Chocolate-covered Strawberries

California Chocolate-covered Strawberries Recipe with Semi-sweet and White Chocolate

Region / culture: California | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and rich, creamy chocolate is simply irresistible. In this recipe, we will show you how to make your own delicious chocolate-covered strawberries at home.

History

The exact origins of chocolate-covered strawberries are unknown, but they have been a popular treat for many years. Some believe that the combination of chocolate and strawberries dates back to the 1960s, while others claim that it has been enjoyed for centuries. Regardless of their history, chocolate-covered strawberries have become a beloved dessert around the world.

Ingredients

2 qt (1.89 liters) of firm large strawberries
2 (12 oz (340 g)) bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 (6 oz (170 g)) boxes of white chocolate or almond bark

How to prepare

Wash the strawberries and dry them well with a paper towel.
Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with waxed paper.
In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, break up the white chocolate into small pieces and melt it on medium power (I used 60% power) for approximately 4 – 6 minutes. Check and stir every 2 minutes to avoid burning the chocolate.
Remove the bowl from the microwave and dip each strawberry one at a time, holding it by the stem/leaves and dipping it right up to the base of the stem/leaves.
Place the dipped strawberries on the baking sheet/waxed paper and repeat the process for all the strawberries.
Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator until the white chocolate sets, which should take about 15 – 20 minutes.
In another medium-sized bowl, melt the chocolate chips using the same time frame and power level as mentioned above (60%, 4 – 6 minutes).
Once again, grasp the strawberries by the stems and dip one side into the melted chocolate, then dip the other side, creating a visible "v" shape from the front of the strawberry.
Using a toothpick, "paint" on 2 or 3 buttons and a bow tie at the top of each berry (near the stem) with the brown chocolate.
Allow the strawberries to cool on the baking sheet/waxed paper in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set.
The strawberries will last 2 – 3 days in the refrigerator.

Video

Variations

Try using white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top of the chocolate for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly before dipping them in chocolate to ensure that the chocolate sticks properly.

- Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate, and be sure to stir it frequently to prevent burning.

- For a fun twist, try drizzling white chocolate over the dark chocolate-covered strawberries for a decorative touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chocolate-covered strawberries as a dessert at a dinner party or special occasion, or enjoy them as a sweet treat on their own.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect chocolate-covered strawberries is to melt the chocolate slowly and stir it frequently to prevent burning. Be sure to dip the strawberries in the chocolate quickly and allow them to set in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have almond bark, you can use white chocolate chips or candy melts instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chocolate-covered strawberries ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chocolate-covered strawberries on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the chocolate-covered strawberries with a glass of champagne or a cup of hot tea for a delightful pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chocolate-covered strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chocolate-covered strawberries contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chocolate-covered strawberries contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chocolate-covered strawberries contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of chocolate-covered strawberries contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, providing about 15% of the recommended daily intake per serving.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and nuts.

Summary

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a delicious and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a simple yet elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create your own delicious chocolate-covered strawberries at home. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Clara was known for her delicious treats, and that day she had a special surprise for me - chocolate-covered strawberries.

As soon as I took a bite of those juicy strawberries coated in rich, creamy chocolate, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself. Clara smiled as she saw the look of delight on my face and promised to teach me her secret recipe.

We spent the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the sweet scent of melting chocolate and ripe strawberries. Clara guided me through each step, showing me how to temper the chocolate, dip the strawberries, and let them set just right.

But it wasn't just the recipe that Clara shared with me that day. As we worked side by side, she told me stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make these chocolate-covered strawberries many years ago. Clara's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recalled the laughter and love that filled her grandmother's kitchen whenever they made these sweet treats together.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring every moment. It was more than just a recipe; it was a connection to the past, a link to generations of women who had passed down their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking.

And so, armed with Clara's recipe and her cherished memories, I returned home eager to recreate the magic of those chocolate-covered strawberries in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients, carefully following Clara's instructions and adding my own touch here and there.

I found that the key to making these decadent treats was patience and attention to detail. The chocolate had to be melted just right, not too hot or too cold, and the strawberries had to be plump and ripe. But the most important ingredient of all was love - love for the process, love for the history behind the recipe, and love for the people I would share it with.

As I dipped each strawberry into the velvety chocolate, I felt a sense of satisfaction and joy wash over me. The glossy sheen of the chocolate, the juicy burst of the strawberry - it was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds.

I made a batch of chocolate-covered strawberries for my family that evening, and their eyes widened with delight as they took their first bite. The sweetness of the strawberries mingled with the richness of the chocolate, creating a harmony that was simply irresistible.

From that day on, chocolate-covered strawberries became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for birthdays, holidays, and any occasion that called for a touch of sweetness. Each time I made them, I thought of Clara and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of their recipe and the stories that came with it.

And as I watched my own grandchildren delight in the taste of those chocolate-covered strawberries, I knew that I was passing on more than just a recipe. I was passing on a tradition, a legacy of love and connection that would endure long after the last strawberry had been dipped.

So the next time you bite into a chocolate-covered strawberry, remember the stories and the memories that go into making it. And know that behind every delicious treat lies a world of history, love, and connection that transcends time and taste.