Healthy Romantic Desserts

With Valentine's Day approaching, it would be remiss of me if I did not add some healthy, romantic, affordable and quick to make desserts for you and that special someone to make and eat together. Below are two that fit all those categories. Berries and dark chocolate are a good source of flavanoids and both are lower in sugar compared to regular milk chocolate or other fruits. Dark chocolate, almonds and coconut are a good source of healthy fats. It is a simple dessert that uses basic, natural ingredients to give a sweet, flavorful taste and is a healthier option than most pre-made (or homemade) desserts from the store like a box of chocolates. Enjoy and happy Valentines Day!

Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Blueberries

Fresh Strawberries, rinsed and dried with stems on

Fresh Blueberries, rinsed and dried

1-3 ounce Extreme Dark 88% Chocolate Bar
Parchment Paper

Soft Spatula

Melt chocolate. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip and twist strawberries in chocolate and place on parchment paper. Place blueberries on parchment paper and pour chocolate over top. With a soft spatula, mix berries around until covered with chocolate. Separate or keep them bundled up depending on how you want to eat them. Place baking sheet with chocolate covered fruit in the refrigerator until chilled (10-15 minutes). Serve chilled.

Dark Chocolate Fruit & Nut Bark
1 - 3 ounce Extreme Dark 88% Dark Chocolate Bar
2 TBS raw almonds, chopped
2 TBS dried currants
1 TBS coconut flakes
1 tsp raw honey (optional)
Parchment paper

Break dark chocolate into small pieces and melt down. Stir in chopped almonds, currants and coconut. Mix well. Line parchment paper onto a plate, cutting board or baking sheet. Pour mixture onto parchment paper and place in refrigerator until chilled (about 10-15 minutes). Break into smaller pieces for serving. Optional: Drizzle raw honey over top.