The Best Dessert in More Ways Than One: Chocolate Covered Strawberries
For elegance, rich flavors, and health benefits, chocolate covered strawberries reign supreme among desserts. Consider their voluptuous appearance, the heart-shaped pink globes veiled in a silky coverlet of brown or white. Or their tantalizing aromas, each immediately recognized in its own right: the bright fresh sweetness of strawberry, the spiced, almost earthy sweetness of chocolate. Combined, the vapors create a nearly irresistible perfume.
But as decadent as they appear and smell, chocolate covered strawberries are actually healthy for you. When compared with most gourmet desserts, they contain fewer calories, and are lower in fat and carbohydrates. The fresh fruit component contains natural rather than processed sugars. Strawberries are high in Vitamin C. More importantly, they are rich in phenols, providing powerful antioxidant protection. They protect your heart, reduce your cancer risk, and are a natural anti-inflammatory.
Chocolate is the ruination of many a diet. But in limited quantities and in chocolate covered strawberries you are only consuming a thin coating of chocolate on each berry, chocolate is also full of health benefits. Dark chocolate has the same health benefits of most dark vegetables: its flavenoids act as antioxidants. Of course, the quality of chocolate used in the recipe makes a big difference in both potential health benefits and flavor.
Tags: Strawberries
