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Tag: white chocolate

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

Make beautiful, delicious chocolate covered strawberries at home. They only take minutes to prepare, and they’re always sure to impress. I’ve got all the tips and tricks for perfect chocolate covered strawberries that look as good as they taste.

Who doesn’t like chocolate covered strawberries? I haven’t met anyone that would turn down one of these beauties! They are perfect as the ending to a romantic dinner, a yummy treat for the kids, or just because you are craving chocolate covered strawberries!

With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll be indulging in no time at all. Keep reading for all my tips and tricks for perfect, gorgeous-looking chocolate covered strawberries!

WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE IS BEST TO USE:

Whenever you melt chocolate for dipping, it is always best to use baking chocolate bars found in the baking aisle. They melt so much smoother than chocolate chips, and you will end up with chocolate that has a better consistency for dipping. Chocolate chips contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting into the correct consistency for a smooth coating when dipping.

When choosing your melting chocolate, whether dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate, you should look for cocoa butter in the ingredients. This helps the chocolate to have a smooth, shiny finish when set.

TOPPING SUGGESTIONS:

Toppings are optional, but they are a fun way to spruce up your chocolate covered strawberries. So don’t be afraid to get creative with your strawberries!

Here are my favorite topping ideas:

  • crushed Oreos
  • crushed graham crackers
  • finely chopped nuts (pistachio, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts)
  • finely shredded coconut
  • sprinkles
  • melted white chocolate for drizzling
  • melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate for drizzling

TIPS FOR DIPPING STRAWBERRIES

STEP 1. Wash the strawberries

Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Chocolate will not stick to wet strawberries.

STEP 2. Melt the chocolate and prepare the toppings (optional)

Begin by chopping the chocolate into smaller pieces to speed up the melting process. Next, add the chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between intervals. The chocolate is done when only a few small chunks of chocolate remain (stopping at this point prevents the chocolate from scorching). Remove the chocolate from the microwave and stir until melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before dipping the strawberries.

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Alternately, you can also melt the chocolate on the stovetop with a double boiler. Use a medium saucepan filled with about an inch of water. Place a rimmed bowl over the saucepan, so it sits above the rim of the saucepan without touching the water. Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl and bring the water to a simmer. Regularly stir the chocolate as it melts. Remove from the heat when only a few small pieces of chocolate remain. Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Allow it to cool slightly before dipping the strawberries.

Prepare any toppings that you plan on using before you dip the strawberries (Oreos, nuts, sprinkles, coconut, etc.)

Step 3. Dipping the strawberries

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Work with one strawberry at a time. Grab the leaves of the strawberry and dip in the chocolate, rolling it to coat evenly. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off the strawberry. Tapping your hand holding the strawberry gently against the bowl helps to get the excess chocolate off. Gently wipe the bottom of the strawberry on the side of the bowl and place it on the parchment paper.

STEP 4. Decorating the Strawberries

Immediately after dipping each strawberry in the chocolate, sprinkle on the topping of your choice while slowly turning the strawberry. 

I find that sprinkling the topping on the chocolate covered strawberry works better and yields a prettier result than dipping the strawberry in the topping.

If you are drizzling chocolate over the strawberries, allow the chocolate to set up first before adding the drizzle. To speed up the process, you can place the dipped strawberries in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to harden the chocolate. Then add melted chocolate to a small ziplock bag and snip off a tiny bit of the corner. Drizzle the chocolate over the dipped strawberries in a back and forth motion.

STORING CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES:

Once dipped, store the strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator, preferably in a single layer.

Chocolate covered strawberries are best eaten the same day. The chocolate will begin to sweat if left longer than that.

You shouldn’t freeze chocolate covered strawberries. As the strawberries thaw, they release moisture that ruins the chocolate coating.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Make beautiful, delicious chocolate covered strawberries at home. They only take minutes to prepare, and they’re always sure to impress. I've got all the tips and tricks for perfect chocolate covered strawberries that look as good as they taste.
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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Chill Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Servings 15 large strawberries

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound (16-ounces) fresh strawberries
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking bars (not chocolate chips)**

Optional Toppings:

  • melted white chocolate for drizzling
  • melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate for drizzling
  • crushed Oreos
  • finely chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts)
  • sprinkles
  • crushed graham crackers
  • finely shredded coconut

Instructions
 

  • Start by washing the strawberries and pat dry (the chocolate will not stick to wet strawberries).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • If you are going to dip your strawberries in Oreos, nuts, graham crackers, or coconut, prepare them now. The easiest way is to pulse them a few times in a small food processor or mini blender.
  • Chop the baking chocolate into smaller pieces to help it melt quicker. Place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between intervals. The chocolate is done when only a few small chunks of chocolate remain (stopping at this point prevents the chocolate from scorching). Remove the chocolate from the microwave and stir until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly before dipping the strawberries.
    You can also melt the chocolate on the stovetop with a double boiler. Use a medium saucepan filled with about an inch of water. Place a rimmed bowl over the saucepan so it sits above the rim of the saucepan without touching the water. Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl and bring the water to a simmer. Regularly stir the chocolate as it melts. Remove from the heat when only a few small pieces of chocolate remain. Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Allow it to cool slightly before dipping the strawberries.

