Being a graphic artist and party photo stylist that specializes in parties, we find the best dessert and party ware vendors.  One of our favorites is Pretzels Pleaze, who you have probably heard us talking about a lot!

Today we are so excited to introduce the owners of Pretzels Pleaze, George and Amanda.  I know you would remember their work from some of our holiday photo shoots here and here.  They make the most delectable chocolate covered treats including my favorite pretzels and apples!

Today, Pretzels Pleaze is in the spotlight because they are sharing a fabulous “how to” for making my favorite Valentine’s Day treat – Chocolate Strawberries.  So, is your mouth watering yet?

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From Pretzels Pleaze…

With Valentine’s Day around the corner we wanted to share a simple and delicious way for your readers to surprise their loved ones. Below you will find the necessary items needed to make chocolate covered strawberries as well as a step by step process.

When making chocolate covered strawberries you want to make sure you get large ripe berries for best results. Some of the materials that we use at Pretzels Pleaze we have on hand but I tried to substitute many of them to what someone would normally have at home.

Materials needed:

• Strawberries
• Chocolate candy melts
• Wax paper / Parchment paper
• Candy Thermometer
• Decorating bag (zip lock bag in a pinch)
• Sanitary gloves

Step one you want to wash the strawberries making sure you wash underneath the caps (green leafs). We like to use a strainer when making smaller batches, for larger batches special large flat strainers make the work easier.

You can dry the strawberries on a rack over a sheet pan or simply on some paper towels on a countertop at home.

Once dry pull back the caps and use them as a natural handle to dip your strawberries into your chocolate which has been melted to the required temperature. You can use anything from chocolate specific melting / tempering machines to double boilers or even a microwave if that’s the only thing you have available. Most chocolate found at grocery stores in the baking isle does not require the user to temper the chocolate and is more forgiving with temperature fluctuations. If using gourmet chocolates that require specific tempering and temperature we recommend a candy thermometer as shown on the material photo.

Allow strawberries to dry on wax paper or parchment paper; this will allow the lifting of the product for the removal of the excess and make clean up a breeze. If you want to add toppings to your strawberries this is the step you would “roll” them in your favorite topping. Some of our clients and our personal favorites include crushed peanuts, toffee, and coconut shreds.

After the berries have dried it’s time to put on some drizzle. We have been using and prefer disposable pastry bags by Hygo or their parent company Kee-seal which provide a great textured grip and are sanitary and convenient since we don’t have to spend time cleaning out canvas pastry bags. Wilton also makes disposable bags which can be readily found; the 12 inch bags do the trick. In a pinch a common zip lock bag will give you great results just as well by cutting out a corner. When drizzling remember that there is no wrong or right way. The strawberry is your canvas; make it your masterpiece!

After allowing the drizzle to dry remove the excess from the berries by simply breaking it off and present them in a plate or gift box. Always making sure you make “extras” as little hands or helpers won’t be able to resist! A simple dessert for any occasion or gift for that person in your life who enjoys chocolate!

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Thank you, George and Amanda, for sharing!
Visit Pretzels Pleaze to see their mouth watering treats here.