, Culture, and Heritage. Wiley, 2009.
• Wilson, Bee. “The Strange History of Valentine’s Day Treats.” The Guardian, 14 Feb. 2015.

🔗 Explore the Full Recipe Collection

Conners, Rachel. “50+ Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts (Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free).” Bakerita, 2 Feb. 2021.

Foodie Nuggets: Traditional Meal on the Sabbath

I am always interested in learning about world cuisine.  I especially like Jewish food or Israeli cuisine.  In a social community where I am an active member, people love to share food-related posts.  One of the members, Vasya007, shared a post about cholent or hamin (see below).  I was inspired to look up some recipes and additional information..  

“Cholent or hamin is a traditional Jewish stew. It is usually simmered overnight for 12 hours or more, and eaten for lunch on Shabbat. Cholent was developed over the centuries to conform with Jewish laws that prohibit cooking on the Sabbath.”  (Wikipedia)

Image credit: Gilabrand - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

TRY THESE RECIPES:

What Is Cholent? Plus: A Tasty and Easy Cholent Recipe - Shabbat 

Authentic Hamin Recipe - Jamie Geller 

The Best Cholent Recipes From Around the Jewish World - Jewish World - Haaretz.com

Cholent: A Delicious History - aish.com Kosher Recipes, Family

Cholent: The Sabbath Stew | My Jewish Learning