I clearly remember my first chocolate-covered strawberry experience.

My mom and I were at the mall (Greengate Mall to be exact, for you Pittsburghers), and just about to go up the escalator to the next floor. I imagine that it was in Hornes (remember Hornes turned Lazarus turned Macy’s?) and they still had candy counters inside the department stores. There was no one at the counter, but there was a dish of chocolate on the counter. My mom got so excited and grabbed one for each of us, and I couldn’t understand why. I even declined it.

She looked at me like I had 6 heads and told me it would probably be the best thing I had ever tasted.

It was not a fresh dipped strawberry either. It was one of those fully-covered chocolate ones that was dripping with sugary syrup.

It really was one of the best things I had ever tasted. I can still remember eating it with the syrup dripping down my chin as I was riding up the escalator.

I’ve been hooked ever since.

It’s not a cheap addiction either, especially when you prefer Godiva.

Years later, I tore a page out of Better Homes and Gardens (yes, Tony Soprano-style) while in the doctor’s office. It had an array of dipped strawberries, but no chocolate ones.

Another addiction was born.

Is there a better way to eat your fruit? I truly believe in making food as fun and enjoyable as possible.

Marshmallow cream and peanut butter.

Honey and freshly cracked black pepper.

Marshmallow cream and crushed cookies.

Honey and orange peel.

Peanut butter and crushed cookies.

Yogurt and blueberry granola.

Cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut.

Make snack time fun!

And since these are strawberries, they are healthy.

So eat up.

Don’t forget to check out my post on Whirl!