There is only one trick I know of for making pretty perfect Chocolate
Covered Strawberries, but it’s not one that I like to admit to. Don’t tell
anyone that I told you that adding CRISCO to your chocolate is just the thing
to make the finished product perfectly glossy and nicely hardened.
I have written it about it before, but I’ve changed the
recipe a tiny bit, so I wanted to mention it again. Now I use less Crisco and
the result is still stellar.
I
don’t generally weigh ingredients, but for this I do. For
every 8 ounces of chocolate, use 1 tablespoon of Crisco. (I used to use 1
tablespoon for every FOUR ounces of chocolate.) Melt the two together
however
you wish – on the stove over a double boiler or in the microwave. In the
microwave, melt the chocolate and Crisco in a deep (not wide) bowl or
measuring pitcher. Heat on 100% power in 30 second intervals, stirring
after each one until chocolate is melted. Note: Make sure
that all your utensils, bowls, pots etc. are completely dry. A few drops
of
water will make the chocolate seize and you’ll have a total mess.
This time I used milk chocolate, which I usually don’t like,
but it was really good with the strawberries! Also I coated them a lot higher up than I usually do. (More chocolate!)
Let the coated strawberries sit on waxed paper until
hardened. An hour is a safe amount of time. Don’t refrigerate them before
serving or their glossy finish may turn dull.
Use white, dark or milk chocolate or two different
chocolates, dipping first in one, letting it harden and then dipping in the
second variety. Or use a different chocolate for drizzling over to make a nice
contrast. Melt each chocolate the same way (with the Crisco).
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Use the leftover chocolate to coat graham cracker squares for a nice treat. Sprinkle with some pretty colored sugar. (These would make a good base for S'Mores too...)
4 comments:
This isn't the first time I have seen Crisco in chocolate coating recipes. Don't feel bad. Better chocolate than wax!
Hope you two have a terrific Valentine's Day.
Hi Rach!
True! But Crisco SOUNDS so bad that I always have to whisper when I talk about it!
Valentine's Day was great, but WOULD have been even better in the Bahamas...or Bermuda...or ANY beach away from these here parts! And you guys? All good?
Thanks for the dipping tip! I also almost always use solid Crisco to grease my pans -- it doesn't pool in the bottom like nonstick spray does.
This Valentine's Day I made our usual Coq au Vin but made baked chocolate donuts for dessert. (And yes, I greased the pan with Crisco).
Hi Tom,
I love coq au vin. What a great choice for Valentine's Day!
That's an excellent idea to use Crisco to grease pans. I have to try it. And, YUM, Chocolate Doughnuts!!! Did you have scavengers from all over knocking at your door?
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