Tuxedo Strawberries
24 medium large strawberries, stems attached
8 ounces white chocolate, see note
8 ounces dark chocolate (70 percent cacao), see note
To prepare fruit: Carefully wash strawberries in cool water, keeping stems attached. Gently pat each berry dry with paper towels and air dry at room temperature on paper towels for 1 to 2 hours. Berries must be completely dry for dipping berries; moisture on the strawberries may cause the chocolate to seize and thicken.
For white chocolate layer: Coarsely chop white chocolate into small chunks and place in heatproof bowl or measuring cup. Heat in microwave set at 50 percent or medium low power for 45 seconds. Remove bowl carefully (bowl may be warm/hot) and stir 10 seconds. Small chunks should still remain. Return to microwave and heat at 50 percent power for 30 seconds. Remove bowl and stir. If very small chunks remain, do not heat again. Continue to stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Place strawberries on large wax or parchment paper sheet on counter or platter. For strawberries without stems, cut the sharp ends off a toothpick and press into the stem-end of the berry leaving 1½ inches as stem.
To create white tuxedo shirt: Dip one flat side of the strawberries by leaning them into melted white chocolate. Place berries dipped-side up on parchment and cool at room temperature 1 hour or chill 30 minutes.
For the chocolate layer and decoration: Coarsely chop dark chocolate into small chunks and place in a large heatproof bowl or measuring cup and heat according to white chocolate directions.
Carefully dip sides of each berry in dark chocolate leaving ½ inch of visible white chocolate. This creates the tuxedo jacket. Carefully place strawberries back on parchment.
Dip a clean toothpick in melted dark chocolate to draw a bow tie near top of white chocolate and three small buttons under the tie. Allow chocolate to sit at room temperature (70-73 degrees) 1 to 2 hours before serving. These can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated in container with tight lid.
Makes two dozen.
Baker’s hints: For best results do not use baking chips. I recommend Ghirardelli or Lindt premium baking bars.
Nutrition values per strawberry: 96 calories, 6 g fat (2 g saturated), 12 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein, 0 cholesterol, 3 mg sodium.