RECIPE: CHOCOLATE BERRIES

  Longtime Austinite Claire Keller sends along this recipe from her grandmother, who she says used to dip seasonal berries in chocolate for a special treat throughout the year.

Serves: 18

Ingredients

·       1 pint medium-large strawberries

·       ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips or white vanilla baking chips

·       1 teaspoon shortening or vegetable oil

Directions

  Gently rinse strawberries and completely dry on paper towels. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.

  Melt chocolate chips and shortening in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

  Dip lower half of each strawberry into chocolate mixture, allowing excess to drip back into saucepan. Place on waxed paper-lined tray or cookie sheet.

  Refrigerate uncovered about 30 minutes or until chocolate is firm. Store covered in refrigerator. Serve with milk or cookies as dessert or afternoon treat.