One of those decadent treats that gets people talking. On a warm day place the chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge for a dessert with a chocolate crack. Also these can be made ahead of time. There are bananas, grapes, melon sliced and more can also be covered. Whether it be a romantic meal or a family and friends meal, these are always a hit. You can create a chocolate covered fruit salad for those warm days. My children love these and always a good way of getting them to eat fruit. We have used semi sweet chocolate chips but you can use which ever you prefer.
Chocolate-covered strawberries look elegant, taste wonderful and turn a simple piece of fruit into a lovely little treat. I enjoy making them when friends come round, especially when I want to serve something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the best things about these strawberries is how easily they fit into different occasions. For example, they make a lovely addition to a romantic meal, a birthday spread or an afternoon tea with friends. They are also a wonderful choice for family celebrations, where everyone can pick up a strawberry and enjoy it without needing a plate and fork.
Of course, the chocolate you choose makes a real difference. Dark chocolate gives the strawberries a rich flavour, while milk chocolate brings a sweeter, creamier taste. White chocolate is another favourite of mine because it looks beautiful against the bright red fruit. Better still, you can offer a mixture of all three to give everyone a little choice.
However, the strawberries themselves deserve just as much attention. Choose fruit that is ripe, firm and brightly coloured. Large strawberries are particularly attractive when served on a platter, although smaller ones work beautifully for bite-sized treats. Most importantly, make sure the fruit is completely dry before coating it in chocolate. Even a little moisture can affect how well the chocolate sticks.
Once the chocolate has set, you can have some fun with the finishing touches. A light drizzle of contrasting chocolate creates a simple but attractive pattern. Alternatively, a little finely chopped nuts or colourful sprinkles can add extra texture. For a more grown-up finish, try a small scattering of freeze-dried raspberries. Their gentle sharpness works wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate.
I also like to think about how the strawberries will look when served. Arrange them neatly on a white plate or a simple serving board to show off their glossy coating. If you are preparing a dessert table, place them alongside small cakes, biscuits or other fresh fruit for a colourful display.
Although chocolate-covered strawberries look impressive, they do not need to be reserved for special occasions. They are a lovely way to use fresh strawberries when they are in season and make an everyday pudding feel a little more exciting.
One final tip is worth remembering. These treats are best enjoyed fresh, while the fruit is juicy and the chocolate still has its lovely snap. Make them ahead for convenience, but keep them cool and serve them on the same day whenever possible.
Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the ones everyone remembers, and chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect example.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 punnet strawberries keep stems
Instructions
- Put the semi sweet and milk chocolate into the top section of the boiler or bowl over a pan of hot water.1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- Heat until liquid.
- Take off stove and add the vanilla.1 tsp vanilla, 2 tbsp oil
- Dip the strawberries and set them on wax paper until chocolate is hardened.1 punnet strawberries
1 comment
OMG these are so called. It was a shame I had to share them.