With Valentine's Day on the way, it's time to start thinking about our true love for... sweets. It basically gives us the perfect excuse to cover everything in chocolate. Literally, everything, because chocolate-covered foods are the best kind of foods. If you have a significant other, they'll have to deal. Actually, who am I kidding? Chocolate is the perfect significant other.
Unlike another person, chocolate requires zero maintenance or attention. You don't need to make reservations to hang out with chocolate. You also don't need to even show any real commitment. These are just a few ways that chocolate is better than a Valentine's Day date. I'm sure there are many more.
Regardless, chocolate is there for us when we need it the most. And when it comes to whipping up mouthwatering snacks, it has our back. The awesome thing about covering different foods in chocolate is that it's basically like creating an entirely new treat. Plus, chocolate is a sweet treat that pairs up well with a variety of flavors. I'm talking about everything from salty to savory.
To get you started, I've compiled a list of 12 foods that taste way better when they're dipped in chocolate. Of course, many of these are excellent by themselves. However, chocolate has a way of adding something extra. Your Valentine's Day just got a whole lot sweeter.
1. Grapes
Who says eating fruit needs to be boring? Add grapes on a skewer and cover them in chocolate for a sweet and crunchy treat. You can even add some sprinkles for a super fun touch, just like How Sweet It Is did.
2. Espresso Beans
Fellow coffee lovers, this is for you guys. These chocolate-covered coffee beans are another way to get in on the caffeinated goodness. A bag of these babies would make a delicious gift for the coffee fiend in your life, too. All hail Happy Hour Projects.
3. Gummy Bears
Yeah, you read that right. Chocolate-covered gummy bears are totally a thing, thanks to The Gunny Sack. The fun part about this idea is that you won't know the flavor of the gummy bear until you eat it. Now that's a guessing game I can get behind
4. Potato Chips
Kill two birds (or cravings) with one stone with this sweet and salty snack from Spoon Fork Bacon. It combines the best of both worlds in the simplest way. This easy recipe also makes for the perfect snack for a party or a girls' night in. I mean, who needs chip dip when you have chocolate?
5. Almond Biscotti
Get fancy with your snacks by dipping almond biscotti in chocolate. Topped off with toasted almond crumbs, this crunchy cookie recipe from Sally's Baking Addition will be your coffee's new best friend.
6. Mandarin Orange Slices
Like I said, eating fruit doesn't have to be boring. These mandarin slices dipped in chocolate are the epitome of easy peasy grown-up snacks. I especially love how Deliciously Yum tops them off with salt; talk about the perfect marriage of flavors.
7. Pretzels
For as long as I can remember, chocolate-dipped pretzels have been one of my favorite snacks. Like the potato chip version, there's just something so satisfying about that combination of salty and sweet. Love Fashion Edible's idea to use white chocolate, too. YUM.
8. Strawberries
When it comes to chocolate-dipped goodies, nothing beats a batch of strawberries. Make them for yourself, your significant other, or yourself (again). Thanks, Savory Sweet Life!
9. Cherries
While we're on the topic of romantic chocolate-covered treats, let's talk about cherries. These offer a more tart spin on the fruit option, while embracing the sweetness of chocolate. For a deliciously cute idea, serve these alongside the strawberry version. Visit Mom Luck for the how-to.
10. Licorice
Here's another candy-meets-candy idea, this time from Live Craft Eat. Dip strings of licorice into chocolate for a sweet tooth's dream come true. I'm especially loving the idea of adding more chocolate in a different color.
11. Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
Why haven't I thought of this before? Dipping an entire cracker sandwich in chocolate is basically the best idea ever. Keep It Sweet Desserts is brilliant.
12. Bacon Bites
In the past few years, bacon has managed to become a staple in the dessert and snack scenes. And somehow, Cooking Classy has managed to make it look downright fancy. These bite-sized treats are sweet, salty, and all around delicious.
For more food inspiration, check out Bustle on YouTube.
Images: How Sweet It Is; Happy Hour Projects; The Gunny Sack; Spoon Fork Bacon; Sally's Baking Addition; Deliciously Yum; Fashion Edible; Savory Sweet Life; Mom Luck; Live Craft Eat; Keep It Sweet Desserts; Cooking Classy
