Savvy Entertaining

I confess, I did not make the strawberries shown here, but I did take the photo and I enjoyed eating them. Does that count? I certainly hope so.

I love strawberries and chocolate and the combination of the two is nearly fatal. It is so hard to not eat more than my share of these wonderful treats. They are fairly simple to make, look very elegant and are so yummy. Make sure you use strawberries that are fresh and ripe.

Tuxedo Strawberries

• 18 medium fresh strawberries with stems
• 1 cup vanilla or white chips
• 3-1/2 teaspoons shortening, divided
• 1-1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

To make:

• Line a tray or baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Wash strawberries and pat until completely dry.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt vanilla chips and 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening in 30-second intervals; stir until smooth. Dip each strawberry until two-thirds is coated, forming the tuxedo shirt, allowing excess to drip off. Place on prepared tray; chill for 30 minutes or until set.
• Melt chocolate chips and remaining shortening. To form the tuxedo jacket, dip each side of berry into chocolate from the tip of the strawberry to the top of vanilla coating. Repeat on the other side, leaving a white V-shape in the center. Set remaining chocolate aside. Chill berries for 30 minutes or until set.
• Remelt reserved chocolate if necessary. Using melted chocolate and a round pastry tip #2, pipe a bow tie at the top of the white V and three buttons down front of shirt. Chill for 30 minutes or until set. Store in the refrigerator in a covered plastic container for up to 1 day. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen. Serving Size: As many as you want!

Happy Entertaining!