Description
Delight in these elegant gourmet chocolate covered strawberries, perfect for any special occasion or as a luxurious treat. Fresh, juicy strawberries are dipped in rich Ghirardelli chocolate and optionally coated with toppings like crushed nuts or coconut. Finished with a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance, these strawberries set quickly and provide a delicious, visually stunning dessert that's easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Chocolate
- 10 ounce package Ghirardelli Baking Chips (Bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate) (285 g)
- White chocolate for drizzling, optional (about 2-3 ounces)
Fruit
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries with stems attached
Toppings (optional)
- Crushed nuts (e.g. almonds, pecans) as desired
- Shredded coconut as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash the strawberries carefully and dry them very well. Ensuring there is no moisture is critical because water prevents chocolate from adhering properly to the fruit.
- Set up toppings and workspace: If you want to add toppings like crushed nuts or coconut, place them separately on small plates. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper to place the dipped strawberries.
- Melt the chocolate: Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the Ghirardelli chocolate chips. For the microwave method, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval to avoid burning, until smooth and melted.
- Dip the strawberries: Hold each strawberry by its stem, dip into the melted chocolate, then lift and twist gently to allow excess chocolate to drip off. If desired, immediately dip into toppings or leave plain, then place the strawberry onto the parchment-lined pan.
- Drizzle white chocolate: For an elegant finishing touch, melt white chocolate separately and use a fork to drizzle it lightly over the dipped strawberries.
- Chill to set: Place the dipped strawberries in the refrigerator and chill for about 15 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
Notes
- Make sure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to prevent chocolate from seizing.
- Use high-quality chocolate such as Ghirardelli for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- If using toppings, dip the strawberries immediately after coating with chocolate to ensure toppings stick well.
- Store chocolate-covered strawberries in a cool place and consume within 24-48 hours for best freshness.
- Double boiler method: Place a heatproof bowl over simmering water (not touching water) and stir chocolate until melted.