Dark Chocolate-dipped Fruit for Valentine's Day

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a staple for Valentine's day, but these are some of the most simple ones you can make. Instead of the normal look, we decided to cut our fruit into hearts for little bite-sized treats. Aren't they so cute! I bet you can think of someone who would absolutely love these!

Ingredients
1 C dark chocolate chips
2 tsp coconut oil
Assorted fruit (We used strawberries, kiwi, bananas, and apples. And a few almonds)
Almonds, crushed (optional)
1 tsp Peanut (optional) mixed in with the chocolate. Will make it less smooth.

Directions
1. Cut fruit into heart shapes, if desired, or slice thin. (For the apples, we just left them in slices.)

banana cut into hearts--take off the sides until it makes a point, then take a triangle out of the top

2. Place fruit on parchment paper into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, until chilled throughout.
3. Prepare another cookie sheet with parchment paper for finished chocolates.
4. Melt chocolate chips gradually, being careful not to overheat.
5. Mix in coconut oil. This makes it a little smoother and more like dipping chocolate.
6. Dip in fruit, covering entirely. Let the excess chocolate drip off. If desired, roll the fruit in the crushed almonds. Place fruit on the prepared cookie sheet. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Chocolate Almond Puffs (Raw)

I loved this recipe so much. I have been thinking about new variations that would be good. I made these last night and they turned out wonderful. I loved leaving a little texture to them. I don't like crunchy peanut butter, but I do like crunchy almond butter in things. I have found that not all almond butter is equal. I really like the Kettle brand almond butter. I have made some from scratch before, but I need to perfect that recipe.

I was just recently reading an article that talked about the benefits of dark chocolate, almond butter and coconut oil. So this recipe is loaded with some nutritional foods.

I store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they are ready for a quick and easy snack. :) 

Ingredients: makes about 8

1/2 C crunchy almond butter
1/4 C old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 extra dark chocolate chips
2 T coconut oil
1/2 tsp almond flavoring

Directions:
1. Put all the ingredients in blender. Blend a couple minutes and stir. Continue this process until you get to desired consistency.
2. Dump into a bowl. Then form into balls. Eat or put in an airtight container and store in fridge or freezer for a quick snack. Yum!