Mini Dark Chocolate Cranberry Orange Tarts

I am so over these cold, cloudy, rainy days. Grated, I am grateful that I do live in Texas, where we, fortunately, don’t have to deal with blizzards and shoveling snow from the walkway (at least in my neck of the woods) or too many icy roads; but I have had my fill of these dreary days.

I need to feel that warm spring sun kiss my cheeks as the fresh spring air blows through my hair. I need to get outside, sit on a patio, take my dog to the park, smell some bright, gorgeous flowers and enjoy my favorite evening past time, taking long relaxing walks, right before the sun sets.

Yes! I am so ready for the sunny days of spring. Ready to be in the great outdoors! Ready to be wearing sun dresses and flip flops. Ready to get back in my photography groove and take bold, bright, cheery photos! Ready. Ready! Ready!!!

In an effort to beat the winter blues, I have spent most of my free time planning a summer beach vacation with friends… pouring over Pinterest, looking for the best photos of spring flowers, cute swim suits and sunny exotic locations.

I am ready to bust out the grill. Sit in my back yard. And enjoy these longer days. And as much as I love the “stick to your ribs” comfort food that comes with the winter months, I am so ready for lighter, simpler fair. And yes, this is also partly do to the fact that we are planning that beach vacation!

Recently while wondering the aisles of Walmart (which has been another way for me to beat the winter blues and get out of the house), I saw these new DOVE® Fruit candies, dark chocolate covered blueberries, cherries and cranberries. I love DOVE® dark chocolate so I was eager to give these candies a try! While I enjoyed sampling these chocolate candies on their own, as a satisfying “better for you” indulgence, if you know me, then you know I was going to throw them in some sort of dessert!

Orange and cranberry are classic “winter” flavors, however, to me orange and other citrus flavors always remind me of bright, sunny days, therefore making them the perfect food to enjoy while planning for spring and to get out of that winter rut.

Not only are these Mini Dark Chocolate Cranberry Orange Tarts the perfect combination of flavors, they are the perfect portioned controlled dessert! The easy, homemade orange mousse is light and fluffy and the dark chocolate cranberry adds a pop of flavor and texture. The beauty of these mini tarts is that I can enjoy one (or two) without as much guilt as I beat the winter blues and gear up for warmer days!

Mini Dark Chocolate Cranberry Orange Tarts 

by Heather H. of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com
Printable Version 
Prep Time: 15 minutes Yields: 15 mini tarts

Ingredients:
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 large navel orange, juiced and zested
1 cup homemade or store bought whipped cream
15 mini fillo tart shells
15 DOVE® Fruit Cranberries

Directions:
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or whisk, beat cream cheese, sugar, orange zest and juice until well blended and smooth. Gently fold in prepared whipped cream.

Scoop orange mousse into a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe mousse filling evenly into tart shells. Top each mousse filled tart shell with a chocolate covered cranberry. Garnish with additional orange zest, if desired. Serve immediately.

Note filling can be stored in an air tight container for 4-5 days in the refrigerator, and then piped into tart shells right before serving.

Want to try the NEW DOVE® Fruit candies?? Try my recipe above or check out more great DOVE® Fruit recipe ideas on the DOVE® Fruit social hub. And be sure to grab this fantastic $1.00 off coupon before you head to the store!