Valentines Day is coming up and what says “I love you” more than chocolate covered strawberries?
Well, just about everything. When you buy chocolate covered strawberries for your lover, you are in essence saying…”baby, I love you…but not enough to deviate from the norm so I did what everybody else is doing. By the way, here is a card and some over priced flowers that are going to die by tomorrow.” I am, of course, paraphrasing but you get the idea.
Don’t let that be you. Here is an easy solution to make your other half ACTUALLY feel special. Chocolate and Cheesecake Coated Strawberries.
Go the extra mile, if not for your love then do it for you. Do you see that juicy fresh strawberry…caressed by that creamy cheesecake…smothered in that bittersweet chocolate shell…surrounded by those crunchy graham cracker crumbs? How can you even think about passing this up?
The best part about these, aside from the amazing taste and textures, is that the person(s) you are making them for will have no idea of what they are in for until their first bite. You just listen with a sense of accomplishment as they moan after that first bite, nod with confirmation as they gasp in surprise when they find out what’s inside and prepare for the inevitable love and praise you will receive.*
*Results may vary (I watched in slight disgust as my lady and brother savagely jammed these down their throats…true story).
These are perfect for any situation, not just on Valentines Day…Including but not limited to…
- Family Gatherings
- Parties
- Potlucks
- When you are alone and have nothing better to do
- Definitely when you are in the “Dog House”
- Basically…Everyday
In all seriousness, give these a go. You will be thanking me if you do!
Before I go, I know it seems like I have a vendetta against chocolate covered strawberries. I don’t. I just feel as though certain situations call for more thought. Also, I have a more elegant chocolate covered strawberries recipe coming up tomorrow…if you REALLY want to impress.
- 1-2 lb Strawberries Tops removed
- 1 lb Cream Cheese
- 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 20 oz Dark Chocolate Chips I used 60%
- 1 oz Coconut Oil See notes
- 4 oz White Chocolate
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil See notes
- 4 oz Graham Cracker Crushed
- Beat the cream cheese until it is soft (2-3 minutes).
- Add in the powdered sugar (1/4 cup at a time) and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust at this point (add more sugar, juice, vanilla, etc.).
- Toss in the strawberries and coat. The number will vary.
- Pick the strawberries out with two forks and lay them on some parchment paper or aluminum foil. They will not look pretty. Place them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to stiffen up.
- Take them out and shape them to what ever shape you want. I went with ball and strawberry shaped. Place them back in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- On some parchment paper (or aluminum), crush your graham crackers and spread them out into a thin layer.
- Bring some water to a gentle simmer. Place your chocolate and coconut oil in a heat proof bowl and set it above the water (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water). Stir until the chocolate has melted.
- Drop your cheesecake balls into the chocolate, coat and drain (best way is to pick it up with two forks and allowing the excess to trip off). Drop the balls onto your graham crackers (I also pushed some crumbs up the side of each ball).
- Remove the balls when they have hardened and bring them to the fridge (not freezer) to set up .
- Repeat until you are done.
- Dip extra strawberries in the chocolate and place them on some parchment paper (or aluminum). No sense in wasting right?
- Melt your white chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave (10 second intervals).
- Drizzle some white chocolate on the balls. I used a squeeze bottle but you can use a fork if you don't have a bottle.
This recipe will vary depending on the size of your strawberries and how "generous" you are with the cheesecake coating (I got 21)
Coconut Oil was used to thin out the chocolate. You may use any neutral oil, butter or nothing at all.
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