Chocolate-dipped Strawberries

Gee, it’s Valentine’s. Already.

Love is in the air and it’s time to create your very own Valentine magic, in the spirit of loving. Be the loving person that you are, and make your extra special gift. Something that’s simple yet emits class, looks top-notch and tastes fabulous — goody! With just two ingredients: strawberries and chocolate. Melt the chocolate, dip the luscious heart shaped berries, and spice it up with love. Yes, what better gift this Valentine than making these yummy bites of sweetness? Made at home, made by you, with plenty of love!

 

I heart strawberries. These sweet, fragrant berries pair magnificently with chocolate. Strawberries drenched in chocolate is a trademark seduction treat. So let’s keep costs down and make these gourmet confections at home. They also make a great treat to serve a crowd on a special occasion.

For best results, try to pick mold free, plump, firm berries with the green cap and stem attached. Any kinds of chocolate will do: milk, dark or white. Make sure you buy good quality for great taste and light sheen. Melting chocolate is the key. Chocolate can be melted in the microwave in a minute or two. Just remember that chocolate has a low melting point and can burn if heated over 95⁰ C.

Chocolate-dipped Strawberries

Ingredients

20 fresh strawberries, stem and leafy cap intact

1/2 cup dark or milk chocolate

1/2 cup white chocolate

Directions


Rinse berries and pat dry. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

Break chocolate into small pieces and leave at room temperature for 30 minutes. Melt the milk/dark chocolate in the microwave on high for 1 minute or until mushy and almost melted, stirring after every 30 seconds, for uniform heating. Remove from microwave and stir for a fine smooth consistency with shiny finish.

Working with one at a time, hold strawberry by the stem and leaves (or insert a skewer for better grip) and dip in chocolate. Gently swirl to spin off excess and hold your hand up with the berry pointing upwards, for 2 seconds. At this stage, you can sprinkle any toppings like nuts, desiccated coconut or mini candies, if you desire. Place on waxed paper and leave to set in cool room temperature until firm, for about 30 minutes.

To keep chocolate warm while working, keep it over a pan of warm water and stir occasionally to maintain uniform temperature. Cool any remaining chocolate and store in the refrigator, covered, for up to 2 weeks.

Once the chocolate dipped berry is firm, melt the white chocolate. Use a spatula or pipe to drizzle neat designs — be creative! Finally, for added elegance, place the strawberries in mini paper cups and present it in a box. Serve on the same day.

 

Mmm they are delicious!

I hope you all have a wonderful day with your loved ones. And plenty of relaxed, quality time.