CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES GIFT BOX RECIPES

Steps:

• In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.
• Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.
• Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-large saucepan, melt the butter with the unsweetened chocolate over low heat, whisking occasionally until smooth and melted. Sprinkle in cocoa powder and whisk to combine. Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.Stir in sugar and vanilla until just combined.One at a time, stir in the eggs. Gently stir in the flour until halfway incorporated. Add the chocolate chips and stir just until combined. Pour batter (it will be very thick!) into a greased 8 x 8 or 9 x 13 baking pan. (Square pan will result in thicker brownies.) Spread to even out the top and place in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then check the brownies with a toothpick. If it is overly gooey/messy, return to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes. (Just be careful not to burn the edges.) Allow to cool completely (important!), then sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into small squares. The brownies are very rich! *Note: When warm the brownies will seem overly gooey/soft. As they cool, they will firm up. (Brownies are best several hours after baking, or even the next day!)