Classic dessert simply melts in your mouth

Perfect for Valentine’s Day or a birthday, these chocolate-dipped strawberries are a cinch to make and are a healthy dessert. A bit of fresh lime zest adds an unexpected finish to this easy chocolate-dipped-strawberry recipe.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED

STRAWBERRIES

Makes 12 strawberries Active time: 15 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips 12 large strawberries or 24 small, stems attached, at room temperature 2 tablespoons freshly grated lime zest

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

Place chocolate chips in a small glass bowl. Microwave on medium for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving in 20-second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval. (Alternatively, melt in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water.)

Dip half to two-thirds of each strawberry into the melted chocolate. Let the excess drip back into the bowl. Place the dipped fruit on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle lime zest over the chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

To make ahead, refrigerate strawberries in an airtight container for up to one day.

Recipe nutrition per serving:

35 calories; 2 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 0 grams monounsaturated); 0 milligrams cholesterol; 5 grams carbohydrate; 3 grams added sugars; 4 grams total sugars; 0 grams protein; 1 gram fiber; 0 milligrams sodium; and 20 milligrams potassium.

Exchanges: 1/2 other carbohydrate and 1/2 fat.

EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Find it online at www.eatingwell.com.