Looking for a romantic chocolate Valentine's Day recipe? Try these easy homemade Chocolate Covered Strawberries for February 14th. Your loved ones will love them, and you won't feel guilty because you'll be making them something that's actually healthier than store bought boxed Valentine's Day candies.
According to Colorado State University, February is American Heart Month—and what better time to give Valentine's Day chocolates than in Heart Health Month—and is a month often celebrated with chocolate. The good news for chocoholics is that studies continue to show a link between chocolate and heart health. Several study reviews concluded that eating dark chocolate lowers the risk of heart disease. So, get ready to make one of the easiest Valentine's Day desserts this year!
Valentine's Day Chocolate Covered Strawberry Recipe
- Buy the biggest long-stemmed strawberries you can find. Make sure they are free from blemishes or rot. The strawberries must be gently rinsed and thoroughly dried before dipping in chocolate. Pat them dry or air dry the strawberries on paper towels.
- Don't skimp on the chocolate. Buy the highest quality gourmet milk or dark chocolate you can find like Ghirardelli's, Lindt or Callebaut.
- Chocolate chips work best if you can find them. If not, chop the chocolate bars very fine so it melts quickly. In a stainless or Pyrex bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth. Make sure no water comes in contact with the chocolate or it will seize up. Remove and keep warm, it can always be rewarmed later.
- Try dipping the strawberries in layers of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. Or dip the strawberries in one chocolate, then drizzle with another for a totally different effect.
How To Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Place a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Melt the chocolate as directed above. You can also melt it in a microwave using a glass bowl or glass Pyrex measuring cup.
- Very carefully, dip the strawberry in the melted chocolate, lift the dipped strawberry out, and with a twist of the wrist, let the excess chocolate drip off. Place the chocolate covered strawberry on the parchment sheet. Repeat until all the strawberries are done. Refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes to harden the chocolate. You can serve them now, or try dipping them into contrasting colored chocolate, letting them dry between coats.
- Chocolate covered strawberries can also be rolled in finely chopped nuts or toasted coconut while the chocolate is still wet.
- Serve in paper liners like muffin papers, or specially designed candy wrappers.
- Best eaten the same day. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Buying Valentine's Day Chocolate Covered Strawberries Ingredients in Rhode Island
You can find nice big ripe and juicy strawberries at your local Providence, Rhode Island area supermarkets like Stop & Shop, Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, and Dave's Marketplace.
If you can't possibly make your own Chocolate Covered Strawberries at home, consider buying a box of the prettiest and largest Chocolate Covered Strawberries from Shari's Berries. They're pricey, but worth the cost!
Source: Colorado State University
Photo: Shari's Berries
