We are 10 days away from Valentine’s Day and for my handmade Valentines this year, I’m keeping it classy and dipping some fruit in chocolate! I really am into making my own gifts, so I had to share this super easy, but very thoughtful treat. Why not try making some for your Valentine this year? Or for yourself, because everyone needs a little self love!

These adorable fruits whip up in no time, look precious, and taste delicious. A pop of bright fruit followed by rich and sultry chocolate. PLUS, there are no questionable ingredients or plastic wrappers! Buy ethically made chocolate and organic fruit and you have a very eco-friendly and healthy treat. This kind of stuff gets me excited, if you can’t already tell.

I personally really appreciate receiving a handmade gift – it’s so much more thoughtful knowing that someone spent time making it. I also really appreciate making homemade gifts because I love adding my own special touches and it’s usually way more economical to DIY.

The tiny orange wedges look so adorable and are the perfect ratio of fruit to chocolate. I think your Valentine will wooed by the cute factor alone!

For this recipe, all you need are your fruits of choice, dark chocolate, and a small amount of coconut oil. You can sprinkle on flakey sea salt or any other sprinkle-able topping. Here I used mandarin oranges and the smallest strawberries I could find. I used Divine chocolate because it is ethically produced, meaning the cocoa farmers are paid fair wages. Ultimately, when you buy products like this over other brands that are made cheaply, you are influencing the market and supporting good business practices. Sometimes this can be cost prohibitive, but I think for this recipe, it still works out to be cheaper than buying a big box of fancy chocolates. Plus these are going to be so much yummier!

When melting the chocolate, you can use the microwave, but be sure to monitor the chocolate closely, stopping it every 10 seconds or so to make sure it doesn’t bubble. The trick is to get most of it melted and once there is still a solid piece left floating in the middle, remove your dish and just stir until it melts. You don’t want your chocolate to be too hot or else it will be too hot for the fragile fruits.

 

Dip your fruits in the chocolate and use a spoon to scoop the chocolate up over them so they are evenly covered. Place them on parchment paper so that they come free once the chocolate sets. Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle on flakey sea salt, or you could try a number of other toppings: dried rose petals, cacao nibs, raw sugar, or cocoa powder all would be really nice.

If you love this post, please share or comment below! Tag me on IG @drleahromay with a picture of your chocolate dipped fruit!

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THE RECIPE

Chocolate Dipped Mandarins and Strawberries

Fruit elevated with a coating of extra dark chocolate and a sprinkling of flakey sea salt. Makes for an elegant party treat of thoughtful gift.

Author: Leah Romay

Makes as many as you choose

INGREDIENTS

• Tiny clementines or mandarins, peeled
• Small strawberries, washed and dried
• Dark chocolate
• Coconut oil

How much chocolate will you need?

– For ever 2-3 oranges, you will need about 1 oz chocolate

– For every 10 strawberries, you will need 1 oz chocolate

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash the strawberries and dry completely. Peel the oranges. 
2. Line a baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper. 
3. In a small microwave safe bowl – preferably glass not plastic  – place the chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave on low for 20 seconds. Stop and check, then microwave another 20 seconds. Continue until the chocolate is just nearly melted completely. Stir until the oil is mixed in and the chocolate has completely melted.
4. For an even coating, use a spoon to scoop  up chocolate and poor over the top of the fruit, rotating the fruit to get the sides. Swipe the spoon along the bottom of the fruit to remove excess (this will prevent it from creating a puddle once you set the fruit down). 
5. Allow to set up and just before the chocolate sets, sprinkle on the sea salt flakes or decorating of choice (if you sprinkle on too soon, the salt will dissolve).
6. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat, ideally eat same day as they are made.