# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Fresh Fruit
01 - 12 large fresh strawberries, stems on
→ Chocolate Coating
02 - 4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
03 - 2 oz white chocolate, chopped, optional for drizzling
→ Decoration
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts, optional
05 - 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, optional
06 - Edible glitter or heart-shaped sprinkles, optional
→ Assembly
07 - 12 wooden skewers
08 - Floral tape or ribbon
09 - Tissue paper or cellophane for wrapping
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly, ensuring they are completely dry before proceeding.
02 - Insert a wooden skewer into the stem end of each strawberry, pushing gently to secure without damaging the fruit.
03 - Melt semisweet or dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each burst until melted.
04 - Holding a skewer, dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat evenly. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - If desired, immediately sprinkle nuts, coconut, or sprinkles onto the chocolate-coated strawberries before the chocolate sets.
06 - Melt white chocolate and drizzle decoratively over the strawberries for an elegant presentation, if desired.
07 - Chill strawberries in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm.
08 - Once chocolate is set, gather the skewered strawberries into a bouquet shape and secure the stems together with floral tape or ribbon.
09 - Wrap the base of the bouquet with tissue paper or cellophane for a festive and elegant presentation.
