Gluten-free, low sodium
Dark chocolate and berries combined make a decadent dessert, but you can feel good about it because both are rich in plant nutrients that help heal damage to your blood vessels and keep your heart healthy. (Note: A version of this recipe was published on Harvard Health Blog.)
Serves 6 (2 large strawberries each)
12 large fresh strawberries
13/4 cups dark chocolate pieces (You can use chopped chocolate bars or packaged chips. I use dark chocolate chips, which are 60 percent cacao, and one 10-ounce bag is about 13/4 cups.)
1 teaspoon canola oil (Almond, walnut, or hazelnut oil will lend a lovely flavor, but canola oil is fine.)
1. Wash and thoroughly dry the berries. (The chocolate sticks better when they’re very dry.) Do not remove the caps.
2. Pour the chocolate pieces into a medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowl and add the oil.
3. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. The only thing melted will be the oil.
4. Microwave again for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat twice, until most pieces are melted. If there are only a few small chunks left, stir for a minute and see if they melt without any further microwaving. Chocolate burns very, very easily, and it tastes awful when it does.
5. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper on a baking sheet.
6. Gently grasp a berry by the green cap and lower into the chocolate “bath.” Use a spoon to push chocolate up each berry until it is coated. Let excess chocolate drip off.
7. Place each berry onto the paper-covered baking sheet.
8. Place the baking sheet of berries in the fridge or in another cool place. Let the chocolate harden into a shell; this may take only a few minutes.
9. These will last about a day covered in the refrigerator.
10. If you have leftover chocolate, drop 2" round dollops onto the parchment or wax paper and save for later.
Per serving: Calories: 193 | Fat: 13.8g | Saturated Fat: 7.8g | Protein: 2.5g | Sodium: 5mg | Carbohydrates: 20.5g | Fiber: 5.2g | Sugars: 15.1g | Iron: 2mg | Potassium: 244mg