Issue / Chocolate Drops of Goodness

by Geeta Wahab

Chocolate Drops of Goodness

Feb 03, 2015

This Valentine’s Day try your hand at some chocolate classics and wow your loved one.

Chocolate-dipped strawberries and truffles are simple and decadent and scream “Be my valentine!” With just a handful of ingredients, these tasty treats are easy to make and will surely win your sweetie’s heart.

Chocolate-dipped Strawberries

Ingredients
· 1 pound ripe strawberries, with stems
· 6 ounces semisweet chocolate

Topping Options
(you choose)
· 2 ounces white chocolate
· Chocolate shavings
· Crushed nuts
· Sprinkles

Directions
Thoroughly wash strawberries and let dry completely. Roughly chop chocolate into chunks and place in a heatproof bowl. Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a pot. Place the bowl over the pot, and stir until the chocolate completely melts and is smooth. Alternately, microwave the chocolate for one minute at a time, stirring in between until smooth and melted. Remove from heat. Line a pan with parchment paper. Dip the berries, one by one, into the melted chocolate, twirling the berries to let excess chocolate run off, and place them on the parchment paper. Let the dipped berries set for 30 minutes.
If you’d like to add a topping, immediately after dipping the berry into the chocolate, dip it into the topping or sprinkle the topping on top, again turning the berry to coat all sides. For a white chocolate topping, melt the white chocolate the same way as the dark chocolate, and use a fork to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the berries. Let set for 30 minutes.

Truffles

Ingredients
Ganache
· 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
· 1 cup whipping cream
· 1 tablespoon liqueur (Cointreau, Chambord, calvados, amaretto, rum, etc.), optional

Outer Coating
(you choose)

· Cocoa powder
· Crushed nuts
· Shredded coconut
· Sprinkles
· 3 ounces chocolate

(see previous recipe for melting directions)

Directions
In a saucepan, bring whipping cream to a simmer and remove from heat. Break chocolate into chunks and add to the whipping cream, stirring until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add liqueur, if desired. Let mixture cool. Once mixture has completely cooled, scoop out tablespoonfuls and roll with your hands until a ball is formed. Roll or dip in the outer coating of choice. Let set in the fridge.

If chocolate-making isn't your thing, or iftime isn't on your side, pick up an All-Clad Fondue Set ($215 CDN) and some berries, pineapple,cookies or chunks of angel food cake and get ready for a romantic fondue date night.

BY GEETA WAHAB / PUBLISHED IN THE BEAUTY ISSUE / FEBRUARY 2015
FOTOLIA .COM (STRAWBERRIES)

Geeta Wahab

Author

Cultivating a life she loves, Geeta (@geets.suites) is chasing all her passions, including her love for home décor. As a brand new home owner, her current journey has launched her further into that world - check out her Instagram @geets.suites for tidbits of her story and other decorating pieces. A...