Dark Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pops

Have you heard of SunGold kiwifruit? It’s not like your typical kiwi, with its smooth skin and bright yellow flesh. Learn some more about these vitamin C packed fruit and try a delicious Dark Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pop treats.
Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pops via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenI received free samples of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe, I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Zespri Kiwifruit and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
SunGold kiwifruit is popping up throughout grocery stores (June-October), since being one of the new fastest growing fruits globally.

So, I never really knew that kiwifruit was one word until recently… oops. I was typing it a text and it kept autocorrecting it to one word. Don’t worry, you won’t even have to type it anymore now that a fun kiwifruit emoji is coming!
Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pops via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
Anytime I am teaching a cooking class or doing a cooking demo I always like to throw out fun facts about the food I’m cooking with. I would sweep a food category in jeopardy.
Five surprising facts about SunGold Kiwifruit:
1. Not all kiwifruit is “fuzzy” on the outside.
Zespri SunGold kiwifruit have a smooth, hairless skin. SunGold is also yellow on the inside, which is a surprise in and of itself because Americans are more familiar with the green kiwifruit variety with the fuzzy skin. Zespri SunGold kiwis have, a juicy, yellow flesh, and a tropical-sweet taste.
2. You don’t peel kiwifruit.
Kiwifruit is the perfect portable snack because it is easy to eat! Just cut in half with a knife and scoop with a spoon. That’s it – just cut, scoop, and enjoy!
3. Kiwifruit is a good meat tenderizer.
Both green and SunGold kiwifruit contain an enzyme called actinidin that helps break down protein. Actinidin occurs only in kiwifruit and improves digestive comfort by increasing the breakdown of proteins and facilitating digestion and emptying of the stomach. The actinidin can serve as a meat tenderizer: just peel and mash a kiwifruit and spread over meat or make a kiwifruit marinade. Actinidin will also break down protein in dairy so recipes with dairy should be consumed right away.
4. You can “measure” the taste of SunGold.
Zespri growers achieve the best-tasting kiwifruit through a measure called the brix. The higher the brix, the sweeter the fruit. The dry matter content (where all water is removed) indicates how high the brix will be once the fruit is ripe. A higher dry matter means the better quality the kiwifruit will be- it stores better and tastes better. Not all kiwifruit brands put so much focus on the brix and that’s why not all kiwifruit is created equal. With Zespri, you can really taste the difference!
Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pops via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
Now that you know a little bit more about the Zespri SunGold kiwifruit, how do you pick the prefect one to enjoy? To tell if a SunGold kiwifruit is ripe – hold the kiwifruit in the palm of your hand and squeeze gently.  It should yield to slight pressure when ripe. SunGold’s get softer and sweeter as they ripen.


This little fruit has quite the nutrition credentials to go along with is delicious taste, including

  • an excellent source of vitamin C, containing 2x more vitamin C than oranges
  • provides as much potassium as a banana
  • and a good source of the antioxidant vitamin E

Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pops via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
Fruit is one of my favorite desserts in the summer time. I’ve been finding myself grabbing a toothpick and poking into the frozen fruit in my freezer for a little sweet treat after dinner. I’ve never tried frozen kiwi before, so I thought it would be fun to give it a try! Plus, chocolate – how will this not be delicious?!
Verdict – love these! I found that the kiwi tasted even sweeter when it was frozen and they are easily customizable depending what extra little toppings you may want to add.

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Dark Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pop on parchment paper

Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pops

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
  • 46 oz. dark chocolate
  • (optional toppings) coconut flakes, walnuts, sprinkles, etc.

Instructions

  1. Insert popsicle sticks into the kiwi slices far enough to hold the fruit without piercing through the other end. Freeze until firm.
  2. Melt chocolate in a double broiler.
  3. Dip kiwi slices into melted chocolate, and rest over wax paper or cooling rack.
  4. Add desired toppings. After chocolate has hardened, eat and enjoy,
  5. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer

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Connect more with Zespri Kiwifruit
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-> Pinterest
Need even more SunGold kiwifruit inspiration? Scroll down to check out what other Recipe ReDuxer’s created.
Chocolate Covered Kiwi Pops via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen


Grilled Pineapple

Fruit is a great healthy dessert option during the summer. Leave the grill fired up after dinner and kick up the flavor of your fruit by grilling it!
Grilled Pineapple via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenGet your fruits and veggies in shape this summer! With produce galore, now’s a great time to enjoy lots of fruits and vegetables. This is a perfect theme for the Recipe ReDux members to share how we are all serving bounties of gardens and orchards in shapes like ribbons, noodles, cut-outs, or other creative cuts.
Grilled Pineapple via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen
pineapple corerBuying a whole pineapple at the grocery store is typically way more affordable than the peeled and cored or already diced packages. Cutting a pineapple can be a little tedious and messy in the kitchen, but one kitchen gadget that can help is an all-in-one corer slicer. I have a ton of kitchen gadgets and some may be used only once in a blue moon, but this one is super useful!

