Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hearts

                         Chocolate Covered

                                                           Strawberry Hearts

             Chocolate Covered Strawberries definitely spell
                                            LOVE!! 
Go ahead, make your sweethearts day!  These are not only decadent and delicious but they really aren't that hard to make.  Let's go through it step by step!

First make sure you have some good quality chocolate to dip the strawberries in.  Chocolate chips will do a fairly good job and some taste pretty good but this is special and I like to use  Callebaut Dark Chocolate Snaps.  You can order them here, or find your own special brand.  

Next, you will want to prepare the strawberries by washing them and removing the stems. Dry them on paper towels thoroughly so the chocolate will not get water in it and also so it will stick better. Cut each one in half and lay down side by side

 Melt the Chocolate.

 If your chocolate is not in the form of small chunks or wafers you need to chop it into small even sized chunks. The easiest way is to microwave it in a medium bowl or cup.  I like to use a glass 2 cup measuring cup because it has a narrow bottom and high sides.  Heat the chocolate on high carefully stirring in between each heating.  Stirring is very important.  Start with 30 seconds then stir, as it begins to melt use 15 second intervals. The chocolate should only be warm.   Stop heating when the chocolate still has small chunks left.  Take it out and continue to stir.  If all the chunks melt add a few more until they don't completely melt.  Take the extra chunks out and save for another time.  Now your chocolate should be tempered and it will set up quickly and it won't turn white after sitting.  

Dip the Strawberries

Take your cut strawberry pairs and set them together to look like a heart, cut side side down.  Use a toothpick to stick through the side to hold them together while they are dipped.
Lift each heart with a fork under it and lower it into the chocolate that has cooled to about 100  degrees.  Cover the strawberries and lift up out of the chocolate.  Tap lightly on the side of the bowl to release extra chocolate and then place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or parchment.  Let them cool and set up.  Then remove the toothpicks.

Now you can decorate your hearts.  I used Wilton's Red Velvet Candy Melts

Use the directions on the bag to melt and then pour into a small ziplock bag.  I use the quart size because they are stronger than the smaller size.  Cut a very small corner off of the bag.  Being careful not to apply too much pressure to the bag, squeeze the melted red chocolate out.  Use sweeping motions to cross over the hearts.

When they are dry, you are ready to surprise your sweetie with a fantastic treat!

                        If you like this recipe you might also enjoy this Valentine treat!

Find it here on Scrumptilicious 4 You!   Cherry Chocolate Cookies




                                                                          and these

                                                               Cherry Pie Cookies



This recipe has been shared with these wonderful sites:
The Country Cook 
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The Sits Girls 
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Lou Lou Girls 
Retro Pin Party