Napa Farmhouse 1885™: White & Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

My friends Shara and Richard recently finished building their new house. And when I say "built" I am being literal. As in hammers, nails, boards, roofing, windows, flooring, installing fixtures... you name it; they did it. So when they invited us to the long awaited housewarming party, I knew I needed to make something special.

Shara asked me to make the dessert and said there would be around 50 people in attendance. I immediately thought of chocolate dipped strawberries. This is one of those dishes that are more technique than recipe. And the technique is super simple. But the results look impressive (you always get loads of oohs and aahs), taste delicious and pack really well. This is the dish I bring to most summer gatherings when strawberries are in season.

For the housewarming party, I made a selection of dark chocolate dipped strawberries, Then dipped a quarter of the batch in white chocolate for color, taste, and interest. You can get very creative with this recipe. Sometimes I drizzle warm caramel sauce over the chocolate. Often I will add a liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Chambord to half of the melted chocolate for a more sophisticated taste. You can roll the strawberries and melted chocolate in coconut, chocolate shavings or chopped nuts.Get creative...the fun comes from different creations. Happy Summer!

White & Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
(quantity depends on the size of strawberries)

2 pints fresh strawberries (with stems if possible)
10 oz best quality dark or bittersweet chocolate chips
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 tsp pure Tahitian vanilla
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
4 oz white chocolate
dark chocolate sprinkles

Wash strawberries and pat dry with kitchen towel. Strawberries should be totally dry before dipping so chocolate will adhere. Set aside.

Line 2 large rimmed cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Melt dark chocolate in the top pan of a double boiler. Add butter, vanilla and salt and stir until melted and combined. Remove from heat. Dip each strawberry about 3/4 from the top into chocolate, Swirl to evenly coat. Set on prepared cookie sheet and allow to harden. (about 30 minutes)

Wash double boiler and melt white chocolate. Dip 1/4 of the chocolate-dipped strawberries halfway into the white chocolate. Cover with some of the sprinkles and set back onto the cookie sheets. Set in a cool, dry place and allow to harden.

Serve at room temperature.

Click Here for Printer Friendly Recipe