Description
Delight your guests at your Christmas party with these elegant Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Made with rich Ghirardelli baking chocolate and fresh, juicy strawberries, these treats bring together the perfect blend of sweet and tart. Add a festive touch by dipping them in your choice of bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate, and optionally garnish with crushed nuts or coconut flakes. This simple yet sophisticated recipe is sure to impress and is quick to prepare and chill.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate
- 10 ounce package Ghirardelli Baking Chips (Bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate) (285 g)
Fruit
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, stems attached
Toppings (Optional)
- Crushed nuts
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and dry them very well. It’s crucial to ensure no moisture remains, as even a small amount of water can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly.
- Prepare Toppings and Work Area: If using toppings like crushed nuts or coconut flakes, place them on small plates for easy access. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper to place the dipped strawberries on.
- Melt Chocolate: Use a double boiler or microwave method. For microwave, heat chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval to prevent burning until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip Strawberries: Holding each strawberry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate, lift and gently twist to let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. If desired, immediately dip the coated strawberry into your topping of choice.
- Place on Sheet: Lay the dipped strawberries on the prepared parchment-lined pan to set.
- Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: To add an elegant touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the dipped strawberries using a fork.
- Chill: Place the strawberries in the refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set.
Notes
- Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate is preferred for a richer flavor, but milk chocolate is also an excellent choice.
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to avoid chocolate seizing or not sticking.
- Add toppings like crushed nuts or coconut flakes immediately after dipping in chocolate for best adhesion.
- Use parchment or waxed paper to prevent sticking while the chocolate sets.
- For a festive presentation, the white chocolate drizzle adds a beautiful contrast and elegant look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 strawberry
- Calories: 73
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg