Whether it’s a cocktail party , an evening spent with friends, or an afternoon shower, dessert themed affairs are lovely ways to spend time with friends, as well as sample some delectable sweets.  But how does one enjoy without going overboard?  Go for chocolate-dipped fruit and then choose small portions of one or two other treats to sample.

I always offer to bring chocolate-covered strawberries.  They’re beautiful, delicious, easy to make, and easier on the waistline than cakes, pies, and other confections.  One cup of strawberries has only 28 calories, a tablespoon of chocolate chips has about 70 calories.  A slice of cheesecake or pecan pie, on the other hand, has 400-500 calories per slice…yikes!  Plus you get the fiber and vitamin C from the fruit.

Buy a pint or two of strawberries.  Wash and trim the tops.  Melt some dark chocolate chips in the microwave.  Dip the cut end of the berry in the chocolate, and place on a tray lined with greaseproof paper.  Allow the chocolate to cool and reset for about an hour.  Then place the chocolate covered fruit on a decorative plate (I use a black and white rectangular plate that contrasts with the bright red fruit) and stick the tray in the fridge until party time.

This recipe will also work using raspberries and white chocolate chips or blackberries and butterscotch chips.