Oh, the magic of New Year’s Eve! There’s just something so special about ringing in a new year with friends, laughter, and of course, delicious treats. One of my all-time favorite sweet indulgences for this festive occasion is definitely *New Year’s chocolate covered strawberries*. They’re not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a feast for the eyes! I remember one New Year’s Eve, I decided to whip up a batch of these beauties for a party at my friend’s house. As soon as I set the platter on the table, it was like fireworks went off! Everyone was raving about how pretty they looked, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than the countdown to midnight. Trust me, these chocolate-covered delights are the perfect way to celebrate new beginnings—sweet, juicy strawberries wrapped in luscious chocolate, what’s not to love? So, let’s dive into making some of these scrumptious treats together!
Ingredients for New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and dried
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
How to Prepare New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Step 1: Wash and Dry the Strawberries
First things first, let’s get those strawberries all cleaned up! I can’t stress enough how important it is to wash and dry your strawberries thoroughly. Any moisture left on them can prevent that glorious chocolate from sticking, and we definitely don’t want that! So, rinse them gently under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. They should be completely dry before we move on to the fun part!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Now, onto the chocolate melting magic! Grab a microwave-safe bowl and toss in your chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil. The coconut oil helps give the chocolate that lovely sheen and makes it easier to dip! Start by microwaving it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This is key – you don’t want to scorch the chocolate! Usually, it takes about 1 to 2 minutes total, but you’ll want to keep an eye on it. Once it’s smooth and silky, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 3: Dip the Strawberries
Okay, this is where the fun really begins! Hold a strawberry by its stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, giving it a good swirl to make sure it gets completely covered. You want that chocolate to envelop the strawberry like a cozy blanket! Once it’s fully coated, gently shake off any excess chocolate and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this with all your strawberries—trust me, you’ll want to savor every single one!
Step 4: Set the Dipped Strawberries
Now that all your strawberries are dipped and looking fabulous, it’s time to set them. Carefully place each chocolate-covered strawberry on the parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to space them out a bit. This helps prevent them from sticking together, which is a total bummer! Let them sit for a moment before we pop them in the fridge.
Step 5: Refrigerate to Set
Last but not least, let’s get these beauties into the fridge! Pop the baking sheet in there for at least 30 minutes. This is the moment when the chocolate firms up and hardens, giving you that perfect bite. While you wait, you can start dreaming up how you’ll present these delectable treats at your New Year’s celebration. After chilling, they’ll be ready to dazzle your guests!
Tips for Success with New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Alright, let’s chat about how to make these chocolate-covered strawberries even more fabulous! I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that’ll help you nail this recipe every time.
- Use Ripe Strawberries: This is key! Go for strawberries that are ripe and at their peak sweetness. Trust me, the juiciness of a perfectly ripe strawberry makes all the difference in flavor.
- Experiment with Chocolate: While dark chocolate is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try milk chocolate for a sweeter treat or even white chocolate for a playful twist. You can even drizzle a little of different chocolates on top for a beautiful design!
- Keep the Chocolate Warm: If you find that your chocolate is starting to harden while you’re dipping, just pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds. Keep it smooth and melty for easier dipping!
- Chill Before Serving: After they’ve set in the fridge, let them chill a bit longer before serving. This keeps them fresh and delicious, plus they’ll hold their shape better!
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within a couple of days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
With these tips, you’re all set to create a stunning platter of *New Year’s chocolate covered strawberries* that will wow your friends and family. Have fun with it, and let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information for New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Now, let’s talk about what you’re getting with these delicious *New Year’s chocolate covered strawberries*! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is two strawberries. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the size of the strawberries and the exact ingredients used.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
These little bites of joy are not only a treat for your taste buds but also pack a decent amount of fiber from the strawberries. So, indulge a little—after all, it’s New Year’s! Enjoy these delightful snacks knowing they’re a sweet addition to your celebration!
FAQ About New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries
I get a lot of questions about these delightful treats, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones you might have when making *New Year’s chocolate covered strawberries*!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover chocolate-covered strawberries (which is pretty rare!), make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for a couple of days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed within the first 48 hours for that perfect flavor and texture!
Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! White chocolate is a fantastic option if you want a sweeter flavor or a different look. Just melt it the same way you would with dark chocolate, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy coating that pairs perfectly with the strawberries!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these chocolate-covered strawberries a day in advance. Just follow all the steps, let them set, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just remember to keep them in a single layer to avoid any chocolate mishaps!
What if the chocolate hardens while I’m dipping?
Don’t worry! If you find that your chocolate is starting to firm up, just pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds to get it all melty again. Stir well, and you’ll be back to dipping those strawberries in no time!
Can I add toppings to my chocolate-covered strawberries?
Oh, definitely! Once you dip your strawberries, feel free to sprinkle them with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even drizzle on some contrasting chocolate for a decorative touch. It adds an extra layer of flavor and makes them look even more festive!
Hopefully, these answers give you all the confidence you need to make the perfect *New Year’s chocolate covered strawberries*. Let the chocolate-dipping fun begin!
Why You’ll Love New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time. Perfect for last-minute celebrations!
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant red of the strawberries combined with the glossy chocolate creates a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of juicy strawberries and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven—each bite is pure bliss!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the chocolate or add toppings, making each batch unique and tailored to your taste.
- Fun Activity: Dipping strawberries can be a fun and interactive activity to enjoy with friends or family, especially for a festive occasion!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While they’re a fantastic treat for New Year’s, these chocolate-covered strawberries are delightful year-round for any celebration.
Serving Suggestions for New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Now that you’ve made these gorgeous *New Year’s chocolate covered strawberries*, let’s talk about how to elevate your serving game! They’re not just delicious on their own; you can create a whole dessert experience that will wow your guests!
- Pair with Champagne: There’s something so festive about serving these strawberries alongside a glass of bubbly! The sweetness of the chocolate complements the crispness of the champagne beautifully. Trust me, it’s a match made in party heaven!
- Chocolate Fondue Station: Set up a fun chocolate fondue station with a variety of dippables. Alongside your strawberries, offer marshmallows, pretzels, and cubes of pound cake. Your guests can mix and match, and it adds an interactive element to your celebration!
- Fruit Platter: Arrange your chocolate-covered strawberries on a platter with other fresh fruits like pineapple, kiwi, and blueberries. This not only adds color but also gives everyone a chance to mix and match their favorite flavors.
- Ice Cream Sundaes: How about turning these strawberries into a topping for ice cream sundaes? Just chop them up a bit and sprinkle them over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, drizzling with extra melted chocolate if you’re feeling decadent!
- Decorate a Cake: Use these chocolate-covered beauties to decorate a New Year’s cake. Place them around the edges or on top for a stunning finish—your guests will be in awe!
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Skewers: For a fun twist, thread your strawberries onto skewers with marshmallows or pieces of cake. It makes for easy serving and looks adorable!
With these serving suggestions, your *New Year’s chocolate covered strawberries* will not just be a treat but a star attraction at your celebration! So gather your friends, pour some drinks, and enjoy these delightful sweets together. Cheers to a delicious new year!
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New Year’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries: 5 Sweet Tips
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate covered strawberries perfect for New Year’s celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.
- Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, covering it completely.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 strawberries
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: new years chocolate covered strawberries
