Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Chocolate Covered Strawberries!

Who'd ever think that something so indulgent and sweet as a chocolate covered strawberry is GOOD for you? There's no need for anyone to miss out on chocolate this Valentine's Day, and if you want to pamper yourself or someone you love, this is the way to do it!  Imagine a pretty box filled with a dozen of these lovely little sweets...it would make quite an impression!

With just 80 calories, 4 grams fat, and 10 grams carbohydrates, one large chocolate covered strawberry is the perfect little package of home-made love.  Below you will find a recipe from Smart Balance, found while I was searching their site for healthy offerings. My doctor's instructions to replace butter with Smart Balance has made for a good transition. As a purist-baker, I am someone who had nothing but unsalted butter in her fridge for years. I am very pleasantly surprised to discover Smart Balance spread and cooking oil, and even happier to come upon very interesting recipes on their Web site. Here is a photo of the strawberries I dipped last night, followed by the very easy recipe! So go ahead, have a very sweet Valentine's Day!





CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES
(recipe from the Smart Balance Web site)


6 oz semisweet chocolate
1 tsp Smart Balance® Cooking Oil
12 large strawberries
sprinkles, optional


Rinse and dry the strawberries.

In a medium microwave safe bowl, microwave chocolate on HIGH for 30 seconds.

Stir, add Smart Balance® Cooking Oil and repeat until all the chocolate is melted. (Do not overheat or the chocolate will become chunky and separated.)

Dip strawberries into the melted chocolate and place on waxed paper to cool.

If desired, place sprinkles on top.

Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts
Makes 12 servings.

Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories 80
Protein 1g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 2g
Mono Fat 0g
Poly Fat 0g
Trans Fatty Acid 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 0mg
Dietary Fiber 1g

Recipe Source:  http://www.smartbalance.com/recipes/chocolate-covered-strawberries?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pr--recipes#main-content

14 comments:

  1. OK...now who doesn't want to dive head first into a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries? They are absolutely decadent in their simplicity. Happy (almost) Valentine's Day Jeannie!

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  2. They are beautiful. I made them last year and I always use Smart Balance, I love it.

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    1. Joanne, you're always one step ahead of me, in a good way!

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  3. What a great healthier valintines gift .sharron eddy cataldo

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    1. And, it can be very last minute, the later the better!

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  4. Happy Valentines Day Jeanne ! Just bought strawberries at the market. They look so good and EASY to make .John will enjoy this treat..mine most likely will not be as pretty as yours ! Thanks for posting! CKJ

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    1. Yea - glad to have inspired you! Let me know how they come out, and happy Valentine's Day to you and John!

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  5. Have just found the answer of what to give Tom, Cam, Jess and Dan for Valentine's Day! I think after dinner they will be presented with beautiful chocolate dipped strawberries. Thanks for sharing the love! <3

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    1. Kim, did you make them? How'd they come out? Hope they were a hit! Happy Valentine's Day!!

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  6. I must admit no.....basketball practices for both Tom and Cam took over Valentine's Day - so we are having family dinner on Sunday and will make them then! I can't wait!!

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  7. Yummy yummy. chocolate covered strawberries are my fav

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    1. They're so simple, and so elegant. So much cheaper to make at home, too. What's not to like?! Thanks, Dallas!

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