Romanticize With Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Posted on September 29, 2008
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by Strawberries

The appeal of chocolate covered strawberries appears to be universal. People of all ages, men and women, love this delicious, juicy treat. Whether enveloped in white, dark or milk chocolate, covered strawberries make an indulgent, special gift or dessert.

Strawberries are most popular during Valentine’s Day and other romantic occasions such as anniversaries and weddings. It has become common for people to give these instead of a simple box of chocolates. Love and respect are shown to the recipient when they are given as gifts.

Chocolate covered strawberries are commonly used in gift baskets, some with wine, and other fine foods like cheese and crackers. These kinds of baskets are great for a nice picnic or long night of watching the stars. Many stadiums and outdoor venues will even allow you to bring a wine basket in with you.

There are many things that come into play when creating this confection. First, the strawberries must be large, ripe, and fresh. They should be bursting with flavor and juice. If the main ingredient is not perfect, the end result will not be nearly as enjoyable. There is nothing worse than purchasing a strawberry that is small and flavorless. The juice should be substantial enough to drip down one’s chin slightly, but not enough to make a mess of a shirt. One strawberry is all that should be needed to satisfy. The size and quality of the strawberry also lends to the sensuality of the dessert.

Next comes the chocolate. The quality of the chocolate is equally as important as the quality of the strawberry. The average store brand chocolate has very little chocolate to begin with, so these should be avoided. The type of chocolate used in fondue is better. It is much richer and can be found with a variety of creaminess. A milk chocolate can be made with real dark chocolate and fresh sweet cream. White chocolate can be used as well, and dark chocolate adds a slight bitterness to the overall flavor. There are many recipes that can be found to create excellent chocolate for dipping strawberries.

The eye appeal is another thing you have to worry about when making your chocolate covered strawberries. Take your time to ensure you’ve picked the perfect strawberry and dipped it in the chocolate to make it visually appealing. A common rule of thumb is that the chocolate should not cover more than 75% of the strawberry.

It should then be placed carefully on a sheet of waxed paper which will allow it to cool without sticking. Once the berry has cooled, an additional layer or two can be added. A drizzle of white chocolate perhaps. Even a design of some sort; for instance a tuxedo pattern is popular and charming. Ultimately, the taste of this confection cannot be separated from its initial impression. Without the considerable impact of a precise dip and a perfect shape, the unique and exceptional quality of the treat is compromised.

About the Author:
Make your mother proud by giving her what a women always crave. Chocolate covered strawberries says, “I Love You”, in so many sweet ways. Gift baskets for women, filled with chocolate strawberries, are very impressionable delicacies.

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