Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Hi All ~

Sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up. Like stuffing your face full of chocolate covered strawberries while crying during finals week.

I'll come clean, and say that I didn't actually make these during finals week - I made them during Valentine's Day, but as my blog was on temporary hiatus due to the craziness that is college (I'm back now!), I hadn't posted them. This recipe is actually even better after valentines day, because chocolate is usually on sale! And who can resist a chocolate sale?

Anyways, these chocolate covered strawberries are delicious and refreshing, and almost guilt free! Sort of. I just keep telling myself that anyways. The chocolate has antioxidants, I swear! And strawberries are healthy, right?

Ingredients:

• 4 oz dark chocolate
• Coconut flakes (optional)
• 1 lb strawberries

Tools:

• Double Boiler OR
• Microwavable Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Parchment Paper
• Large Plate or Platter

Directions:

1. Wash your strawberries + prep your surface

Wash your strawberries well, and pat them dry fully with a paper towel. Make sure to get off any excess moisture, as this will ensure that the chocolate will stick instead of sliding off. Lay out a piece of parchment paper on the plate or platter (this will be used later).

2. Chop your chocolate

Chop up your chocolate on the chopping board; make sure the pieces aren't too big or too small, as this may cause inconsistencies while melting your chocolate. Once you've finished chopping, place the chocolate in the double boiler or the microwave bowl.

3. Melt your chocolate

I used a the microwavable option, as it's much faster and easier, but if you have a double boiler or a bowl that can rest on top of a small pot, that would be the best method. Microwaving chocolate is difficult, as it is easy to overheat the chocolate, which causes gritty, hard chunks to form. If you are microwaving the chocolate, microwave it at 30 second intervals or less until it melts, stirring between intervals. If you are using a double boiler, boil the water, then set the bowl or boiler on top and stir while melting.

4. Coat your strawberries

Once your chocolate is melted, coat your strawberries in it by holding the strawberry by the stem, and rolling it around in the chocolate. You want to get as much of the strawberry covered as possible. Then, once the strawberry is sufficiently covered, you can place it on the parchment paper covered plate or platter. Repeat this with the other strawberries.

5. Add toppings and refrigerate

If you would like, you can sprinkle coconut flakes, peanuts, white chocolate shavings, or any other topping you would like on the strawberries before the chocolate cools; once they are ready, put the plate or platter in the refrigerator to cool for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate becomes a crunchy shell.

These strawberries make great little unexpected gifts; I took a tupperware full of them to work, and gave one each to my coworkers, and my boss. They loved it! As always, if you made this dish, let me know how it turned out. You can comment below or tag or hashtag me at kitchen512 on Instagram or Twitter. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at eatsatkitchen512@gmail.com.

Happy Eating!

- Tiffany