Sweet Treat

Valentines Day.  Some love it.  Some don't.  It involves chocolate so you know I love it.  A few days ago I was getting a pedicure and the woman beside me was casually chatting with me.  We started talking about Pinterest and recipes.  When I told her I had a food blog, she started asking me for tips on how to make chocolate covered strawberries for Valentines Day.  I saw an ad for chocolate covered strawberries that get delivered to your door.  Yea, for a pretty penny.  Ranging from $30.00 and up.  My research began, is this worth it?  I found that for a much less money and a little work you can make your own.  Instead of a recipe I am just going to give the method to make a perfect quick and easy Valentines gift.  It makes it even more special that you made it from scratch!

Step 1:
Buy your ingredients.  I found big ripe strawberries at my local supermarket for $2.98.  Great price. The Whole Foods market had nice organic ones for a couple dollars more.  When you get home do not wash your strawberries.  They can soak up the water and it will effect the chocolate.  I take a damp paper towel and gently wipe them clean.
Get your chocolate.  I used a 12 oz pkg Ghiradelli dipping chocolate.  Its about $4.00 and I only used half the package.
Gather pink sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, nuts or any toppings you desire or have on hand.  I also had some pink dipping chocolate from the craft store, but white chocolate would be fine too.

Step 2:
Gather Supplies.  Two small bowls, 2 pieces parchment paper, and a spoon.  Get a working space together with these items.  Melt both chocolates in the bowls in 30 second increments until smooth and cool for 1 minute.

Step 3:
Get to dipping!  Take the first parchment and lay it on the work space.  One at a time dip each berry in the chocolate.  I scoot the strawberry on the parchment as soon as I dip it to get the excess chocolate off.  This prevents the chocolate from pooling at the bottom and they look prettier.  Now dip your spoon in the pink or white dipping chocolate.  Gently go back and forth across the strawberry making a stripe pattern.  Put your sprinkles on right away so they stick to the drizzle.  Then transfer them to the clean
piece of parchment and let them sit for 30 minutes to set up.

Step 4:
Refrigerate them until ready to use.  They will last up to 3 days, although the sooner you eat them the better.  Put them in a cute box or basket lined with pink tissue paper and you have the perfect gift for your Valentine!! This made about a dozen for me.