Chocolate Lovers, Rejoice! Celebrate National Covered Anything with Chocolate Day on December 16
Mark your calendars for December 16—it’s National Covered Anything with Chocolate Day, and we’re here to help you dive into the gooey, melty, chocolatey goodness this holiday deserves. Whether you’re drizzling, dipping, or dunking, this is the perfect day to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. With just a bit of creativity (and a lot of chocolate), you can make magic happen in the kitchen!
A Chocolate-Covered Suncoast Celebration
Here on the Suncoast, we believe in doing things with a tropical twist. Why not pair your chocolate adventure with fresh Florida flavors? Think juicy citrus, tropical fruits, and a touch of sea salt from our breezy Gulf shores. Imagine dipping a tangy orange slice into silky melted chocolate or drizzling rich dark chocolate over grilled pineapple. Are you drooling yet? Good—because we’ve got a few simple recipes to inspire your inner chocolatier.
Tropical Chocolate-Dipped Treats
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh fruit: orange slices, pineapple chunks, banana slices, or strawberries
- 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Toppings: shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or sprinkles
How to Make It:
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. (No lumps allowed!)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip each piece of fruit halfway into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
- Place the dipped fruit on the parchment and sprinkle with your toppings of choice.
- Pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to set. Voilà—a tropical treat that’s a feast for your eyes and your taste buds.
Sweet and Salty Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
What You’ll Need:
- Pretzel rods or mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Assorted toppings: crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or a pinch of sea salt
How to Make It:
- Melt the chocolate (you’re a pro at this by now).
- Dip each pretzel into the chocolate, covering about two-thirds of it.
- Add toppings before the chocolate hardens.
- Place the pretzels on parchment paper and let them chill in the fridge. Pro tip: Pair these with a hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy vibe.
Chocolate-Dipped Cookie Sandwiches
What You’ll Need:
- Store-bought or homemade cookies (think shortbread or graham crackers)
- Marshmallow fluff or peanut butter for filling
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Make It:
- Sandwich a dollop of marshmallow fluff or peanut butter between two cookies.
- Dunk half the sandwich into melted chocolate, then lay it on parchment paper.
- Get festive! Add crushed candy canes or colored sugar sprinkles on top.
- Let the cookies set in the fridge and prepare to wow your taste buds.
![Chocolate](https://www.suncoastpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pexels-polina-tankilevitch-5848193-300x450.jpg)
Sweet Tips for a Suncoast Chocolate Party
- Go Local: Stop by a farmers’ market for fresh fruits and nuts to dip in chocolate.
- Sip Something Sweet: Pair your creations with a homemade chocolate martini or a classic Florida orange hot chocolate.
- Share the Love: Wrap your chocolate-dipped goodies in festive boxes for sweet holiday gifts. Your friends will adore your delicious (and creative) effort.
So grab your sunglasses, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get dipping! This December 16, celebrate the sweet things in life with chocolate-covered flair. After all, on the Suncoast, every day is a little sweeter—especially when there’s chocolate involved.
Photos Courtesy of Pexels