Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Truth be told, I was youtubing those asians :) when I rewatched an old Happy Slip video which made me need emergency chocolate. I've been craving to make (and eat) these chocolate covered strawberries and the grocery store had some good ones on sale. Of course making and eating is fun but sharing is worth much more.

16 oz. white chocolate chips
16 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
4 teaspoons shortening (halved for each)
75 strawberries

So these are easy if you know a couple of things...

You can use the microwave but I think a double broiler (using a pan with simmering water) to melt the chocolate and shortening on low-medium heat is better because you want to temper the chocolate - melt it at a slow pace so that it can harden again when it cools.

Don't constantly mix the chocolate. In fact, spread out the chips so they all touch the sides or bottom of the bowl and leave it alone. Don't mix it until you see that each chip looks softened. Otherwise, you'll have lumps that take much longer to melt after you have mixed.

After the chocolate is melted, turn off the heat, but keep the pan over the stove. Ladle a spoon of chocolate into a flattened bowl and put the bowl on top of the hot pan. I find this alot easier to coat strawberries evenly without using too much chocolate. Ladle in more chocolate, a spoon at a time, when needed.

Lastly, pour some chocolate into a plastic bag, cut off the corner, and use to pipe.

Next time: coconut and chopped nuts!