Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable (27 page)

8.
Dip the cherries in the chocolate and place on the prepared sheet. Refrigerate the dipped cherries for about 1 hour until the chocolate has set.

9.
Place the cherries in an airtight container and store for 1 week before serving.

Yield:

About 60 cherries

Storage:

Storage is the key to delicious chocolate-covered cherries; the centers need a week to liquefy. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

General Description:

Strawberries and chocolate have long been associated with romance
. Although dark chocolate is classically used for dipping, white chocolate is also popular. Strawberries can be double-dipped in different chocolates for visual contrast. One striking variation is
tuxedo strawberries
: The berries are dipped first in white chocolate, then in dark chocolate on both sides to create a “V” resembling men’s formal wear. Chocolate-dipped strawberries can also be drizzled with chocolate in abstract designs.

History:

It is unknown who invented the chocolate-dipped strawberry; it could be a natural extension of
candied fruit
or
chocolate fondue
.

Serving Suggestions:

This classic aphrodisiac can be served with a flute of champagne on Valentine’s Day. Elegant chocolate-dipped strawberries are often found at wedding parties and formal dinner buffets.

Candy-Making Notes:

You will get the best results from using tempered chocolate, but untempered chocolate will also work. The untempered coating will be soft, like chocolate fondue, whereas tempered chocolate will form a firm, crisp shell. Keep strawberries made with untempered chocolate in the refrigerator if the weather is warm.

Recipe:

1.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Make sure the strawberries are completely dry.

2.
Melt and
temper the chocolate
, or simply melt the chocolate.

3.
Holding strawberries by the stem, dip them into the chocolate one at a time, covering about three-quarters of each berry.

4.
Allow excess chocolate to run off before placing each dipped strawberry on the baking sheet.

5.
Let chocolate set before dipping in a contrasting chocolate, drizzling with more chocolate, or serving.

Yield:

20 strawberries

Storage:

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variation:

Tuxedo Strawberries

1.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Make sure the strawberries are completely dry.