Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Oreos, Pretzels & Marshmallows

I love to make chocolate covered treats for Valentine’s day, birthdays…basically any chance I get.  It is so easy to do, looks so darn good on a plate & tastes delicious.  I use whatever chocolate I have on hand – chocolate bark or chocolate chips.  If using chocolate bark you don’t need to add anything-just melt according to the package directions {you can use white chocolate, milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, etc}.  Melt a little at a time because the chocolate will set up quickly & will not give the smooth appearance that you want.  If adding jimmies sprinkle these on immediately after dipping so that they ‘stick’.

For the strawberries, rinse thoroughly and pat dry.  The patting dry is important as any water/moisture that is present will not allow the chocolate to adhere properly.

If using chocolate chips, follow the directions on the package for melting.  This is the recipe I use and is from Hershey’s.

Directions:

1. Cover tray with wax paper.

2. Place chocolate chips and shortening in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1-1/2 minutes or just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred; cool slightly.

3. Holding strawberry by top, dip 2/3 of each berry into chocolate mixture; shake gently to remove excess. Place on prepared tray.

4. Refrigerate until coating is firm, about 30 minutes. Store, covered, in refrigerator. Coats about 5 dozen small strawberries. (About 1 cup coating).

*Butter, margarine and spreads contain water which may prevent chocolate from melting properly; oil may prevent chocolate from forming a coating.

If doing this with Oreos, marshmallows, pretzels, etc., I prefer to dip half of the food item {or a little more} into the chocolate and then sprinkle/decorate as desired.

chocolate hugs with jimmies! mb