Almost everyone loves a sweet treat, but after a while the same old choices can be repetitive. If you want to get away from the usual dessert routine, make chocolate-dipped strawberries. They are much healthier for you than standard cakes or pastries, and are often viewed as a gourmet treat, even though they are simple enough to make right in your kitchen.
Step 1
Wash strawberries and allow to dry completely. Do not remove stems. Set aside.
Step 2
Melt chocolate and shortening down to a liquid, in the double boiler. If you do not have a double boiler, place water in the bottom of a medium saucepan. Take a smaller saucepan and put your chocolate pieces in it. Set the smaller saucepan inside and over the water of the larger one. Melt chocolate down until smooth, continuously stirring with a wooden spoon.
Step 3
Insert a toothpick through the green capped end of a strawberry. Dip the strawberry into the melted chocolate. If you wish for a thick coating of chocolate you may wish to dip the berry a second time. Allow part of the berry and the green stem to show at the top for that gourmet touch.
Step 4
Remove the toothpick and transfer the strawberry to a paper cupcake liner. Allow to dry.
Step 5
Store the strawberries in the refrigerator. Eat within 48 hours for optimal taste. Do not leave the strawberries out of refrigeration for more than 24 hours.
Skill: Moderately Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 pound semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 Tbsp. shortening
- 2 dozen large strawberries
- Double boiler
- Wooden spoon
- Toothpicks
- Small paper cupcake liners
Tip: For a more dramatic effect, melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the hardened dark chocolate.
Warning: Don't allow your chocolate to burn by overcooking it. You can always turn the heat back on and gently melt it down slightly, although this is not always recommended.
Never add water to melted chocolate if it is too thick, as this will ruin the consistency of the chocolate.
Keyword: Chocolate covered strawberries Dipped strawberries Strawberries
