If you have a sweet tooth, you probably know that feeling that something chocolaty can solve almost all the world's problems. Very few snacks can lift the spirits quite like its rich and creamy melt-in-the-mouth taste but unfortunately, it's one of the most fattening snacks too. Luckily there is an alternative in the form of chocolate strawberries; they are healthy for you.
Chocolate was originally enjoyed as a bitter drink, like the Mayans and Aztecs had been making it for centuries before the Spanish Conquests. It was only at the end of the 18th century that it started becoming available as the solid confectionery most people know today. While it is high in fat and sugar and is definitely not good for you if you're watching your weight, it also has many health benefits, including the ability to help fight heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure.
Another cancer fighter is the strawberry with its high antioxidant and flavonoid content. It has more vitamin C than oranges and is a good source of manganese as well as potassium. To boot, each bite is a high-fiber, low-fat morsel of heaven.
Even better than something chocolaty and strawberries is a combination of the two. With only about 40 calories per portion, it's a much better option than, say, a cupcake, which has five times the amount of calories or a small, glazed doughnut with about three times the calorie content. Even a supposedly healthy treat like a granola bar can have as much as 100 to 200 calories.
Making the snacks is incredibly easy and you can even get the kids to help. You'll need to melt about a cup of chocolate for every dozen strawberries. Then simply wash and dry the fruit very well, take each one by the stem and dip it into the melted bliss. Twirl it around a bit to let the excess drip back into the bowl and then place on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
The type of chocolate to use is up to you. Try dark for the healthiest option or combine dark, milk and white. Less healthy but very pretty is to dip the treat in nuts or maybe add some sprinkles before placing it in the fridge.
The best way to melt chocolate is to chop it into pieces and place it in a bowl. Then place this over a pot of boiling water and let the steam melt it. Stir it to keep it smooth and remember to use dry utensils because water will make it go lumpy. An alternative is to microwave it but take care since it can burn very easily and then you won't be able to use it.
You can also buy chocolate strawberries ready made. Some confectioners even have delivery services so you won't have to leave the house to get this delicious snack. It's best to eat the treats within a day, while the fruits are still fresh and juicy. If you store them properly in an airtight container, you can keep them in the fridge for two days or so, provided that you have that much self control.
Chocolate was originally enjoyed as a bitter drink, like the Mayans and Aztecs had been making it for centuries before the Spanish Conquests. It was only at the end of the 18th century that it started becoming available as the solid confectionery most people know today. While it is high in fat and sugar and is definitely not good for you if you're watching your weight, it also has many health benefits, including the ability to help fight heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure.
Another cancer fighter is the strawberry with its high antioxidant and flavonoid content. It has more vitamin C than oranges and is a good source of manganese as well as potassium. To boot, each bite is a high-fiber, low-fat morsel of heaven.
Even better than something chocolaty and strawberries is a combination of the two. With only about 40 calories per portion, it's a much better option than, say, a cupcake, which has five times the amount of calories or a small, glazed doughnut with about three times the calorie content. Even a supposedly healthy treat like a granola bar can have as much as 100 to 200 calories.
Making the snacks is incredibly easy and you can even get the kids to help. You'll need to melt about a cup of chocolate for every dozen strawberries. Then simply wash and dry the fruit very well, take each one by the stem and dip it into the melted bliss. Twirl it around a bit to let the excess drip back into the bowl and then place on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
The type of chocolate to use is up to you. Try dark for the healthiest option or combine dark, milk and white. Less healthy but very pretty is to dip the treat in nuts or maybe add some sprinkles before placing it in the fridge.
The best way to melt chocolate is to chop it into pieces and place it in a bowl. Then place this over a pot of boiling water and let the steam melt it. Stir it to keep it smooth and remember to use dry utensils because water will make it go lumpy. An alternative is to microwave it but take care since it can burn very easily and then you won't be able to use it.
You can also buy chocolate strawberries ready made. Some confectioners even have delivery services so you won't have to leave the house to get this delicious snack. It's best to eat the treats within a day, while the fruits are still fresh and juicy. If you store them properly in an airtight container, you can keep them in the fridge for two days or so, provided that you have that much self control.
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