Oh, the heavenly combo of sweet juicy fruit encased in a shell of chocolaty goodness! Chocolate Covered Strawberries look extra special but they are really so easy to make.
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No need to purchase chocolate covered strawberries any more because you can make them at home quickly, easily and less expensively. A few simply decorating tricks and they will not only be delicious but you can match the theme of any occasion.
Preparing the strawberries
Rinse and dry the strawberries, making sure the berries are fully dry. Any amount of water will cause the chocolate to seize so it is very important that the berries be completely dry. After rinsing the strawberries in a colander under running water, spread them on a clean kitchen towel and allow to air dry for about 30 minutes. Just before dipping the berries in the melted chocolate, I blot them with a paper towel just to be sure they are as dry as possible.
Melting the chocolate for dipping strawberries
The easiest way to melt the chocolate is in the microwave.
Place the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and add the shortening. Heat on half power for 30 seconds. Adding the shortening makes the strawberries easier to dip and gives the chocolate a beautiful shiny appearance.
Stir the chips and shortening and repeat microwaving in 30 second intervals. At first the chocolate will just begin to melt.
Continue until mixture is completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 times. Be very careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it may seize.
Dipping the strawberries into the melted chocolate
Just before dipping the strawberries into the melted chocolate, blot once again with paper towels to be sure they are completely dry.
Dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate, turning to cover. If you don’t want to use your fingers, I find that inserting a fork into the top of the berry works well with less mess. A toothpick or skewer will not work when trying to turn the strawberries in the chocolate.
After coating the strawberries with chocolate, run the bottom of the berry along the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate from pooling. Place the strawberries on a parchment paper or silicone mat covered cookie sheet.
You can leave the gorgeous chocolate covered strawberries just like they are or you can decorate them.
Decorating the chocolate covered strawberries
In the same way, melt the white chocolate and the shortening together in a small bowl using the microwave.
Using half power, 30 second intervals and stirring between each interval, continue until melted and smooth.
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the berries. I simply use the fork that I stirred with but if you would like to be more precise, you can add the melted chocolate to a piping bag or small baggie with a tiny hole cut in the corner.
I am making these chocolate covered strawberries for 4th of July celebrating. Adding a few shakes of patriotic sprinkles while the white chocolate is still wet and they are perfect for serving at a backyard cookout get-together.
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Patriotic Chocolate Covered Strawberries
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound large strawberries
- 8 ounces milk or dark chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons shortening plus 1 teaspoon, divided
- white melting candy disks*
DIRECTIONS
Rinse and dry the strawberries, making sure the berries are fully dry.
Place the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and add 2 tablespoons of shortening. Heat on power level 5 (half-power) for 30 seconds.
Stir the chips and shortening mixture and repeat microwaving in 30-second intervals. Continue until mixture is completely melted and smooth, about 4-5 times. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Just before dipping the strawberries into the melted chocolate, blot them with paper towels be sure they are completely dry.
Dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate, twisting to cover. Run the bottom of the berries along the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place the coated strawberries on a parchment or silicon lines cookie sheet.
In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate and 1 teaspoons shortening together in the microwave as with the dark chocolate. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the berries. While the chocolate is still wet, decorate by adding the patriotic sprinkles.
Allow the chocolate covered strawberries to dry and harden on the counter for an hour or so. Drying time can be hastened by placing the strawberries in the refrigerator. This might dull the chocolate a little but it makes no difference in the taste.
Recipe Notes
*I used Wilton Candy Melts from the Craft store. They melted with no problem. But, the reviews on Amazon were poor as I read through each comment. I think adding the shortening made all the difference with this product. I have also used with success, Nestle Toll House Premier White Morsels.
The strawberries are best enjoyed on the day they are made but I have refrigerated extras and they were good the next day. There are different opinions on whether to store at room temperature or to refrigerate. In the refrigerator, they might sweat a little or you might notice a small amount of juice on the plate, neither of which change the flavor. I store leftover chocolate covered strawberries on a plate, covered with plastic wrap in the fridge using a toothpick inserted at the top of a few berries so the plastic wrap does not rest on the berries.
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And so begins my craving for chocolate covered strawberries
I do love fresh strawberries 🙂
Chocolate covered strawberries are always a good idea!!
They work for informal and formal occasions and always enjoyed 🙂