Happy Valentine’s Day, lovelies! Yesterday at my local grocery store I happened upon some gorgeous long stemmed strawberries. I couldn’t resist picking a pound up to enrobe in chocolate and then cram into my mouth. This is a dessert that is elegant, eye-catching, and easy as pie to make! Folks are always really impressed with them too. For so many people they’re something they buy on the boardwalk, or the county fair – not something you make yourself at home. And, those people are missing out!
I did some fancy tuxedo strawberries – although leave it to me to forget about the bow-tie, we’ll call it a “casual tux”. I also did some that were the traditional dark chocolate dip, with white chocolate drizzle. I had some leftover red melting chips too, from my Kaepcakes, that I melted down and drizzled as well for a pop of color. They came out gorgeous, and tasted as good as they looked. The strawberries were from California, and had wonderful flavor. We all enjoyed them for dessert last night, I took a few over to a girlfriend (my cupcake taste-tester, Jamie) to share, and have exactly 3 left – which I plan to enjoy for breakfast this morning!
If you need a last minute gift idea or dessert for your special someone – chocolate covered strawberries are the ticket. Can be made in under an hour, and they’re so special. I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine’s Day – full of love!
Chocolate Covered “Tuxedo” Strawberries
12 medium fresh strawberries with stems
1 cup vanilla or white chips
3-1/2 teaspoons shortening, divided
1-1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Line a tray or baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Wash strawberries and pat until completely dry.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt vanilla chips and 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening at 70% power; stir until smooth. Dip each strawberry until two-thirds is coated, forming the tuxedo shirt, allowing excess to drip off. Place on prepared tray; chill for 30 minutes or until set.
Melt chocolate chips and remaining shortening. To form the tuxedo jacket, dip each side of berry into chocolate from the tip of the strawberry to the top of vanilla coating. Repeat on the other side, leaving a white V-shape in the center. Set remaining chocolate aside. Chill berries for 30 minutes or until set.
Remelt reserved chocolate if necessary. Using melted chocolate and a round pastry tip #2, pipe a bow tie at the top of the white V and three buttons down front of shirt (I actually just use a toothpick). Chill for 30 minutes or until set. Store in the refrigerator in a covered plastic container for up to 1 day.
Strawberries can also be dipped in the semi-sweet chocolate, let to set for 30 minutes, then drizzle with white chocolate (or any color melting chips) using a spoon. Let sit another 30 minutes before serving.
Source: Country Woman, July 1996
