Unleash Your Inner Dessert Connoisseur with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries & Raspberries!
Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a fabulous dessert that requires minimal time and effort? Chocolate dipped berries combine simplicity and indulgence in a way that makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. In just a short time, you can create a delicious masterpiece that is sure to impress.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries & Raspberries Recipe:
Active Time: 15-30 mins
Inactive Time: 30 mins
Total Time: About 45 mins/1 hour
Yield: 14-16 strawberries, 8-10 raspberries (handful)
*Necessary Materials: Double boiler, or medium saucepan and medium size glass mixing bowls, parchment paper, sheet pan, paper towels.
Ingredients:
To craft these delightful chocolate dipped berries, you need just a few key ingredients:
1 pint [total weight] fresh strawberries and raspberries: Look for large, ripe strawberries, as their size and juiciness complement the chocolate. Choose the firmest, brightest, looking raspberries and avoid ones that look dull in color or soft in texture.
10 oz Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers: Select your favorite type(s)—dark, milk, or white. I used milk and white chocolate for this post. Ghiradelli is my preference because I find other kinds of chocolate (chips, almond bark, etc.) either firm up too quickly, get overworked, or require additional ingredients to uphold the consistency. I figured no more fuss, and I just go straight to the Ghiradelli!
Optional toppings: I keep this simple with a complementary chocolate drizzle, but add crushed nuts or sprinkles to your delight!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Preparation
First, wash your berries thoroughly. Make sure they are completely dry before dipping; moisture can cause the chocolate to not stick, or create a layer of moisture between the berry and chocolate that causes them to spoil quickly once refrigerated. Place them on a clean paper towel and blot repeatedly until all moisture has been absorbed. You may opt to swap out the paper towels until no more moisture leaves remnant "wet spots." Do not skip this step.
Prepare Work Station
Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to place chocolate dipped berries on to allow to set. Set out heating pads or towels to place bowls with melted chocolate on top of, so the chocolate doesn't cool too quickly from direct contact with countertop.
Melting the Chocolate
You may opt to melt the wafers in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. I used my own makeshift double boiler combining a saucepan with an inch of water over low simmer, then placing a glass bowl on top and pouring the wafers in, stirring until melted. This is relatively quick, and done in around 5 minutes.
Dipping the Strawberries
Grasp the strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate until it's coated completely. For raspberries, pinch at cavity between thumb and index finger and dip. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you want to add toppings, now is the time to sprinkle them on while the chocolate is still wet. Otherwise, you can dip all of them, then go back and use a fork to drizzle additional chocolate across using zig-zag motions to create a fancy "zebra like" pattern.
Setting the Chocolate
Allow the chocolate-covered strawberries to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then you may keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. This will help the chocolate harden, providing a satisfying bite.
Serving
Once the chocolate has set, present your chocolate dipped strawberries on a decorative platter. Your guests will surely be drawn to this stunning dessert!
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