Hand-dipped chocolate strawberries are an easy dessert and treat to make at home and are usually well received for Valentine's Day, an anniversary dinner or other romantic celebration. If you want to treat your sweetheart to chocolate and strawberries for an upcoming celebration, here's how to make your own batch of tempting treats.
Step 1
Line the baking sheet with waxed paper so that it is completely covered. The pan will be used for setting the chocolate after the strawberries have been dipped.
Step 2
Chop the chocolate into fine pieces and shreds so that it can be melted easily. Use the chef's knife at different angles to break down the chocolate block; place the chocolate pieces into the heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Step 3
Top the chocolate with the butter and cream and heat the saucepan to medium-high heat so that the chocolate begins to melt. Reduce the heat to low-medium, stirring frequently to dissolve all of the chocolate, until the butter and cream are thoroughly combined; leave on very low heat as you prepare the strawberries.
Step 4
Rinse the strawberries under cool water but do not remove the leaves and stem. Set on a paper towel to dry.
Step 5
Hold each strawberry by its stem and slowly dip it into the warm chocolate; lift above the pan for a few seconds to let the excess chocolate drip below, then put the strawberry on the prepared baking sheet to dry.
Step 6
Transfer the entire pan to the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes until chocolate is firm and completely set.
Skill: Easy
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. gourmet chocolate (in a block)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 pint of strawberries
- 1 medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan
- 1 large baking sheet
- Waxed paper
- Chef's knife
Tip: You can keep the melted chocolate warm in a fondue pot if you're hosting a party where guests can dip their own strawberries and fruit.
Dip strawberries in different types of chocolate to create a layered effect and a wide range of flavors.
Serve the strawberries on a metallic plate or decorative platter for the final touch.
Drizzle the strawberries with melted white chocolate for a professional look.
Sprinkle nuts or miniature chocolate chips on the warm chocolate before it dries in the pan for a variation on the basic recipe.
Warning: Make sure all strawberries are free of mold and are not overripe to prevent food poisoning.
Don't store strawberries outdoors or leave them under the sun for an extended period of time.
Avoid burning the chocolate by stirring it regularly during the melting process.
Keyword: chocolate, dessert, valentine's day, gourmet food, gourmet
