Description
Sweet chocolate dipped strawberries bring romantic elegance to dessert tables everywhere. Fresh strawberries coated in rich chocolate create simple luxury for special celebrations and intimate gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 lb fresh strawberries
- 2 tbsps vegetable shortening
- 1 saucepan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 wooden cutting board
- 1 jelly roll pan
Instructions
- Prep Surface: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a clean workspace for chocolate-dipped strawberries.
- Clean Strawberries: Rinse strawberries under cool water, removing debris. Thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel to prevent water interference with chocolate coating.
- Melt Chocolate: Chop dark or milk chocolate into small, uniform pieces. Set up a double boiler by filling a saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and heating to a gentle simmer. Place chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl over the water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water surface.
- Temper Chocolate: Stir chocolate consistently using a silicone spatula until smooth and glossy. Monitor temperature with an instant-read thermometer, aiming for 118°F (47.8°C) to achieve perfect consistency.
- Dip Strawberries: Grasp strawberries by their leafy cap, then immerse completely in melted chocolate. Rotate to ensure even coverage, gently tapping the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate.
- Decorate and Set: Arrange chocolate-coated strawberries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Optional: Drizzle with contrasting white or milk chocolate for added visual appeal. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate shell.
- Serve and Store: Remove from refrigerator and serve immediately. Alternatively, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Keep water droplets away from melted chocolate; even a tiny amount can cause it to clump and become grainy.
- Select Premium Strawberries: Choose firm, ripe berries with vibrant color and no soft spots for the best flavor and appearance.
- Control Chocolate Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain ideal melting point between 118-120°F, ensuring smooth, glossy coating without burning.
- Quick Chilling Technique: Refrigerate dipped strawberries briefly to set chocolate quickly and create a professional, crisp chocolate shell.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 169
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg