Sweet Spot: Valentine’s Day Recipes

Let’s face it, we all have a little sweet spot…and a little sweet tooth. And this year we’ve decided to try out two Valentine’s Day recipes that are the perfect combination fruit and chocolate (and we’ve even thrown in some alternatives if dairy is not your love!) Enjoy!!

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2 ripe Bartlett pears, washed

10 semisweet chocolate chips*

Serves: 2

Slice top off each pear, slightly above the widest part.  Using melon ball scoop or small spoon, remove the cores from the bottom halves of the pears.  Fill hollowed pear bottoms with 5 chocolate chips.  Replace tops back on pear bottoms.  Stand each pear upright in an ovenproof custard cup and set the cups in a medium saucepan.  Add 1″ of water to the pan and bring water to a simmer over medium heat.  Cover the pan and steam pears for about 20 minutes, until translucent.  Serve hot.

*Alternative: DF if substitute Sunspire or other brand dairy free chocolate chips

8 strawberries

2 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped*

Combine the chocolate and whipping cream in a glass measuring cup or bowl.

Microwave at medium power for 1 minute or until the chocolate melts, stirring after 30 seconds.  Remove from microwave and cool slightly.  Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off.  Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheet.

Refrigerate or freeze for approximately 15 minutes, until the chocolate is set.

*Alternative: dairy free chocolate

Photos: Flickr