Pretty, petite, and symbolic, the chocolate-covered strawberry is the epitome of the Valentine’s Day dessert. Long considered an aphrodisiac, the juicy berry is perfect eaten in its natural form, but dip it in good chocolate (hold the Hershey’s, please!) and we’re talking dreamy decadence. Plus, any recipe that requires three ingredients or less deserves our immediate attention.
Because they’re super easy to prepare, you can bring your kids into the kitchen and get them dipping right alongside you. Let’s be honest: The fruit is really just a vehicle for the rich melted chocolate; thus, any seasonal variety will do. Bananas, pitted cherries, and orange slices are all fantastic alternatives and will make the dessert appropriate at any time of year.
When your honey comes home from work on February 14, welcome him with a plate full of the yummy treats–that is, if you and your kiddos haven’t polished them all off!
Ingredients
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (we recommend Scharffen Berger)
1 pound large strawberries (about 20), washed and dried well
Directions
1) Place chocolate in a shatterproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally, until chocolate is melted. Alternatively, place chocolate in microwave-safe bowl and melt for a couple of minutes, checking and stirring at regular intervals to ensure that the mixture does not burn.
2) Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper and one at a time, dip the strawberries into the warm, melted chocolate.
3) Chill strawberries for at least 15 minutes in the fridge to allow the chocolate to set and form a hard shell around the berry. Longer than an hour, however, and unsightly condensation drips may form.