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Chocolate-dipped apricots: Wow your loved ones with these sweet, healthy treats

A Valentine’s Day note from Chef Hilary Schwab, the Edible Garden Girl: This past year, I am thrilled to report that I met my forever boyfriend. Finding love in your 50’s after a failed marriage and raising your kids is a special thing. When I finally took reproducing, finding my voice, and figuring out what I truly want from this life of mine — I was at last able to hone in on the perfect mate.

This has been very empowering, to say the least. For me, I wanted a life partner who would help make me a better me—someone whose values I respected and whose company makes me relax and be myself. I am thrilled to report that love, laughter, and calm fills my life now. My hope for everyone is to find this special place in their own lives.

If you have found that perfect someone — and want to show that special man or woman how much you love and appreciate them — nothing says I love you more than a homemade healthy, delicious treat. This chocolate-dipped apricot recipe has a knock-out presentation. These treats are so easy to make — but look like you slaved all day for your honey. Scroll down for the recipe below.

Now go wow your significant other!

What you’ll need: Makes 30 candies

  • 1/3 cup sugar 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 cup water
  • 30 dried apricots
  • 3 ounces semi-sweet
  • Bakers chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons peeled chopped pistachio nuts

Here’s how:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set it aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cinnamon stick, and water. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the apricots.
  4. Simmer the apricots in the sugar mixture for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove apricots with a slotted spoon and place them on the parchment paper so they are not touching.
  6. Melt chocolate in a small microwave dish. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then mix.
  7. Return to microwave at 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. (This usually takes 2-3 minutes total.)
  8. Dip each apricot individually into the melted chocolate halfway, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the chocolate and return the apricot to the parchment paper. Once all of the apricots have been dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 60 minutes to set the chocolate.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love, Hilary