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?