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History of Valentine's Day
One of the most popular theories as to how Valentine's Day started dates back to Roman times.
Emperor Claudius II of Rome, also known as Claudius the Cruel, was having a difficult time recruiting men as soldiers. He believed the men did not want to leave their sweethearts. Subsequently, he cancelled all engagements and marriages throughout Rome. St.Valentine, a priest in Rome at the time, decided to intervene. He began to secretly marry couples. For this, he was eventually arrested.
His death was not so romantic. He was beheaded on February 14th.
In 1537, England's King Henry VII officially declared February 14th as St. Valentine's Day.
Some fun facts about Valentine's Day
- Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for Valentine's Day in the late 1800's.
- More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day this year.
- Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine's Day in the U.S. each year.
- 189 million stems of roses are sold in the U.S. on Valentine's Day.
- Approximately one billion Valentines are sent out worldwide each year. This is second only to Christmas.
- 3% of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.
Why Chocolate?
Because chocolate makes us feel good!
Chocolate contains more than 500 natural chemical compounds, some of which have been categorized as mood-elevating and pleasure-inducing. One of these chemicals,
phenylethylamine, causes the release of endorphines in our bodies.
These hormones, which could be dubbed "happy hormones," are the feel-good chemicals that also get released in the brain when we exercise or do something pleasurable. They are also thought to be linked to any sense of euphoria. People who exercise on a regular basis enjoy a higher release of endorphines, sometimes leading to the well-known "runners' high." Endorphines give us an energy boost and also function as a natural opiate and pain killer. Endorphines are released in our brains when we fall in love.
Is it any wonder, then, that....
Casanova, known as "The World's Greatest Lover," ate chocolate to make him virile.
Physicians in the 1800's commonly advised their patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for lost love.
This Valentine's Day, offer up some high quality chocolate to your loved ones. The darker the better, as dark chocolate causes a higher release of endorphines. Dark chocolate is also one of the best sources of antioxidants.
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Welcome to Fiona's Granola
Happy Valentine's Day!
While February is inextricably linked with cupid, chocolate, and flowers, this month is also American Heart month, soon followed by National Peanut Month in March. So besides some interesting facts about Valentine's Day and the ultimate brownie recipe to wow your Valentine, our feature article focuses on the wonderful new addition to our product line: heart-healthy nuts!
At Fiona's Natural Foods, we offer five varieties of roasted nuts. Read on to learn more about these wonderful new treats.
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Nuts for Health
At long last, doctors are recommending eating one of our favorite snack foods for good health and a strong heart. A recent analysis published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that nuts eaten in moderation - no more than a handful a day - can significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Nuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium. Nuts are also high in plant sterols and fat - but mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - which have been shown to lower LDL, or "bad" cholesterol levels.
In 2003, the FDA recognized the benefits of nuts and their role in heart disease prevention. They approved a health claim for seven kinds of nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, and pistachios. These seven varieties were approved as they are the only ones that contain less than 4g of saturated fats per 50g. A typical serving is about 30g.
Information extracted from various sources.
Our roasted, flavored nuts are the first five in this list. Check out this wonderful new product line at fionasgranola.com. |
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Roasted Nuts from our Kitchen
Almonds
Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E -one serving provides 70% of the recommended daily allowance. They also have good amounts of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and fiber. They contain more calcium than any other nut. According to one study, individuals who ate a handful of almonds every day lowered their bad cholesterol level by 4.4%, and those who ate two handfuls of almonds every day lowered their bad cholesterol by 9.4%.
Fiona's Cinnamon Almonds
We think cinnamon and almonds are the perfect marriage. Bathed in aromatic cinnamon and pure agave nectar, our cinnamon almonds will make your taste buds jump for joy. Sweet and sassy, with a chewy crunch, these nuts might just accompany you everywhere!
Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, all the B vitamins, magnesium, and Vitamin E. Walnuts, in particular, have high amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids that may help keep blood vessels healthy.
 Fiona's Walnuts a L'Orange
These shiny golden nuggets are a crunchy, citrus-infused treat that will expand your culinary horizons. Bursting with pure orange essence, these exotic little tidbits are a heavenly delight for your senses and will please even the most discriminating palate.
Hazelnuts
A serving size of hazelnuts has 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Hazelnuts are an excellent source of Vitamin E and the B vitamins, including folate. They are also a good source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Fiona's Rosemary Hazelnuts 
Warning: these crunchy little morsels might be addictive. Aromatic and herby, unique and satisfying, our hazelnuts will satiate your munchies. Sprinkled with fresh rosemary and pure sea salt, we can't imagine a better snack!
Pecans
Just a handful of pecans contain Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, fiber, and antioxidants. A one oz. serving of pecans provides 25% more oleic acid than a one tablespoon serving of olive oil. Oleic acid helps reduce the risk of heart disease and breast cancer, and it enhances prostrate health.
Peanuts
Even though peanuts are not actually nuts, but legumes, they are a rich source of monosaturated fatty acids, magnesium, folate, Vitamin E, copper, arginine, and fiber. Eating peanuts just a few times a week can prevent the formation of gallstones while lowering the risk of colon cancer.
Fiona's Chipotle Pecans and Chipotle Peanuts
 
These zesty little gems are the perfect answer to your need for a little spice in your life. Even those with not-too-adventurous taste buds will fall in love with this unique blend. A dash of salt and a dash of spice...ooh, so nice! We use chipotle chili from the heart of Nuevo México. Even Pancho Villa would be proud. Olé!
Find all nut varieties at www.fionasgranola.com
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Fiona's Brownies with Nut Toppings
These exceptional brownies will be much appreciated by your Valentine!
5 oz. dark chocolate (70% +)
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup flour
Melt chocolate and butter in saucepan and stir together well. Stir in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; stir well. Add flour and stir until well blended. Spread into buttered 13" x 9" baking pan or a heart-shaped pan.
On top of 1/3 batter, sprinkle and lightly press in 1/2 cup Walnuts a L'Orange. On top of 1/3 batter, sprinkle and lightly press in 1/2 cup Cinnamon Almonds. On top of 1/3 batter, sprinkle and lightly press in 1/2 cup Chipotle Pecans.
Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Cool in pan and cut, separating the flavors.
Store in well-sealed container. Enjoy!!!
Fiona's favorite : Walnuts a L'Orange
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