SELF CARE: 10 MINUTE SHARI’S BERRIES (THE RIGHT WAY)

It’s often difficult to find enough time to pamper ourselves. But we promise–from start to finish–this recipe really just takes 10 minues.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, don’t put self-care (or chocolate!) on the back burner. Dark chocolate packs anti-oxidant flavinoids (yes, anti-oxidant = anti-aging) and fruit!

Invest in yourself today with…

10 Minute Shari’s Berries.. The RIGHT Way*

img_5636

*The right way meaning with a double boiler (not a microwave), great strawberries and even better chocolate.

Ingredients:

– 1 dozen medium strawberries

– 50g (1/2 bar) Dark Chocolate + Sea Salt Lindt Chocolate

– 1 cup water

– 1/2 tbsp of cooking oil* (optional)

Tools:

– 1 coffee mug

– 1 small pot

– 1 butter knife

– 1 plate

Yes, it’s that easy.

Directions

Unwrap the chocolate and break into small pieces (about the size of a quarter) into a coffee mug. We chose Lindt Dark chocolate with sea salt. It’s available at both Walmart and CVS in Bedford, Indiana–and the supermarket in China, albeit for $7 instead of $2–so I’m sure it’s avilable almost everywhere.

Dark chocolate is both delicious and better for your health, as chocolate high in cocoa (and low in sugar) packs more flavinoids, the antioxidant part of chocolate.

If you wish, add 1/2 tbsp to the chocolate to thin it out a little.

img_5633

Put about 1 cup of water into the small pot. Place the coffee mug inside and begin to heat the water to a boil.

While the water is heating up, wash and dry the strawberries. When picking strawberries, try to pick the small to medium, fully red strawberries. These pack a lot more flavor than the really large strawberries, which tend to be watery tasting and less flavorful.

img_5631

While the water is boiling, use a knife to gently stir the chocolate. Be careful not to linger too long over the steam. Steam burns are real.

img_5632

When the chocolate is fully melted, remove the coffee mug from the water (using an oven mitt). Dip each strawberry one by one from the green top, into the chocolate. Place the strawberries one by one on a plate. Put the plate in the refrigerator or freezer, to cool the chocolate.

And… viola!

img_5636

Wait, something’s not quite right

img_5637

There we go.

Pair with a glass of white wine–we suggest something light but not too sweet, like a Sauvignon Blanc–or brut champagne if you’re feeling fancy, and you are all set.

Self-care for the week? Check.

The best part? You only have 1 coffee mug and a knife to clean. Pour a little Dawn in the cup and run some water. Sit back and let it soak before you dive into cleaning ?

Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is a board-certified general practitioner with more than 15 years of patient care experience. She takes an integrative approach to patient care that considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and is deeply committed to assisting her patients in achieving and sustaining optimal health. Dr. Vanessa is also a skilled writer and medical reviewer, specializing in preventive care and health promotion. Her articles are written in an approachable manner that is simple to comprehend and implement in one’s own life. Dr. Vanessa’s mission is to equip her patients and readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to live their greatest lives.

Leave a Comment