Fruit Fondue
(courtesy of Mena Spodobalski. Serves 6, with 4 to 5 pieces of fruit per serving, depending on how thick the fruit is cut. 298 calories per serving)
3 organic apple slices
3 orange slices
3 banana slices
1 large clamshell package organic strawberries
2 16-ounce packages dark chocolate
2 cups chopped nuts (such as unsalted cashews, almonds, or peanuts)
Chop chocolate into small pieces and add to microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 1 minute. Remove and stir. Do this until completely melted, taking care not to burn chocolate. Chop nuts of choice roughly for great crunch and set aside in wide bowl.
Slice fruit. Soak apple and banana in bath of water and lemon juice to prevent from browning. Dry off and carefully dip half of each slice into melted chocolate. Then dip into nuts. Place each slice on cookie sheet lined with wax paper and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. I love to put these various fruits on a tiered holiday platter with sprigs of fresh herbs.
