Valentine's Day has a way of coating the palate in a taste that's hard to forget… not that you'd want to. It's the taste of chocolate, of course. Deep, dark and rich with a variety of fats, some of which aren't half bad health-wise, assuming you can define "moderation" in 3 bites or less. Then there are all those antioxidants allegedly spilling forth from each bite, at least if you're eating unprocessed dark chocolate, which is almost inedible due to its bitterness.

High cocoa-content processed dark chocolates are the next best thing. Fortunately they taste pretty good and have some redeeming health values, although frankly, it's not going to cure anyone's cancer or reverse heart disease. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, here's a way to get extra mileage out of those dark chocolate bars. The resulting treats have even more fiber and antioxidants, but less fat (and therefore calories) in each chocolate-draped bite.

Dark-Chocolate-Dipped Fresh and Dried Fruits

2 to 3 servings

• 35-40 g dark chocolate (64+% cocoa), about 1/4 to 1/3 cup
• 3 small fresh strawberries 
• 6-8 dried apricots
• 1 dried apple bar (such as Bear Fruit Bar - made from the whole fruit, not just concentrate), cut into 4 strips
  

1. Chop chocolate and melt slowly in microwave or double boiler, stirring frequently.
2. Individually dip the strawberries, apricots and apple bar pieces into the chocolate.
3. Let sit on waxed paper until firm.

Approximate Nutrition (per 1/2 batch*): 190 calories, 6 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 5 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 15% DV for Vitamin A, 20% DV for Vitamin C, 10% DV for Iron.

All of the ingredients provide some fiber, but the apple bar provides the most soluble fiber, which aids in slowing the uptake of sugar (which is slowed also by the presence of fat and fructose here). The strawberries provide the vitamin C, the apricots are the source of vitamin A, and all the ingredients provide additional antioxidants, since all are plant foods.

*For fewer calories, simply ration the batch into 3 servings. That's the great thing about food - just eat a smaller portion and the calories go down!

About The Nutritionist

Carol Harvey of Palate Works has been a nutrition and marketing consultant to food companies and restaurants for over 15 years, and is a professional nutrition labeling labyrinth navigator (PNLLN). Palate Works recently launched an online food product startup/tune-up kit (including nutrition analysis discounts) for budding and seasoned food entrepreneurs at www.palateworks.com.

©2007 Palate Works