Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe for Last Minute Valentine's Day 2011 Gift Ideas

When is Valentine's Day? Did you forget it's Monday, February 14th? Now what? Chocolate covered strawberries are the perfect gift for your sweetheart. They're quick and easy to make, and will give the impression you've spent all day on them.

You still have time to do this for Valentine's Day! Because they're so easy, all you have to do is make a quick run to the store for two ingredients. Chocolate and strawberries!

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries

• Buy the biggest long-stemmed strawberries you can find. Make sure they are free from blemishes or rot. The strawberries must be gently rinsed and thoroughly dried before dipping in chocolate. Pat them dry or air dry the strawberries on paper
• Don't skimp on the chocolate this time! Buy the highest quality chocolate available. Chocolate chips work best if you can find then. If not, chop the chocolate bars very fine so it melts quickly. In a stainless or Pyrex bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth. Make sure no water comes in contact with the chocolate or it will seize up. Remove and keep warm, it can always be rewarmed later.
• Try dipping the strawberries in layers of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. Or dip the strawberries in one chocolate, then drizzle with another for a totally different effect.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries

1. Place a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
2. Melt the chocolate as directed above. You can also melt it in a microwave using a glass bowl or glass Pyrex measuring cup.
3. Very carefully, dip the strawberry in the melted chocolate, lift the dipped strawberry out, and with a twist of the wrist, let the excess chocolate drip off. Place the chocolate covered strawberry on the parchment sheet. Repeat until all the strawberries are done. Refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes to harden the chocolate. You can serve them now, or try dipping them into contrasting colored chocolate, letting them dry between coats.
4. Chocolate covered strawberries can also be rolled in finely chopped nuts or toasted coconut while the chocolate is still wet.
5. Serve in paper liners like muffin papers, or specially designed candy wrappers.
6. Best eaten the same day. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Check out These Valentine's Day Recipes!

• Heart Shaped Valentine's Day Cakes
• Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits
• Strawberry Fool Recipe
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Factory Recipe
  Valentine's Day Desserts & Recipes
  Chocolate Valentine's Day Desserts
  Top 20 Most Popular RED Valentine's Day Desserts
  Top 20 Most Popular Chocolate Valentine's Day Desserts
• Cherry Chocolate Kisses Cookies
• Cherry Cheesecake Recipe & Graham Cracker Crust   
• NY Style Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
• Red Velvet Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Coconut Cake with Coconut Buttercream Frosting
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe

 

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