Chocolate Covered Strawberries
User Reviews
5
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Description
Fresh strawberries are cleaned carefully to remove residues, using either running water or a vinegar soak depending on their source, and then dried thoroughly. Melting semi-sweet chocolate chips mixed with coconut oil produces a smooth mixture suitable for dipping. Cooling the melted chocolate slightly allows it to thicken for better coating adherence.
Dipping strawberries gives a crisp chocolate shell encasing the fresh, juicy strawberry inside. The treat balances the tartness and moisture of the fruit with the sweet, firm chocolate exterior.
This preparation lends itself to variations by using different types of chocolate or adding toppings such as crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles. Leftover melted chocolate can be repurposed for dipping other snacks or frozen for later use.
Choosing larger strawberries and those without bruising ensures the best result. High-quality chocolate or melting wafers can be alternatives to chocolate chips with slight adjustment to the recipe.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. strawberry fresh
- 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips good quality
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- To clean strawberries: for organically grown strawberries place in a colander and rinse well under cold running water, tossing occasionally, drain well. For conventionally grown strawberries soak in a solution of 4 parts water 1 part vinegar for 5 minutes. Rinse and drain well in a colander.
- Dry strawberries: Dry each strawberry individually very well with paper towels, then set aside to continue to dry while melting chocolate. If strawberries are wet chocolate won't stick and you don't want any water in the chocolate mixture.
- How to melt chocolate microwave option: Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small microwave safe mixing bowl. Heat mixture in microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring well between each interval until melted and smooth.
- If chocolate is runny let it cool just briefly to thicken up slightly before you begin to dip berries.
- How to melt chocolate stovetop directions: Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heat proof bowl (such as glass or stainless steel bowl) that sits well over a saucepan.
- Bring about 1-inch of water to a simmer in saucepan, reduce heat to low, set bowl with chocolate over saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat.
- To dip strawberries in chocolate: Set a sheet of parchment paper over a baking sheet. Working with one strawberry at a time dip, hold the strawberry by the leaves and dip into melted chocolate, coating nearly to the top. Tilt bowl as needed to pool chocolate to one side, and rotate strawberry to coat all sides as needed.
- Lift and let excess chocolate run off, slide strawberry across the inside edge of the bowl to remove just some of the chocolate then set that side facing down on parchment paper (if dipping in toppings then dip before transferring to baking sheet).
- Repeat with remaining strawberries. Transfer dipped strawberries to refrigerator and let chocolate harden, about 15 minutes.
- To finish with a chocolate drizzle (optional): Melt (1/2 cup) 2 oz. chocolate chips (dark, milk or white) with 3/4 tsp coconut oil as directed in step 3 or 5 above.
- Transfer melted chocolate to a small resealable bag, seal bag and cut a tiny corner from one point. Drizzle over chocolate set strawberries, return to fridge to solidify.
- How to Store Strawberries: Store strawberries in a single layer an airtight container in refrigerator, for best results enjoy within about 12 hours.
Notes
- Select large, vibrant red strawberries with green leaves, avoiding bruised or damaged fruit for best results.
- Quality semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate chips or bars are suitable; melting wafers can be used without added coconut oil.
- If chocolate is too thin when melted, let it cool briefly to thicken before dipping strawberries.
- Leftover melted chocolate can be used to coat other items like pretzels, marshmallows, or nuts, or frozen in ice cube trays for future use.
- Optional toppings include crushed pretzels, Oreos, nuts, shredded coconut, crushed cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variety.
- Shortening can substitute for coconut oil if preferred.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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