Shakin & Bakin Foodie Blog

Are you considering making your own chocolate dipped strawberries this year for Valentine's Day? Making and dipping your own fruits is really a lot easier than you might think and only take a few minutes to do.

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can still make them by using a double boiler or by using specially made chocolate that you can melt in the microwave oven. When dipping fruits, you always want to purchase fruits that are ripe, firm and free of blemishes. Wash and air dry them before you even begin.

Here is what you will need to make your very own Tuxedo Striped Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.

milk or dark chocolate
white chocolate
fresh whole strawberries (not frozen)
fondue pot, double boiler or purchase chocolate that can be melted in the microwave oven
tongs
silicone spatula
waxed paper
wooden spoon

Step 1: Lay waxed paper on top of a baking sheet. You will lay your dipped fruits onto the waxed paper to harden.

Step 2: Melt your white chocolate first until it is smooth and creamy with no lumps. I use a silicone stirring spatula so that the chocolate doesn't stick to my spatula.

Step 3: Take your tongs and grab the strawberry at the top. Dip your strawberry into the melted white chocolate covering about 3/4 of the berry. Hold the berry over the pan to let the excess chocolate run off and back into the pan for about a minute. Place berry onto the waxed lined baking sheet to dry.

Step 4: Once all of your berries have been dipped in white chocolate, clean out your pot and melt your milk or dark chocolate. Again, make sure it is completely melted before you start to dip. Using your tongs, grab the berry and dip it into the chocolate at an angle so that it makes a v-shape onto the berry to resemble a tuxedo jacket. Hold berry above the pan and let the excess drain back into the pot.

Step 5: Dip the end of a wooden spoon into the chocolate and make two tiny circles on the white chocolate to resemble the jacket buttons. You only need a little bit and apply those circles while holding the berry sideways. Once done, lay the berry onto the waxed line baking sheet to dry.

If you are in a hurry, place the baking sheet into the refrigerate to speed up the hardening process. Once they are completely done, store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator. If you started off with nice berries, they should keep for up to 3 days refrigerated.

This information, directions and photograph is copyright 2011 by Shelly Hill, All Rights Reserved.