How to Make Tuxedo Strawberries (In Chocolate Black Tie!)

Thoughts of summer bring to mind farm fresh produce and fruits, including red, lush strawberries. Take those sweet berries to another level by turning them into chocolate tuxedo strawberries. Tuxedo strawberries are so very easy to make and a fabulous dessert to a great summer dinner party.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 24 red, ripe strawberries
• 3/4 cup milk choc chips
• 1/2 cup white choc chips
• Toothpicks for making bowties and buttons

1. 
    

   ~~Get the ripest, largest strawberries you can find~~
   
   Great chocolate tuxedo strawberries start by obtaining the juiciest, reddest strawberries you can find. If you're lucky enough to have strawberries growing in your garden, you're ahead of the game. You can also find beautiful strawberries at your local farmers markets or get a bit of exercise and head to a pick-your-own berry farm.

2. ~~Wash strawberries well and use paper towels to dry~~
   
   Leaving the green leaves on the top, wash each strawberry and wipe down with a dry paper towel. If the strawberries are not totally dry, the chocolate will not stick properly. They'll still be delicious, but, your chocolate tuxedo strawberries might end up being, well, under dressed.

3. ~~Melt chocolate - slowly and carefully!~~
   
   Melt the white and milk chocolate chips separately in the microwave. Microwave each bowl of chocolate chips, stirring at 1 minute. Note: the chips will hold their form so don't think they're not melting! Microwave in 15 second increments until almost melted as the will continue to melt the chocolate chips once they're removed from the microwave.

4. 
    
   Make the tuxedo shirt by dipping strawberry in white chocolate

   ~~Dip the strawberries in white chocolate~~
   
   Dip the entire strawberry in the white chocolate - this will become the tuxedo shirt. Lay strawberries on waxed paper so that the chocolate will set (harden).

5. 
    
   Make the tuxedo jacket by dipping in dark chocolate

   ~~Dip strawberries in dark chocolate to create a tuxedo top~~
   
   Hold the strawberry by the green leafy part, and dip the sides in a 'V' pattern to make the tuxedo jacket. Leave some white showing on the front for the tuxedo shirt. Place on waxed paper.

6. ~~Create the tuxedo bow tie and buttons~~
   
   Using a toothpick, make a small bow with the dark chocolate. Add a row of 3 buttons underneath and, voila! Your strawberries are wearing their finest formal wear. Chocolate tuxedo strawberries will wow your guest!

Tips & Warnings

• Make more tuxedo strawberries than you think you'll need. They'll disappear fast.
• Depending on the size of the strawberries, you might need more or less chocolate.

Resources

• How to make a fabulous crab bisque - just right for your beginning course!
• How to plan a dinner menu
• Top off dessert with a great cup of coffee
• Give your guests a choice with fresh oatmeal cookies
• These saltine crackers cookies would go GREAT with strawberries
• How to set a table

[sonni57]

on 7/20/2009 Great idea for dressing up strawberries makes me want some, but not to eat just look at.

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 7/14/2009 Oh how darned sweet is that! I'm going to have to try these for a special dinner. So darling!!!!!