Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day all!

Hope you are well and have the company to keep you warm.  In honor of the great lover's holiday, I'm going to explain one of the simplest desserts out there - yet one of the most popular - chocolate dipped strawberries.

First of all, don't be intimidated.  This is one dessert that people will dish out outrageous amounts of money for because taking on the task seems too daunting.  For instance, at my recent wedding, I wanted strawberries all over my cake; however, the lady charged me (my parents!) a dollar a strawberry - we got 150, in addition to four individual cakes.  Needless to say, she took advantage of the situation.  For those wondering, I did consider making my own cake, but no one would let me.  Family etc, believed I wouldn't have time, which they were right, but I'm still bitter about that cake (photo attached)!

Anywho, chocolate covered strawberries - much easier than you'd think.

Firstly, take fresh strawberries and rinse them.  Allow to dry completely, the chocolate will not stick to the strawberry and will ball up and taint the rest of the chocolate if you do not.

Secondly,  melt chocolate (I recommend Ghirardelli 60% cacao) in microwave in 30 second intervals or in a double broiler, stirring occasionally.  More about chocolate at a later date, but for the time being, this should be sufficient.

Take clean, dry strawberries by the stem and dip straight in the chocolate or dip and roll the edges if using a shallow bowl.  Scrape one edge along the side of the bowl or pan to remove any excess chocolate.  Place on wax paper to cool.

Drizzle with melted white chocolate and decorate to taste.  Have fun here, this is the creative part.  My recommendations: shredded coconut, nuts, toffee, sprinkles, etc.