Tuxedoed Strawberries

Tuxedoed Strawberries Recipe with Chocolate and White Chocolate

| Servings: 12

Introduction

Tuxedoed strawberries are a fun and elegant dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat. These strawberries are dipped in both white and semi-sweet chocolate to create a tuxedo-like appearance, making them a visually stunning and delicious treat.

History

The origin of tuxedoed strawberries is not clear, but they have become a popular dessert at parties, weddings, and other special events. The combination of sweet strawberries and rich chocolate makes for a delightful treat that is sure to impress guests.

Ingredients

24 - 36 strawberries (approximately two 1 pt (473 ml) baskets), with stems
1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1.5 cups white chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp crisco all-vegetable shortening or 2 tbsp crisco stick, divided

How to prepare

Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper.
Clean the strawberries and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a microwave-safe glass bowl, combine semisweet chocolate chips and 1 tbsp of Crisco shortening.
Microwave on 50% power or defrost for 45 seconds.
Check if the chocolate is melted by pressing a finger into it. If not melted, heat for another 45 seconds.
Repeat the heating process until the chocolate is soft and the shortening is melted.
Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth.
Repeat the melting process with white chocolate and the remaining 1 tbsp of Crisco shortening.
Hold a strawberry by its green top and dip 0.75 of the berry into the melted white chocolate.
Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
Repeat the dipping process with the remaining strawberries.
Place the dipped strawberries on the waxed-paper-lined sheet.
Dip each white chocolate-dipped berry at an angle into the semisweet chocolate, creating one side of the 'lapel'.
Repeat the dipping process at an angle on the other side of the berry.
Place the berries on the waxed-paper-lined sheet.
Put a small amount of melted semisweet chocolate into a small plastic zipper bag.
Cut a small opening in one corner of the bag to create a piping tip.
Pipe buttons and a bowtie onto the strawberries.
Refrigerate the strawberries until the chocolate coating is firm, approximately 1 hour. (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead, but it is best to eat them on the same day. Keep refrigerated.)

Variations

Try using dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts on top of the chocolate coating for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted caramel or peanut butter over the strawberries for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Use a microwave-safe glass bowl to melt the chocolate, and be sure to heat it on 50% power or defrost to prevent burning.

- Refrigerate the strawberries after dipping them to allow the chocolate coating to firm up and set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Tuxedoed strawberries can be served as a dessert at parties, weddings, or other special events. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat on their own or paired with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is melting the chocolate properly to ensure a smooth and glossy coating on the strawberries. Be sure to heat the chocolate slowly and stir it well to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter flavor.

- Coconut oil or butter can be used instead of Crisco shortening for dipping the strawberries.

Make Ahead Tips

Tuxedoed strawberries can be prepared up to 8 hours ahead of time, but it is best to eat them on the same day for the freshest taste. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tuxedoed strawberries on a decorative platter or serving tray for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish them with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Tuxedoed strawberries pair well with champagne, prosecco, or a sweet dessert wine. They also go well with a cup of coffee or tea for a simple and satisfying treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tuxedoed strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of tuxedoed strawberries contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of tuxedoed strawberries contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of tuxedoed strawberries contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of tuxedoed strawberries contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and folate. The chocolate also contains small amounts of iron and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and soy in the form of chocolate. It may also contain traces of nuts depending on the chocolate used.

Summary

Tuxedoed strawberries are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories but high in fat and carbohydrates due to the chocolate coating. They also provide some essential vitamins and minerals from the strawberries.

Summary

Tuxedoed strawberries are a delightful and visually stunning dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat. With a combination of sweet strawberries and rich chocolate, these treats are sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Tuxedoed Strawberries. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had invited me into her kitchen to teach me some of her favorite recipes.

One day, as we were flipping through her old recipe box, my eyes landed on a faded index card with the title "Tuxedoed Strawberries". Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about it. She smiled and told me that it was a recipe she had learned from a dear friend many years ago.

My grandmother's friend, Mrs. Jenkins, was known for her elegant dinner parties and delicious desserts. She had shared the recipe with my grandmother after one particularly memorable gathering, and it had become a family favorite ever since.

As my grandmother began to gather the ingredients for the Tuxedoed Strawberries, she told me the story of how she had come to learn the recipe. Mrs. Jenkins had invited her over for tea one afternoon, and as they sat sipping Earl Grey and nibbling on delicate scones, Mrs. Jenkins had brought out a platter of the most exquisite strawberries my grandmother had ever seen.

Each berry had been dipped in rich, dark chocolate and then drizzled with white chocolate to create a tuxedo-like effect. The combination of sweet and bitter, creamy and crunchy was absolutely divine. My grandmother had never tasted anything like it before, and she begged Mrs. Jenkins to share the recipe with her.

Mrs. Jenkins had laughed and agreed, promising to teach my grandmother the secret to making the perfect Tuxedoed Strawberries. And so, on that sunny afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' elegant kitchen, my grandmother had learned the art of creating this decadent dessert.

As my grandmother walked me through the steps of the recipe, I could see the joy and nostalgia in her eyes. She spoke fondly of Mrs. Jenkins and the many happy memories they had shared over the years. The scent of melting chocolate filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of ripe strawberries.

I watched intently as my grandmother dipped each berry into the dark chocolate, carefully creating the tuxedo stripes with the white chocolate. She explained the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking your time to ensure that each strawberry was perfect.

Finally, as we placed the finished Tuxedoed Strawberries on a silver platter, my grandmother smiled and handed me one to try. The first bite was pure bliss – the smooth chocolate coating giving way to the juicy sweetness of the strawberry inside. It was a taste sensation unlike any other, and I knew that this recipe would become a treasured family tradition.

As I grew older and started my own family, I would often make Tuxedoed Strawberries for special occasions and gatherings. Each time I dipped a strawberry into the velvety chocolate, I would think of my grandmother and Mrs. Jenkins, two remarkable women who had passed down their love of cooking and sharing delicious food with those they cared about.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Tuxedoed Strawberries for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the generations of women who have inspired me. This recipe is more than just a dessert – it is a link to the past, a reminder of the love and laughter that have filled our family gatherings for years. And as I pass on the recipe to my grandchildren, I know that it will continue to bring joy and sweetness to our lives for many generations to come.