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.
Strawberries covered in chocolate combine the best of the two foods and are a much less fattening option than most snacks too. There are about 40 calories per delicious morsel, depending on its size and the ingredients used. Compare this to the more than 120 calories in a small glazed doughnut or the almost 200 calories in a cream-filled cupcake with frosting. Even a mini doughnut without sugar or glaze has almost 60 calories. A granola bar can have between 100 and 200 calories, depending on the type.
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.
For variety, try different types of chocolate. Dark is healthiest but you can try milk or white too. It looks great if you combine the different types and for some extra texture, you may even add nuts or sprinkles.
One thing to remember is that the melting process can be a little tricky. It's very easy to overheat chocolate in the microwave and this will make it thick or even burn it. An alternative is to place the solid pieces in a bowl over boiling water so that the steam will create the heat you need. Stir often and don't let it come into contact with any water or it will become lumpy and unusable.
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.
Strawberries covered in chocolate combine the best of the two foods and are a much less fattening option than most snacks too. There are about 40 calories per delicious morsel, depending on its size and the ingredients used. Compare this to the more than 120 calories in a small glazed doughnut or the almost 200 calories in a cream-filled cupcake with frosting. Even a mini doughnut without sugar or glaze has almost 60 calories. A granola bar can have between 100 and 200 calories, depending on the type.
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.
For variety, try different types of chocolate. Dark is healthiest but you can try milk or white too. It looks great if you combine the different types and for some extra texture, you may even add nuts or sprinkles.
One thing to remember is that the melting process can be a little tricky. It's very easy to overheat chocolate in the microwave and this will make it thick or even burn it. An alternative is to place the solid pieces in a bowl over boiling water so that the steam will create the heat you need. Stir often and don't let it come into contact with any water or it will become lumpy and unusable.
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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