Now my shape might not be as exciting as ribbons or noodles, but I cut these perfect rounds in under a minute! No mess, success!
Grilled Pineapple via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenJust one cup of pineapple provides 132% of the recommended intake for vitamin C (an antioxidant vitamin that is required for healthy skin and immune function) and 76% for manganese (plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation).
Grilled Pineapple via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenAdd fun toppings to make it into more of an indulgent dessert. I added vanilla Greek yogurt, sliced almonds and shredded coconut.

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grilled pineapple on a white plate

Grilled Pineapple

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pineapple, cut into thick slices
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • (optional toppings) yogurt, sliced almonds, coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
  2. In a large ziplock bag add the marinade and the pineapple slices. Carefully turn bag to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Clean grill grates and place pineapple slices on grill. Brush pineapple slices with remaining marinade.
  4. Cook until both sides are browned with grill marks.
  5. Remove from grill and add optional toppings.

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Raspberry Lime Chia Jam

Skip the jarred stuff and make your own sweet and tangy Raspberry Lime Chia Jam. It’s great to spread on toast, stir in yogurt, or top on waffles in place of syrup.
Raspberry Lime Chia Jam via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenIt’s peanut butter jelly raspberry lime chia jam time! Maybe we should stick to the original phrase, but I definitely encourage you to think outside the box and try this raspberry lime chia jam. It has a sweet and tangy flavor your tastebuds will love, plus an extra boost of fiber from the chia seeds.
Raspberry Lime Chia Jam via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

Raspberry Lime Chia Jam via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenI was at the diner with my friends and I ordered my favorite omelette with mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese with rye toast (dry) on the side. Along with my toast came the selection of jellies, jams, and marmalades which brought up the question – what’s the difference between each of them?
Jam – Jam is made of crushed fruits that are then cooked with sugar, pectin, and acid until the fruits reach a spreadable consistency. Jam has an organic shape to it, and often has chunks of fruit in it, which also can contain seeds if they fruit has them. In addition to being a spread, jams are also good for fillings.
Jelly – The fruit contained in the form of jelly is the fruit’s juice. The fruit is crushed and cooked so the juice can be extracted. It is more gelatinous and easier to spread. It’s main ingredients are fruit juice, pectin, an acid, and sugar. Jellies can also be made from ingredients other than fruit, such as herbs, tea, wine, liqueurs, flowers, and vegetables.
Marmalade – The word marmalade is french, meaning “citrus preserves”. Marmalades are cooked with the fruit’s peel and pulp for a long time, and traditionally do not use pectin. Marmalades are usually made with citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits, and are often used as spreads or glazes.
Raspberry Lime Chia Jam via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchenA homemade jam like this can be a great addition to sweeten up meals/snacks with wholesome fruit and to help trim back on added sugars.
– Opt for plain yogurt, instead of flavored yogurt, and add a tablespoon of jam to sweeten it up
– Warm up a tablespoon of jam and drizzle over pancakes or waffles in place of syrup
– Opt for plain oatmeal and stir in a tablespoon of jam
– Simply spread jam on a piece of whole wheat toast
Raspberry Lime Chia Jam via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

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raspberry lime chia jam on rye bread

Raspberry Lime Chia Jam

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Cook Time: 8 mins
  • Total Time: 8 mins
  • Yield: 16 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 limes, juiced and zested
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • (optional) 1 tablespoon coconut sugar

Instructions

  1. In a small pot combine the raspberries, lime juice, and coconut sugar (if using). Cook over low heat until the raspberries start to break down, stirring occasionally.
  2. With the back of a wooden spoon, mash the raspberries. Add the chia seeds and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the jam begins to thicken.
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in the zest.
  4. Let cool and spread on toast, stir in oatmeal, or top on waffles/pancakes.

