Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries


Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries



What could be sexier than a sweet, juicy strawberry covered in milk chocolate and drizzled with creamy vanilla almond bark? Well I'll tell you: A sweet, juicy strawberry covered in milk chocolate, drizzled with creamy vanilla almond bark and infused with MOSCATO CHAMPAGNE! Mercy.

Infused the strawberries when you are ready to serve!

It's no secret that strawberries pair so well with chocolate and champagne so why not have make it a happy threesome for ultimate yumminess. This could possibly become a girls new best friend.

I've tried a few chocolate covered strawberries recipe but always come back to this one when I need something fail-proof with not a lot of fuss that has to be done with tempering the chocolate and all that jazz. Not to mention they tastes & look fabulous.

I make these often for date night with the hubby and special holidays. He is not  a fan of chocolate covered strawberries but love these.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries Made with Hershey's Chocolate.

Of course, most people will tell you to use a high-quality chocolate but honestly, I prefer good-ol Hershey's chocolate chips.  When it comes to cheap chocolate I'm normally a Doves girl %100. However, I've discovered that I simply love the taste and consistency of the way Hershey's melts down and the clingability that it has. (maybe I'm just picky) So if you don't have a favorite chocolate give Hershey's chocolate chips a try, for only $2.39 a bag, it's a fabulous deal IMO.

Dipping the strawberries in melted chocolate.

These infused chocolate covered strawberries can be injected with any type of alcohol that you enjoy. A dessert wine, like Riesling works great, as do champagnes and brandy. I'm using Moscato champagne to inject the strawberries (thanks for the suggestions FB readers. This stuff pairs up great!!!)

Firm, sweet strawberries ready for dipping!

It's important to use firm, jumbo strawberries since they have a bigger, hollow center  which will hold alcohol. You only need to use a teeny, tiny bit of alcohol. We aren't trying to get drunk off of strawberries, just want to impart a slight hint of flavor so that you know it's there. This may take a lil practice, but you'll quickly learn what happens if you pump too much alcohol into the center of the strawberry. (it will squirt it right back on you as soon as you remove the tip of the injector)

Watch me make these Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries From Start To Finish!





Ingredients:
1 cup chocolate chips (I used Hershey's Milk Chocolate)
1 Tablespoon Crisco (I used Butter Flavored Crisco)
1 pint firm, jumbo strawberries
1 square vanilla almond bark, for drizzling, if desired (can also use white chocolate)
Alcohol (I used Moscato Champagne)


Store Covered In The Refrigerator. These are best made and eaten the same day. Inject when you are ready to serve.

 Helpful Info
Tips for Melting Chocolate 
* Use a double broiler. The top bowl SHOULD NOT touch the water in the pot
*Never let the water come to a boil. a very light simmer is ok. You want the steam to melt the chocolate slow and low.
*Don't allow steam to escape from the pot. The bowl should fit very snug.
*Continue stirring the chocolate until it has completely melted.

Don't Want a Flat Side?
To prevent a flat side: Dip the strawberry into the chocolate  & insert a toothpick into the top of the strawberry. Place the toothpick into a styrofoam block to hold the strawberry (bottoms up) until it hardens.

Be Creative!
Chocolate Covered Strawberries can be decorated in soooo many ways.
Dip the ends in crushed nuts or crushed cookies for an added crunch.
Add food coloring to white chocolate or almond bark to make different color strawberries and drizzle.
Get fancy with the drizzling technique by using different object or piping bags. Ever seen a white chocolate covered strawberry with rainbow drizzle?... Well me either, but I sure want to.
Try different drinks to infuse the strawberry with; alcohol, soda, & juices work great!

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