Dark chocolate covered strawberries? Why not! It seems like there’s a new study released every month that talks about the rich antioxidant powers of dark chocolate. Combined with the vitamin C packed in ripe, red strawberries, a chocolate strawberries recipe suddenly doesn’t sound quite as sinfully indulgent. In moderation, they might even be considered a health-conscious treat!
Making dark chocolate covered strawberries is easier than it might first appear. There are a few tips to keep in mind before you begin.
• If possible, choose fresh, red, ripe strawberries from your local grocer or farmer’s market. Ripe strawberries are a deep, rich red from tip to stem, and smell very sweet. If you can’t find fresh strawberries locally, a high quality brand of frozen strawberries might do, so long as they’ve been individually flash frozen at the peak of ripeness.
• Wash fresh strawberries carefully to remove any unwelcome particulate matter or pesticides, then pat dry.
• Also choose a high quality dark chocolate. Some cheaper brands will use peanut or soy oil instead of cocoa oil, or include extra fillers and paraffins to facilitate melting or improve taste. Avoid the temptation to pick up the bargain chocolate and reach instead for the top shelf products, which are lower in added sugars and made from the best quality cocoa beans.
• Pick up some stout wooden toothpicks and a block of styrofoam from a craft shop to make dipping and drying easier.
Here’s a chocolate strawberries recipe and instruction list to get started:
Dark Chocolate Strawberry Delights
What you’ll need:
8 – 12 oz dark or bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
1 – 2 pounds strawberries
Recipe:
1. Melt chocolate in small saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir often to keep from scorching, remove from heat when completely melted.
2. Working quickly, spear the stem end of washed strawberries with a toothpick, then dip or roll them in the melted chocolate.
3. Push the other end of the toothpick into a large styrofoam block for cooling.
4. When cool and dry, remove toothpicks, arrange on decorative plate, and serve.
For an optional twist that’s also delicious, consider the following ideas:
• Spread out 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar on wax paper and roll the tips of the semi-cool chocolate strawberries in it for an attractive and tasty white dusting.
• If you’ve ever had chocolate covered pretzels or peanuts, you know how a little touch of salt brings out the sweetness of good chocolate. About 1 TBS coarse kosher salt is sufficient, just sprinkle a few grains on the ends of the cooling chocolate strawberries.
• Take approximately 4 oz of cream cheese frosting and drizzle over the cooled chocolate for another layer of creamy rich goodness.
You might also try white chocolate, colored sugars, or dark and white “half and half” strawberries for very special occasions. Once you’re proficient with the dipping technique, let your imagination run free – your family and friends will love you for it!