Chocolate Covered Strawberries


plate of chocolate strawberries
 These photos are from my family's annual Mother's Day High Tea. My 14-year old granddaughter, Tabitha Hartman, made these beautiful chocolate strawberries for the tea.

Legends and Lore of Strawberries

In provincial France, strawberries were regarded as an aphrodisiac. Newlyweds were served always served a cold strawberry soup.

The strawberry was a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love, because of its heart shapes and red color.

Have you every eaten a double strawberry? Legend says that if you break the strawberry in half and share it with a member of the opposite sex, you will soon fall in love with each other.

In parts of Bavaria, people still practice the annual rite each spring of tying small baskets of wild strawberries to the horns of their cattle as an offering to elves. They believe that the elves, who are passionately fond of strawberries, will help to produce healthy calves and abundance of milk in return.

Queen Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII had a strawberry shaped birthmark on her neck, which some claimed proved she was a witch.

To symbolize perfection and righteousness, medieval stone masons carved strawberry designs on altars and around the tops of pillars in churches and cathedrals.

 

Did you know that dark chocolate is healthy chocolate?

IT'S THE BEST MEDICAL NEWS IN AGES! Studies in two prestigious scientific journals say dark chocolate -- but not white chocolate or milk chocolate -- is good for you. There is no question that chocolate procures pleasure for those who eat it. - Never feel guilty again! Why not make your chocolate treat Chocolate Strawberries!

Check out Linda's articles on Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate

and Rediscover True Hot Chocolate.

 


What could be better than luscious chocolate strawberries?

Chocolate strawberries are beautiful to look at and wonderful to eat! During strawberry season, I like to serve chocolate strawberries as a finale to dinner, as decorations for cakes, and at my family's annual Mother's Day High Tea. Try serving chocolate strawberries with champagne or your favorite red wine. Since we grow pinot noir grapes, I naturally like to serve pinot noir wine. 

Find out about Strawberry Hints, Tips, and Information and more Strawberry Recipes.

Don't forget to check out my American High Tea or Afternoon Tea Menu (with recipes) which includes these beautiful Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

chocolate strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

60 large fresh strawberries, with stems left intact 
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips 
3/4 cup half and half cream 
1 to 2 tablespoons brandy, your favorite liqueur, or 2 teaspoons prepared coffee 

Line a baking sheet or cookie pan with waxed paper.

Wash the strawberries and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels; set aside. NOTE: Make sure the strawberries are completely dry. Even a drop of water in the melted chocolate can cause it to "seize" and turn the entire mixture into a grainy mess.

If you use refrigerated strawberries, allow tehm to come to room temperature a few hours before dipping it in the melted chocolate. If you use cold fruit, condensation will form and that will prevent the chocolate from sticking.

Using one of the below methods, melt the chocolate chips:

Methods of Melting Chocolate:

Double Boiler: 

  • In the top of a double boiler over hot water, not boiling water (don't let the bottom of the bowl touch the water, melt chocolate; add cream, stirring until smooth. NOTE:  Be careful boiling water may cause steam droplets to get into chocolate which can result in "seizing," when the chocolate becomes stiff and grainy. NOTE: If you don't have a double boiler you can improvise one by placing a glass or stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water.
     

  • Remove from heat and blend in brandy, liqueur, or coffee. Let the chocolate cool slightly, but it should not set.

Microwave Melting Chocolate: 

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips using either the defrost setting or 10-percent power in the microwave. 
     

  • Microwave for 1 minute, then check and stir. If you need more time, do it in 10-20 seconds intervals and check and stir after each addition of microwave time. Remove the container from the microwave and stir the chocolate until completely melted. Baking chips and baking chocolate may appear formed and un-melted after heating but will become fluid after stirring. Blend in cream, brandy, liqueur, or coffee. 

chocolate strawberriesHOW TO DIP:  Grasp the stem or green leaves of the strawberry and dip into the chocolate and swirl in chocolate to partially cover. Give the strawberry a little shake as you withdraw it from the chocolate (this will fill in all the cracks and leave a nice even line of of chocolate at the base.) When the strawberry is completely withdrawn from the chocolate, swirl it in a quick, clockwise motion to let the excess chocolate drip off. Place on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries.

Either place strawberries into refrigerator or set aside to allow the chocolate to harden, about 30 minutes. Transfer fruit onto a serving platter to serve.
 

chocolate strawberries
NOTE:  The chocolate dipped strawberries are best if eaten within 24 hours - refrigerate for longer storage, but serve at room temperature for greatest flavor.
 

    

 


Would you like to link to this web page?

Do you have a website? You can place a link to this web page on your website by copying and pasting the code below:

<a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/chocolatestraw.htm">Chocolate Covered Strawberries</a>