• 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.