It’s that time again. Spring has sprung in Georgia and we are enjoying eating one strawberry after another! I went strawberry picking this past week and the strawberries were nice and large, sweet and juicy.
Making chocolate-dipped strawberries is one of our family favorites. Super simple and quick to make. The final product is delectable. Such a delicious seasonal treat and completely gluten-free. Your family and friends will be so excited to be able to taste these homemade goodies.
Just having the correct supplies on hand, before you go strawberry picking, saves a lot of time and allows you to use the strawberries right away. I keep my fresh picked strawberries in the refrigerator with a piece of plastic wrap loosely on top of the container. Do not wash strawberries until ready to use. This will keep the strawberries from getting soggy and moldy. I typically can keep the strawberries in the refrigerator for about a good three to four days without them going bad.
When you are ready to use the berries, pour them into a colander and run under cool water to rinse off. Then put the strawberries laid out in a single layer on a dishtowel to dry. I use a towel or paper towels to dry off each strawberry. This allows the chocolate to stick best to the strawberries.
The BEST way to melt chocolate pieces is in a double boiler. You can purchase them online, at a cake decorating supply shop, or an antique store. The double boiler allows for the chocolate to evenly melt without getting overheated or scorched and burnt. Add about an inch of water to the bottom pan, and heat up water to very hot, but not boiling, turn off the heat. Set-top pot of double boiler on top of the bottom pot. Pour chocolate pieces into the top pot. Allow melting, stirring occasionally. If you do not have a double boiler you may use two pots that are close in size. Put about an inch of water in the bottom pot, heat up, and place the top pot on an angle sitting on top of the bottom pot. Make sure you add water to the bottom pot to keep it at an inch full. If you want a pretty white zig zag on top of the chocolate, melt white candy pieces as well.
Place a piece of parchment paper on top of a cookie sheet. When the chocolate has melted, stir to mix well. Dip strawberries in chocolate and place on parchment paper. If chocolate begins to harden a bit, just repeat the process of melting. Fill up the cookie sheet without allowing strawberries to touch. Place cookie sheet flat in freezer for about 2 minutes only. You do not want strawberries to freeze. Placing them in the freezer for a little bit gives them a little shine. Place melted white candy in a small baggie and snip a tiny corner piece. Twist top of baggie shut and hold in hand while squeezing candy out on top of chocolate-covered strawberries.
Supplies:
*Freshly picked farm fresh strawberries, rinsed and dried*Gluten Free Dark or Milk Chocolate pieces (purchase online, a cake decorating supply store, or Walmart in the Bridal Decoration Supply Section*Gluten Free White Melting Candy Pieces*Double Boiler OR two pots for melting candy*Parchment Paper*Cookie Sheet
Strawberry Fields Forever,
