As Valentine’s Day comes around every year, there is one main sweet treat that is on everyone’s mind: chocolate. No matter whether it is a candy bar, small bite, cake, pie, or sauce, chocolate is a must on February 14th. However, there are times when chocolate needs a little pick me up and something out of the ordinary. We have all heard of the chocolate and bacon combination, but what about chocolate-covered broccoli? Yes, you read that right. Within the past few years, a new food craze that involves covering or dipping different items in chocolate has occurred. Before you head out and pick up your Valentine’s Day chocolate, take a look at these crazy chocolate combinations that might inspire you to try something different this year.
Chocolate-Covered…
- Potato Chips – Ok, this one isn’t that strange or new. However, the combination of sweet and salty is a favorite among many.
- Edamame – These green, Japanese soybeans are more on the unique side of foods that go with chocolate. At least eating chocolate with a vegetable makes it seem a little bit healthier, right?
- Jalapenos – Let’s just hope the jalapenos aren’t too hot!
- Crickets, Worms, and Scorpions – In many countries, insects are considered a great source of protein and research has stated that crickets, especially, could be a more sustainable alternative to other proteins, such as beef and pork. But what about chocolate-covered crickets? Or chocolate-covered worms? Or chocolate-covered scorpions? That will be a no for me.
- Onions – Just be sure to hold your nose when you are eating them.
- Pickles – While I’m not a fan of pickles, this combination is a little more realistic for people to eat than some of the others we have discussed.
- Corn Dogs – This combo seems as if it is a feature fair food, just don’t look at the number of calories or nutrition information that goes into it.
- Shrimp Chips – Also known as prawn crackers, shrimp chips are colorful fried chips with a shrimp flavoring that are served in many Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants. I wonder how many restaurants serve them covered in chocolate?
- Squid – Now things are starting to get unique in our food list. Calamari is a popular appetizer that is served at many restaurants throughout the world, yet I doubt chocolate calamari will ever catch on in popularity like the original did.
- Chickpeas – A sweet taste and receiving the nutritional benefits of protein and fiber, what more could you want? Chocolate-covered chickpeas are bold in flavor and the salty and sweet fusion.
- Mushrooms – Believe it or not, some chefs truly see the combination of mushrooms and chocolate as a great mix.
- Carrots – To me, carrots and chocolate seem as if they may be good pair. After all, carrots do have a sweeter taste than other vegetables. I would say this fit would be worth trying.
- Cheetos – Like with chips, there have been many different flavors of Cheetos. However, I’m not sure chocolate-covered Cheetos will be hitting the shelves of grocery stores any time soon.
Other Foods that Pair with Chocolate:
- White Chocolate:
-
- Maple Syrup
- Pink Peppercorn
- Brie
- Wasabi
- Lemongrass
- Cardamom
- Milk Chocolate:
- Curry Powder
- Chai Tea
- Pink Himalayan Salt
- Asiago
- Honey
- Lavender
- Dark Chocolate:
- Ginger
- Chipotle
- Banana
- Goat Cheese
- Salmon
- Fennel
Chocolate is one of my all-time favorite foods. Looking at these combinations, I think some would be a good fit, yet others I will be staying away from. What pairings would you like to try?