Berry Salad with Mint and Coconut

Looking for an easy, light, and healthy dessert that will make a wow impression? 

This berry salad with mint and coconut is sure be a hit! There is nothing easier or more delicious than a huge bowl of berries combined into a simple salad.

Chocolate -Dipped Strawberries or Figs- Easy Gluten-Free Party Dessert

Looking for an easy party dessert that looks elegant but takes just minutes to make? These chocolate-dipped strawberries or figs are the answer. Dipped in rich semi-sweet chocolate and coated with either ground hazelnuts or cinnamon, they’re a naturally gluten-free dessert that’s light, delicious, and perfect entertaining party dessert. 

A Dessert Born from a Storm

Sometimes the best desserts happen completely by accident. Case in point: Hurricane Irene. I was supposed to be in New York City with friends, sitting in a theater and enjoying a Broadway show. Instead? My plans were washed away—literally. All shows canceled due to the storm (we live 1 and half hours away).

Instead we ended up staying home and pulling together a last-minute get-together with neighbors. Which left me staring into my kitchen thinking: Okay, what can I whip up with whatever’s already here?

 I had just done a Trader Joe’s run the day before and had a container  of black mission figs and a container of juicy red organic strawberries. That’s when I remembered a recipe idea I’d seen in one in one of my cookbooks, Small Bites by Jennifer Joyce: chocolate-dipped figs. Perfect! I made them on the spot. I added a cinnamon version too. Let me tell you—chocolate plus cinnamon are a match made in dessert heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in about 15 minutes plus chilling time.

• Gluten-free and naturally sweet – Perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.

• Beautiful presentation – They add instant color and elegance to a dessert table.

• Versatile – Pair with coffee or red wine and any desserts.

.Ingredients:

Fresh Figs, washed and dried

Fresh strawberries, washed and dried

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, melted

1/2 cup ground hazelnuts or cinnamon ( or dip in both)

Directions:

Wash and dry strawberries and figs, but do not take off greens or stems. Using a sharp knife start at the end opposite the stem and cut down the middle so all fruit is halved.Grind hazelnuts till well ground in a Vitamix or food processor.Put into a small bowl. Put chocolate chips into a microwave proof container and microwave for about a minute stir( check and it might need more) . If you are not happy using a microwave, put the chocolate chips over a double boiler until melted. 

Holding the stem, dip the tip of a strawberry or a fig into the melted chocolate and then dip it immediately into the ground hazelnuts or cinnamon.  Arrange on a plate, refrigerate for at least an hour and serve from the refrigerator.

Wash and dry figs and strawberries ( Must be very dry to dip)

When dry, slice strawberries and figs in half starting at the end opposite the stem



Grind 1/2 cup of hazelnuts in food processor or Vitamix ; put chocolate chips into a microwave proof dish

                         and microwave for about 1 minute until melted.


Dip fruit halves one by one into the chocolate and then the ground nuts or cinnamon and place on a parchment covered cookie sheet. Refrigerate for a minimum of an hour - 
Arrange on a dessert plate and serve.

Elegant and easy, these chocolate-dipped figs or strawberries are the perfect gluten-free dessert for holidays, parties, or special dinners.

My Notes:
I'm thinking about using other fruits as well such as sliced apples- yum . Have you dipped fruit for parties? What's your favorite?