[donotprint]I know Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but the days are still cold and dreary. I try to instill a little light into these dark winter days with fun, sometimes whimsical desserts.
Here is a quick, simple dessert that never fails to please: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries. The really large strawberries, with the stems on, have the prettiest effect. But regardless of the strawberry size, this is a stunningly gorgeous dessert.
These little gems might cost $3 or $4 each at a candy store; but you can make yours for a fraction of that price.
For the most dramatic effect, arrange the finished strawberries on a footed/pedestal cake stand. But, they will look scrumptious any way you serve them. A glass of champagne is a nice touch. And, if you’re especially hungry, double the recipe. As I always say, “there’s no such thing as too much chocolate.”[/donotprint]
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Recipe by Carol Fenster, author of Gluten-Free Cooking for Two (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017)
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You can use your favorite chocolate chips, but I prefer dark chocolate―Ghirardelli or Sunspire―for its health benefits and stronger flavor. White chocolate chips work nicely, too.
4 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon butter or buttery spread
10 large strawberries (preferably with stems on, for the prettiest effect)
[1] Wash strawberries and gently pat dry with paper towels. Lay sheet of waxed paper on baking sheet.
[2] Place half of chocolate chips and all of the butter in microwave safe bowl. Microwave on Medium power until chocolate melts. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth, then stir in remaining chocolate chips until very smooth. If chocolate doesn’t melt, return to Microwave in 5 second intervals until it does.
[3] Holding strawberry by stem, dip strawberry into chocolate, twist slightly, and then lift out, letting excess chocolate drip back into bowl. Lay strawberry on waxed paper and repeat with remaining strawberries. Let strawberries stand for 20 to 30 minutes or until chocolate sets up and then serve.