White Chocolate is not real Chocolate – or is it?
Posted on 28. Apr, 2011 by anne in Blog
Often, when we are hosting a chocolate event, someone declares that white chocolate is not really chocolate. Most kids and even some adults are surprised to learn that there is such a thing as white chocolate. The US FDA governs what is “real” and not real chocolate in the United States. The official ruling on white chocolate says it must contain over 19 percent cocoa butter (the naturally occurring fat from the cocoa bean), at least 14 percent total milk solids, and not more than 55 percent of any sweeteners. Real chocolate is not permitted to have any other fat sources than cocoa butter and milk. In the end, taste and texture are what matter so enjoy your favorites and check the label before you declare it is real or not.
Love and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Spring is the time for new love and nothing goes better with romance than premium chocolate. Why not indulge your Sweetheart with homemade chocolate dipped strawberries. These are easy to make and enjoy. Follow these tips for a scrumptious treat.
- Choose fresh strawberries from your local grocer or farmers market. Try to use berries that are a uniform size with nice fresh leaves on the stems.
- Take a damp paper towel and clean each berry from stem to tip, removing any dirt. Do not immerse strawberries in water as they are one of the fruits that you can not wash the pesticides off of and even a tiny bit of water left on your berries will interfere with the chocolate coating.
- Select chocolate that you like. If you are not going to temper your chocolate, you should choose chocolate that has a fat other than cocoa butter. It is easier to use and results in a shiny, softer coating than real chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate in a bowl in the microwave in 15 second intervals so you avoid burning the chocolate. Stir while melting to ensure even heating.
- Grasp the strawberry by the leaves and dip into the chocolate, coating most of the fruit.
- Remove strawberry from the chocolate and shake extra chocolate back into the bowl using a swirling motion.
- Place strawberry on its side on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
- After 5 or 6 strawberries are dipped, put the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for five minutes to let the chocolate set.
- If you desire, use a spoon and drizzle a decoration on the dipped berries using a different type of chocolate.
Chocolate strawberries should be consumed the same day they are dipped. They will keep for 24 hours in the refrigerator but taste best at room temperature. Enjoy and if you don’t have the time or inclination to make these yourself, give us a call and we will make them for you.
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