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.
In its original form, chocolate was a drink and had no sugar added to it. The Mayans and the Aztecs introduced it to the Spanish, who took it back to Europe. By the end of the eighteenth century it became available in solid form and took the world by storm. Even though it has more fat and sugar than most candy, it's also one of the healthier confectionery options. It can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure and has cancer-fighting properties.
The sweet little red fruit known as the strawberry is one of nature's gifts to the health-conscious. It's low in fat and high in fiber. It's full of cancer-fighting antioxidants and flavonoids and is a good source of minerals like potassium and manganese. Moreover, a portion of strawberries has more Vitamin C than an orange, making this fruit a great option if you want to give your immune system a boost.
Dip the little red fruit in the food of the gods and you have the best of both worlds. Depending on how big the strawberry is and the thickness of the creamy coating, there are more of less 40 calories in each portion. This is obviously a much better option than a cupcake with frosting and cream filling, clocking in at nearly 200 calories, or a small doughnut with glaze at about 120 calories. Even a bland mini doughnut with no sugar coating it has around 60 calories and none of the taste. The snack is even a better option than granola bars, which can contain as much as 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.
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.
If you don't want to make your own, you can buy chocolate strawberries from a confectionery shop. You may even have them delivered to your home. Since they don't have a long shelf life, you have the perfect excuse to eat them right away and in one sitting. However, you can keep them in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to two days if you need to.
In its original form, chocolate was a drink and had no sugar added to it. The Mayans and the Aztecs introduced it to the Spanish, who took it back to Europe. By the end of the eighteenth century it became available in solid form and took the world by storm. Even though it has more fat and sugar than most candy, it's also one of the healthier confectionery options. It can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure and has cancer-fighting properties.
The sweet little red fruit known as the strawberry is one of nature's gifts to the health-conscious. It's low in fat and high in fiber. It's full of cancer-fighting antioxidants and flavonoids and is a good source of minerals like potassium and manganese. Moreover, a portion of strawberries has more Vitamin C than an orange, making this fruit a great option if you want to give your immune system a boost.
Dip the little red fruit in the food of the gods and you have the best of both worlds. Depending on how big the strawberry is and the thickness of the creamy coating, there are more of less 40 calories in each portion. This is obviously a much better option than a cupcake with frosting and cream filling, clocking in at nearly 200 calories, or a small doughnut with glaze at about 120 calories. Even a bland mini doughnut with no sugar coating it has around 60 calories and none of the taste. The snack is even a better option than granola bars, which can contain as much as 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.
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.
If you don't want to make your own, you can buy chocolate strawberries from a confectionery shop. You may even have them delivered to your home. Since they don't have a long shelf life, you have the perfect excuse to eat them right away and in one sitting. However, you can keep them in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to two days if you need to.
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