Sunday, October 6, 2013

Switch To Chocolate Strawberries If You Crave A Healthy Treat

By James Patterson


Few things can make the world seem like a better place than something chocolaty. Unfortunately, few things can go sit on your hips as quickly too. If you're looking for a way to satisfy your craving for something sweet without being too rough on your body, try 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.

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.

To make the snack, all you need is about one cup of chopped and then melted chocolate and a dozen strawberries. Wash the fruit and dry them well. Then take them by the stem, dip them into the melted brown gold and let the excess drip off. Place them on s lined baking tray and allow to set in the fridge for 30 minutes, give or take. It's so easy even the kids can make them.

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.

The most difficult part of making the snacks is melting the chocolate. You can microwave it but take care not to burn it. Even just overheating it can thicken it. A safer bet is to use a bowl placed over some steaming water. Stir constantly and take care not to let any water get into the bowl or on the spoon you're using for stirring. Water can make the confectionery lumpy and you won't be able to use it.

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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