Chocolate

• Sweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips or bars work best for dipping strawberries. Usually, the chocolate is melted with oil or shortening to keep it smooth. White chocolate is sometimes used decoratively in combination with chocolate. Flavorings such as amaretto, orange brandy or Irish creme can be added to the chocolate, if desired.
  
  

Strawberries

• Strawberries are rinsed in cold, not iced, water to maintain freshness before they are dipped. Fresh berries work best for dipping.
  
  

Fondue Pot

• A fondue pot is used to melt the chocolate. A double boiler also works well. Chocolate should never be melted directly on a burner because this can cause the chocolate to burn.
  
  

Dipping Sheets

• A heavy weight dipping sheet work better than wax paper for drying chocolate covered strawberries. The sheet is used to line a tray and the strawberries are chilled in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes.
  
  

Bamboo Skewers

• Bamboo skewers make it easier to dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate. The skewer is pushed through the stem area of a strawberry and then can be placed in a vase to make a strawberry and chocolate flower bouquet