It’s a “thought that counts” kind of Valentine’s Day this year (if you ask me anyway). I feel like many are still recovering from the financial strain of 2009 and I personally don’t feel comfortable being extravagant when there is still so much need in Haiti at the moment (have you donated to our UNICEF drive yet – we’ll match you dollar for dollar).
On Friday Chantel inspired me with her Make-It Session: Love Note so this week I’m going to help you complete the package with a homemade gift to complement, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. Pair your card and treats with a bottle of sparkling wine and you’ve got all the essential ingredients for an intimate Valentine’s Day evening in.
My recipe comes courtesy of Chef at Home Michael Smith and The Food Network, and it seriously could not have been easier to make. All that’s required is two 100 g bars of Green & Black’s Dark 70% Chocolate, a 16 oz container of fresh strawberries, a small pot, a medium-sized bowl, parchment paper and a baking sheet.
To get started, I filled the pot with about two inches of water, covered it with my bowl and placed it over high heat on the stove to a boil. While I waited, I washed and patted dry my strawberries. Once the water began to boil I reduced it to medium heat, then I broke up the chocolate bars and placed them in the bowl to melt.
Much to my surprise (not that I doubted Michael or anything) this pseudo double-boiler worked like a charm and within minutes I had perfectly melted chocolate with no risk for burning. Brilliant! Next I held the strawberries by their stems and carefully dipped them into the chocolate (tip: beware of steam sneaking out the sides). I allowed the excess to drip down before placing the berries onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet to set.
That’s it. Done and done. Not only do I think this recipe is perfect for romance but I also think it could be a nice surprise for a single gal pal who’s not expecting a Valentine’s Day gift this year. It would also be a fun project to do with kids – the chocolate doesn’t need stay over the boiling water and you could use skewers or fondue sticks to keep little fingers clear of the hot liquid.
Comment to WIN!
How are you planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? If you’re staying in, what’s on the menu? I want to hear from you in the comments section below – and as a thank you for sharing you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to WIN a President’s Choice® Blue Menu® prize pack valued at $150 CDN. For full contest details and rules and regulations, click here.