Chocolate dipped strawberries...

Chocolate-covered strawberries are delicious treats that provide some nutritional benefits, but they also have some nutritional drawbacks. As long as you eat them in moderation, they will not cause any health problems. The total nutritional value of this snack changes depending on the kind of chocolate that you use.

Strawberries

• Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, fiber and manganese, and they also contain some potassium. Nutritionally speaking, they are clearly the better part of the strawberry and chocolate combination. Fresh, locally grown strawberries have the sweetest taste and brightest color.
  

Dark Chocolate

• To make the healthiest chocolate-covered strawberries, use dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is still high in saturated fat, although it contains a little less compared to milk chocolate. Additionally, studies have shown that dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate is also a good source of manganese, copper, iron and magnesium.
  

Benefits

• The main health benefits in chocolate-covered strawberries come from the vitamin C, fiber and minerals that are present in the food. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, aids in immune system function and helps the body in many other ways. Dietary fiber is one of the most important regulators of digestive health, as it assists the body in maintaining regular digestion. Virtually all foods contain minerals, which aid the body in performing many basic functions. It's helpful to know which foods are high in certain minerals so that you eat a balanced diet.
  

Considerations

• You should not eat chocolate-covered strawberries every day because you will probably take in too much saturated fat. One strategy for making "healthier" chocolate-covered strawberries is to dip only half of the strawberry into the chocolate instead of dipping the whole strawberry.
  
  

  

  
  

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 12 long-stemmed strawberries

Directions

Melt the chocolate and cream together in a bowl set over simmering water until just melted. Stir and remove from the heat. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate and set aside on waxed or parchment paper to dry.

adapted from ehow.com