Dark chocolate-covered apricots are perfect for American Heart Month!
Actually, I figure that dark chocolate is perfect for pretty much everyday. Most people who know me well know that my four favorite foods are dark chocolate, super strong black coffee, dry red wine and peanut butter. Good thing that I’ve learned portion control strategies or I’d be a hyperactive, fat drunk!
Why Do I Love Dark Chocolate-Dipped Apricots?
These sweet treats are a super delicious way to keep portions in check. Three pieces provide just barely over 100 calories. And for my friends and clients with diabetes, three pieces ring up only 15 grams of carbohydrate. The apricots are loaded with nutrition, and dark chocolate is – or at least can be – a healthful treat.
Some chocolates contain the same types of health-boosting flavonoids found in apples, berries, grapes, peanut butter and tea. Researchers study flavonoids for their potential health benefits including:
reducing risks of cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes
maintaining the flexibility of the blood vessels
reducing blood pressure
tamping down low levels of chronic inflammation
boosting antioxidant status within the body
improving cognitive function
How to Pick Dark Chocolate for Health
The darker the chocolate – meaning the greater the cocoa solids – the greater the likelihood of getting disease-shielding flavonoids. Unfortunately, manufacturers often remove these health-boosting compounds during manufacturing. It’s usually impossible to know for sure. However, a square of chocolate with 85% cocoa solids will likely have more than a square with only 72% cocoa solids, which will have more than a square with 56% cocoa solids. White chocolate has none. Another benefit to darker chocolate is that it typically has less sugar than other chocolates.
Skip the ooey-gooey add-ins like vanilla cream, nougat and caramel. They add nothing but unhealthful fats and too much sugar. Dark-chocolate covered nuts are treasure troves of nutrition and deliciousness.
Regardless, pick something that you really enjoy, and eat a small portion.
For more suggestions about fitting chocolate into a healthful diet, read Spotlight on Chocolate!
What are some of your favorite chocolate treats, and how do you manage your portions?
Chocolate-Dipped Apricots
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Author: Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 24
Ingredients
1½ cups water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2½ ounces dark chocolate, broken into pieces
24 dried apricot halves
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, lemon juice, cinnamon and dried apricots. Bring to a boil. Then cover and leave to simmer for 6 to 8 minutes or until the dried apricots are plump.
Meanwhile place the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for about 90 seconds or until thoroughly melted. Stir every 15 or so seconds.
Using tongs, remove the apricots one at a time, shaking off the excess water. Dip half or more of each apricot into the melted chocolate.
Place the dipped apricots onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before removing.
Store the apricots in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 piece Calories: 35 Fat: 1g Saturated fat: < 1g Trans fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 5g Sodium: 5mg Fiber: 1g Protein: < 1g Cholesterol: 0g
3.4.3177
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