With Valentine’s Day coming up this week, sweet treats are probably on the menu. Valentine's Day isn't just about "having a significant other to be your Valentine". I personally am not big on this festive day (meaning I don't celebrate it by giving or expecting to receive cards, chocolates, flowers, gifts) but I think it can be fun to do something unique or special since it's a festive day, whether it means showering yourself, kids, mom, dad, spouse, or friends with love.
When it comes to V-Day sweets - well, fast forward to 2020, and I’m not a fan of the sugar-filled and highly processed Valentine’s Day candy (like cinnamon hearts, candy gram hearts, or chocolate hearts). These candies are filled with way too much sugar and artificial ingredients / colours that get kids (and adults) way too hopped up. After eliminating a lot of processed foods and added sugar in my own life, I find the taste of these things noticeably too sweet. *If you were to experiment and eliminate added sugar, eventually your palette would adapt and most likely find these things tasting very sweet too.*
Does that mean chocolate covered strawberries are off the menu? Never!
I love chocolate covered strawberries but depending on where you purchase them, the ingredient list can contain more than just chocolate and strawberries. Some suppliers add preservatives, tons of sugar, filler ingredients (like dextrose), and shellac (or “confectioners glaze”) to make the coating look shiny.
If you’re looking for a healthier way to indulge in chocolate covered strawberries, with MORE strawberries, BETTER quality, and at FRACTION of the cost, then I have the perfect recipe just for you!
Easy and simple homemade dark chocolate covered strawberries! You can make these in under 10 minutes on your own or make it a fun activity to do with kids! The best thing about this recipe is that you can customize it with different superfood add-ons.
Not into dark chocolate? Hear me out for a second. Raw cacao is such a nutritious food. Cacao is used to make dark chocolate (the darker the chocolate, the higher the cacao content and nutritional benefit). That’s why there’s a percentage typically listed on the label. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, iron, fibre, and much more. It’s also a very high source of antioxidants, which can support skin, hair, brain, and heart health. It can also improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. No wonder a form of chocolate is the gift choice for love.
Aren’t feeling strawberries? Simply swap the strawberries for another type of fruit, like raspberries, blueberries, orange slices, or bananas.
V Day Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Ingredients: - 12 strawberries - 1/3 cup dark chocolate (approximately, it could be less) - 1 tbsp coconut oil or avocado oil - Parchment paper
Instructions: 1. Wash and dry the strawberries. 2. Line a plate or tray with parchment paper. 3. In a small bowl, melt the chocolate and oil together in the microwave, in 30-second intervals, stirring after each time. Alternatively, on the stove top, you can melt the chocolate and oil together in a small pot over low heat, continuously stirring until melted (be careful not to have the heat too high, otherwise nobody likes burnt chocolate). 4. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate mixture. Place on the parchment paper. If you want to add any superfood toppings, now is the time to do so. You can sprinkle on the toppings or dip the strawberries in a shallow plate with chia seeds, hemp seeds, coconut flakes, goji berries, maca root powder, or cacao nibs. 5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
6. Enjoy!❤️
Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you think. Leave a comment or share this recipe with someone you love that needs to know!