CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. I think Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Champagne are a perfect combination for Valentine's Day. Chocolate Covered Strawberries are so easy to make, but make a huge impact. You can stuff them or drizzle them--or roll them in crumbled toffee. Whatever you decide fresh strawberries dunked in good quality chocolate is the key. 

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!

Ingredients
1 quart fresh large fresh strawberries, with tops
1 cup Dark Chocolate 60-65% cacao, chopped
1/2 cup Dark Chocolate 72-85% cacao, chopped
3 Tbsp heavy cream
Optional: White chocolate, melted for Drizzle (make sure this is 'real' white chocolate)

DIRECTIONS:
Rinse strawberries and dry thoroughly, keeping tops on.
In top of double boiler or stainless steel bowl atop pot of simmering water, combine chocolate and heavy cream. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
Dip strawberries 1/2 - 3/4 way up in chocolate mixture and place on wax paper or parchment lined cookie sheet to allow chocolate to harden.
Optional: When hardened, drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Hints:
Wash strawberries and pat dry with paper towels; set aside. Make sure the strawberries are completely dry. A drop of water in melted chocolate can cause it to "seize" and turn the entire mixture into a mess. How to smooth out chocolate: add a tiny bit of honey and stir.

How to dip:
Grasp stem of strawberry and dip into chocolate, swirling to partially cover with chocolate. Give strawberry a small shake as you pull it out of the chocolate. When strawberry is completely out of chocolate, swirl it in quick, clockwise motion to let excess chocolate drip off. Place on cookie sheet lined with waxed paper or parchment. Repeat with rest of the strawberries.

Optional: Add white chocolate drizzle.

Want to get a bit fancier? Here are links to Chocolate Covered Stuffed Strawberries.

Chocolate Covered  Stuffed Strawberries: Cookie Dough, Cheesecake, Marscapone

Strawberrries Stuffed with Chocolate Cream