Everything is better with chocolate and luscious fruits and desserts are no exception. Chocolate-covered strawberries and Oreo cookies are the first to come to mind, but there are many more delicious and unexpected options. If you really want to impress your chocoholic, you can put together a surprising collection of chocolate delights for any gift-giving occasion!1) A Date with Dates! If you haven't heard of chocolate-stuffed dates, you might be surprised to hear that you can get dried dates dipped in or stuffed with luscious chocolate and almonds. The Arabian Nights never tasted so good!
2) Candy Apples: Not Just for Carnivals Anymore! Candy and caramel apples are a carnival staple, but nothing elevates a dish like chocolate. Gourmet food and chocolate companies are double-dipping their giant, juicy apples in caramel then chocolate, and finally topping them with chopped nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips or just more drizzled chocolate!
3) Baklava-licious! The baklava is a classic that stands alone, but even this desert dessert rises to a whole new level when decorated or made with chocolate. You can find baklava dipped in or drizzled with chocolate, and some adventurous bakers are filling the layers of buttery filo dough with chocolate and hazelnuts in place of the traditional pistachios and spices. A collection of baklava varieties that sports some chocolate distinguishes itself as truly gourmet-grand.
4) Mi Piace Cannoli! I had an amazing cannolo at a bakery in Boston's Little Italy that has ingrained itself in my mind and tummy! The crispy shell was filled with a fluffy flavored cream and then the sides were dunked in chocolate. Mamma mia!
5) Figs? Yes, Figs! You can have figs dipped in chocolate but the most unusual and exciting combination it seems to me is dried figs filled with dark or white chocolate mousse made with brandy or port. This has jumped to the top of my die-to-try list!
When choosing a chocolate-enhanced gift, keep in mind that not all chocolate treats are made equal. Make sure your chocolate-covered strawberries, apples and other fruits are of the highest quality--that is, the huge mouthwatering kind with a thick coating of chocolate and toppings. Quality counts.
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