Figs dipped in dark chocolate are a nearly guilt-free treat, because figs provide healthy quantities of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, vitamins A and C and hearty-healthy monounsaturated fats, while chocolate contains antioxidants and minerals. The University of Michigan Health System notes that dark chocolate is part of a balanced, plant-based diet, and recommends consuming 1 oz. daily. Although chocolate-dipped figs are healthy, eat them in moderation. Two raw figs contain 80 calories; chocolate increases the calorie count to about 177 for two dipped figs.
Step 1
Cut a small slash in the bottom of each fig. Push a walnut, almond or hazelnut through the slash and into the center of the fig. You can also stuff the fig with candied orange peel. Leave the fig unfilled if you prefer.
Step 2
Place dark chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler. Fill the bottom of the double boiler about half-full of water and melt the chocolate over medium-low heat. If you don't have a double boiler, put the chocolate chips in a small saucepan. Heat water in a large saucepan, then put the small saucepan in the large saucepan. Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate melts.
Step 3
Hold a fig by the top, then dip the fig into the melted chocolate. Cover only the bottom half of each fig. Continue until all the figs are coated with chocolate.
Step 4
Place the figs on a piece of waxed paper until the chocolate sets --- about 10 minutes. Serve the chocolate-dipped figs immediately. If you don't plan to use the figs immediately, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- Look for chocolate chips that contain at least 60 percent cocoa, which has a rich flavor and little or no sugar. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants that may decrease levels of bad cholesterol, increase blood flow, reduce the risk of blood clots and lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate also contains several minerals, including potassium, magnesium and calcium. Milk chocolate is not a good source of antioxidants. Purchase chocolate that contains no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.
Things You'll Need
- Paring knife
- 6 figs
- 6 walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts or candied orange peel pieces
- 1/4 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- Double boiler or large and small saucepan
- Waxed paper
- Airtight container
References
- myLifetime.com; This Week's Healthy Treat: Chocolate-Dipped Figs; Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D., L.D.N.
- "Country Living" magazine: Chocolate Dipped Figs
- Utah State University; Preserve the Harvest --- Figs; Carolyn Washburn and Charlotte Brennand; June 2005
- Italian Food Forever; Chocolate Dipped Figs; Deborah Mele; July 31, 2008
- University of Michigan Health System; Dark Chocolate; Monica Myklebust, M.D., and Jenna Wunder, M.P.H., R.D.; 2010
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