February 13, 2011

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.

24 comments:

  1. thank you. that's a chockfull for Valentines. chk out cardamomhills.blogspot.com. you have a fren there!! i'll lick the choc clean and leave the berry behind...not so fond of this power packed berry :(

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  2. Thank you. I guess chocolates and strawberries are valentine's staples, so you'll see more recipes popping up :)

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  3. Wow! Chocolate and strawberries, I always love this combination, looks gorgeous.

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  4. Thanks for visiting my blog - do check back in -
    Yummy strawberry chocolates :)

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  5. wow beautiful photos and a great vday idea! :)

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  6. beautifully done looks delicious

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  7. This is one of the simplest yet one of the most exotic desserts out there!
    Sometime when I am not even in the mood for melting chocolates I simply dip strawberries in nutella and it works great :D

    US Masala

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  8. they look awesome...I just bought some strawberries to make some....these look too good!

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  9. Easy and tasty treat perfect for the occasion!

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  10. Thank you one and all for your sweet notes, and wish you a Happy V-Day!

    Aipi: Me too! When I have these sudden and uncontrollable cravings for chocolate with my fruit, I dip it in nutella. I usually stock my fridge with a box of strawberries and jar of nutella :)

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  11. Omg, those chocolate dipped strawberries looks absolutely marvellous..

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  12. love the way you have played with the chocolate and strawberries!!sinful

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  13. Lovely strawberries and perfect for the season..
    Happy to follow you.
    Do drop by when u find time @ My culinary Trial room

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  14. Beautiful clicks dearie!! perfect for the day
    Happy Valentine's day

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  15. were are u in doha????????//will always pass by to have these wonderful treats..........perfect.........happy valentines day...........

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  16. Lovely chocolate strawberries Nasheera!Thanks for liking my low fat chocolate mousse truffles :) Nutella and fruit is a good idea too!But then Nutella is always a good idea! Happy V day to you too!

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  17. Hey Nash, I had these strawberries with me and was thinking to make something different with it. You had a very easy version. Nice one and once again pics are rocking.

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  18. Lovely strawberries, perfect picture. First time here, simply love it.

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  19. Thank y'all for the thougtfulness - you guys rock! I hope you had a memorable Valentine's.

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  20. Ahhh! I love it! Looks yummy & so tempting.

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  21. Hey Ambreen, nice of you to say so! Thanks for visiting.

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  22. thank you for linking yummy yummy

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  23. Nice!! My husband made these for me on V day :)

    Check out my version @ http://eathearty.blogspot.com/

    Ankita

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  24. Ankita, you are one lucky person to have such a loving husband! Thanks for stopping by!

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A million thank you's for stopping by, taking the time to connect, and coming back to visit again. I genuinely appreciate each of your kind thoughts, lovely words, love and support. Happy, happy to hear from you, and hope to see you again!

♥ Nashi