Dipping Strawberries:

  • Work with one strawberry at a time. Grab the leaves of the strawberry, then dip and roll in the chocolate until evenly coated. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off the strawberry by taping the hand holding the strawberry gently against the bowl. Then lightly wipe the bottom of the strawberry on the rim of the bowl and place on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
    *If using toppings on your strawberry, do it now while the chocolate is moist (see below).

Decorating Strawberries:

  • Sprinkle on nuts, Oreos, graham crackers, sprinkles, or coconut immediately after dipping each strawberry, while the chocolate is still wet so it adheres.
  • Allow the chocolate to set before drizzling with melted white or semi-sweet chocolate.
    *To set the chocolate quicker, place dipped strawberries in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Then drizzle melted chocolate over the strawberries.
  • Store strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, eat within a day.
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COCONUT LIME MACAROONS

If you love coconut, you’ll love these macaroons! You get the taste of toasted, sweet coconut and a burst of refreshing lime for a stunning yet delicate bite-sized dessert.

I absolutely love coconut! I love it in any form – coconut milk, shredded coconut, toasted coconut, coconut cream, and I even love to chew on raw coconut right from the husk! Fortunately, living in the tropics, there is an abundance of fresh coconuts to eat.

A lot can be said about the pleasures of coconut. Yet coconut is one of those foods that seems to ping-pong between the ‘good food’ and ‘bad food’ list, and if you’re confused about this, don’t worry – even the experts can’t quite agree.

The confusion starts because of the differences between the use of coconut oil in cooking and the use of coconut milk or coconut flesh. The American Heart Association and the National Heart Foundation recommend avoiding coconut oil for cooking, but both of their websites include recipes containing coconut milk. So while the experts continue their back and forth as to whether coconut is healthy or not, I will continue to enjoy it to the fullest (of course, in moderation)!

This recipe lets the coconut shine but adds subtle notes of lime and is finished off with a light coating of white chocolate. It all works together to create a sophisticated yet delicate dessert.

To make this recipe:

  • Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone pan liners; this keeps the macaroons from sticking to your pans.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the coconut and the flour until the coconut is evenly coated with the flour. Next, stir in the lime zest. When zesting the limes, ensure that you are only zesting the outer green rind. The white layer is less flavorful and can be bitter.
  • Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla and stir until completely incorporated. The batter will be very sticky.
  • Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, drop the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart. Gently press any loose coconut into the cookies, so they do not burn. If any tips are sticking up, they tend to burn quickly.
Pre-baked
  • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. You want the tops golden brown and toasted, but not burnt. Coconut does burn quickly, so you do need to watch it closely. Cool completely on the baking sheets.

White Chocolate Topping

  • Melt the white chocolate according to the instructions on the package. I like to use the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power. Be sure to stir every 30 seconds until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  • Dip the bottoms of the macaroons in the melted chocolate and tap off any excess chocolate. Place them back on the baking sheet, resting them on their side. Allow the chocolate to cool and set up completely. You can place them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to speed up the process.
  • When the bottoms are set, drizzle any remaining chocolate over the top of the macaroons. The easiest way to do this is to put the melted white chocolate in a sandwich bag. Seal the bag and snip off just a bit of the corner. Then drizzle the chocolate, using a back and forth motion.

Coconut Lime Macaroons

If you love coconut, you'll love these macaroons! You get the taste of toasted, sweet coconut and a burst of refreshing lime for a stunning yet delicate bite-sized dessert.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Course cookies
Servings 24 cookies

Ingredients
 

  • 5 cups shredded coconut, (14-ounce bag)
  • ⅔ cup flour
  • 1 large lime, zested
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk, (14-ounce can)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 11 ounces white bakers chocolate

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone pan liners.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the coconut and the flour until the coconut is evenly covered with flour. Stir in the lime zest.
  • Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla and stir until completely incorporated.
  • Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, drop the coconut mixture onto the lined baking sheet, about an inch apart. Press any loose coconut into the cookies so they do not burn.
  • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Cool completely on the baking sheets.

White Chocolate Topping

  • Melt the white chocolate according to the instruction on the package. I like to use the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power. Be sure to stir every 30 seconds until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  • Dip the bottoms of the macaroons in the melted chocolate, and tap off any excess chocolate. Place them back on the baking sheet, resting them on their side. Allow the chocolate to cool and set up completely. You can place them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to speed up the process.
  • When the bottoms are set, drizzle any remaining chocolate over the tops of the macaroons.
  • Store in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
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