Father's Day Chocolate Fruit

by Laura Torres | More from this Blogger

06 Jun 2006 11:06 AM

If your dad likes chocolate dipped strawberries or other fruit, you can easily make them yourself. These delicious delicacies go for big bucks if you buy them at the store, but they are pretty simple to make if you know a few tricks.

Good fruit to use:

Strawberries Apple slices Orange slices Pineapple slices

First, wash and thoroughly dry the fruit you want to dip. If there is any water on the fruit, the chocolate won't stick and it'll slide off, making a mess. I wash the fruit, then lay it out on a lint-free towel and carefully roll it around to dry. Then let it sit out for a while to make sure. Don't let apple slices sit out very long or they will begin to turn brown.

Poke a bamboo skewer into each piece of fruit, just far enough in to hold the fruit securely. Skewer the strawberries through the stem part.

If you have a double boiler, melt chocolate chips in the top part over simmering water. If not, put chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container and microwave for thirty seconds. Take it out, stir and repeat. Don't let it go longer than thirty seconds at a time. Chocolate has a low melting point and scorches easily. (Also, beware of white chocolate chips. I microwaved some once and had a nice little fire in my microwave.)

When the chocolate is melted and smooth, hold the skewer and dip in the fruit. You want to leave about 1/4 of the fruit showing, except the apple slices. Since the apple flesh will brown if it isn't coated, you want to dip the whole slice. Twirl the fruit over the chocolate and gently shake side to side to get rid of excess chocolate. When all the excess chocolate has dripped off, twirl the fruit so the tail of the chocolate makes a little swirl on the top.

If you want, you can now dip the fruit in a bowl of coconut or chopped nuts.

Now either stick the end of the skewer in a piece of styrofoam so the chocolate can set without touching anything, or place the piece of fruit on a piece of parchment paper.

Place the fruit in the refrigerator to set, about 15 minutes. Now place each piece of fruit in a cupcake wrapper, carefully remove the skewer, and place in a box. Store in the refrigerator. Dad's in for a gourmet treat!

Learn more about Laura Torres

Laura Torres is the best-selling author of many books for kids and teens, and a party planner. Check out her website at lauratorres.com.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Libby Pelham (12876) 06 Jun 2006 12:19 PM

I used to work at Godiva. Their chocolate covered strawberries are absolutely yummy, but I never understood how people could pay $32/pound or whatever it is for somethng that is primarily fruit :-) Much cheaper to make this stuff at home. Great post Laura!

Catherine Ipcizade (5617) 06 Jun 2006 02:40 PM

Mmmmmmm...I want some NOW!