Bitters And Berries

1/3 cup raw coconut sugar

1/3 cup water

1½ tablespoons angostura bitters

½ vanilla pod, sliced open lengthwise, seeds scraped out

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

2 tablespoons orange juice

4 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and/or blackberries)

Very dark chocolate bar, to shave

In a small saucepan over medium, heat the sugar and water, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bitters, vanilla pod and seeds, orange zest and juice, then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from the heat and allow to steep at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Discard the vanilla pod. Refrigerate if not using right away.

Divide the berries among 6 dessert cups. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the syrup over each berry bowl. Top with shavings of dark chocolate.

Serves 6

Nutrition information per serving: 110 calories; 20 calories from fat (18 percent of total calories); 2 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 20 mg sodium; 24 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 19 g sugar; 1 g protein.

Melissa d'Arabian