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Supermarket RD’s Picks: Crispy Green Freeze-Dried Fruit

Looking for a healthy snack that you can keep in your work desk drawer, throw into a lunchbox, or just grab as you are running out the door? Crispy Green freeze-dried fruit with simply just one ingredient, fruit, is this week’s Supermarket RD’s Pick

Supermarket RD's Pick via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

In high school, I developed my own terminology to determine if a snack was able to make it through the school day. It’s called the “backpack test”. If a snack passed the “backpack test”, it was able to last in my backpack all throughout the school day with it getting shuffled around, squeezed between books, tossed in a locker, etc. without getting crushed, mushy, or basically destroyed.

Some fruit like a banana had to be eaten early in the day, because by the time the bell rang, it did not make it. Bars, trail mix, and other non refrigerator items survived the best, but I always craved fruit at the end of the day, especially before field hockey, basketball, or softball practice (depending on what season it was).

Supermarket RD's Pick: Crispy Greens via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

I wish Crispy Green was invented when I was in high school. Now instead of passing the “backpack test” they pass the “workbag test”. Crispy Green are a freeze-dried fruit that contain only one ingredient, fruit! They are different then dried fruit, which often leads to overly crunchy or chewy texture. Their freeze-dry process removes the water from the fruit, leaving behind the fruit’s true essence in a light and crispy texture.

Supermarket RD's Pick: Crispy Greens via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen(source)

They are great to bring to school, since they are allergen friendly, being peanut and tree nut free and gluten free, while additionally being free of additives and preservatives, fat free, cholesterol free, non-gmo project verified, and kosher certified.

Supermarket RD's Pick: Crispy Greens via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

My favorite flavors are mango, pineapple, and asian pear! I’ve crushed them up and mixed them into yogurt, added them on top or salads or even dipped them into peanut butter (that works best with the apple and banana crispy green!).

Have you tried crispy green before? What is your favorite flavor?

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Disclosure: Crispy Green did not sponsor this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers.

Feta & Mint Watermelon Salad

I know there are many variations of this recipe. I like to keep it really simple – let the minimal ingredients develop powerful flavors that marinate together. The ingredients of this recipe contribute 3 out of the 5 taste sensations.

 So what are the 5 tastes you experience everyday when eating?

fajb_digital_taster_02_nov2013

There are five known tastes that are detected by taste buds: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. Although these tastes are detected by all taste buds, some regions of the tongue have a slightly higher sensitivity to some tastes than others.

  1. The sweet taste is created by carbohydrates such as sucrose and fructose, as well as artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharine.
  2. The salty taste is generally created by salts containing sodium ions, such as sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Salts containing potassium, lithium, and other alkali metal ions also produce a mildly salty flavor.
  3. Acidic compounds, such as citric acid and vinegar, produce sour flavors.
  4. Bitter flavors are produced by a variety of organic compounds and are generally considered an undesirable or unpalatable flavor. Many toxic chemicals produced by poisonous plants have a bitter taste, thus leading to the negative reaction to bitter foods.
  5. Umami, or savoriness, is the most recently discovered taste, found in foods that have a “meaty” taste due to the presence of the chemical glutamate. Meat, cheese, mushrooms, and the chemical monosodium glutamate (MSG) all contain glutamate.
    (source)

Feta & Mint Watermelon Salad

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Feta Mint Watermelon Salad

Feta & Mint Watermelon Salad

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Fruit, Salad, Fruit Salad

Description

Light and Refreshing Summer Salad. This salty and sweet combo adds a new twist to watermelon. Bring it to your next BBQ!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Combine watermelon, feta cheese, and mint in a large bowl.
  2. Pour in lime juice and gently toss together.
  3. Serve immediately.

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Watermelon – Sweet

Feta Cheese – Salty

Lime juice – Sour

Feta & Mint Watermelon Salad 2

In Good Health,
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Baked Apples

The average American should try and aim for 5 serving of fruits and vegetables per day. I say the more the better! This recipe tastes more like an indulgent dessert, but it’s actually a guilt free treat, plus a full serving of fruit.

baked apples RD 1.jpg

 

A guilt free sweet treat that can satisfy your sweet tooth and help you stay on track with healthy eating.

 
 

Baked Apples

Makes 3 servings

 

Ingredients:

3 apples
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp walnuts, chopped

 
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Start preparing the apples by slicing the top off. Use a melon baller to scoop out the core.

apples 1.jpg

2. In a small size bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts. Fill the cavities of the apples with the mixture.

apples 2.jpg

3. Bake for 20 minutes, until fork tender.

baked apples RD2.jpg

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(nutrition facts based on calorie count)

 

 

Enjoy!

 


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