Tart and zingy, these honeyed, chocolate-covered blood orange and lemon slices are a refreshing Valentine’s treat for citrus lovers.
Chopped finely, they also make a great topping for something creamy, such as cheesecake, ice cream, yogurt, or even a smoothie. Don’t be afraid to dip half or the whole slice in chocolate for a nice candy alternative.
If you’re making these for people with a sweet tooth, increase the amount of honey and decrease the amount of lemon juice. Blood oranges can be a bit bland, so adding a little lemon juice gives them a nice tang.
This recipe can be made sugar- and gluten-free (just make sure you read the label on the chocolate you buy). Citrus is, of course, a great source of vitamin C, and eating the peel adds even more. However, cooking destroys this delicate vitamin, so don’t cook any more than necessary.
High-quality dark chocolate contains important minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, and it’s a powerful source of a group of antioxidants called flavonoids. It also contains catechins, which help prevent wrinkles. For maximum health benefits, choose chocolate with at least 85 percent cacao.
