Halloween Treat: Strawberry Ghosts

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) of strawberries
10 ounces white chocolate chips
Candy eyes
Fine-tipped black icing tube
Decorative twigs from a craft store
Broom fibers or wheat bundles from a craft store
Black twine

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Rinse the strawberries and dry them well with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Melt the chocolate by placing it in a double boiler over simmering water. Be careful to keep water from getting into the pan or the chocolate may seize. Alternatively, place the chocolate in a glass bowl, microwave it for 20 seconds and stir it with a fork. Repeat microwaving and stirring until the chocolate is not quite melted. Shorten the microwave time to 5 seconds and stir. Repeat if necessary until the chocolate is completely melted.

3. Hold the strawberries by the stem or leaves and dip them into the melted chocolate. Swirl them until they are coated. Leave about ¼ inch of red showing below the leaves. Gently shake off any excess chocolate. Place the strawberry on prepared baking sheet to set. Repeat with the remaining berries.

Meanwhile, create decorative broomsticks.

1. Cut the twigs into 2-1/2 inch lengths and fibers into 3-inch lengths.

2. Gather the broom fibers into a small, rough bundle. Loop twine around the bundle, but keep it loose.

3. Slip the twig into the center of the bundle. Adjust the twig and fibers to look like a broomstick.

4. Tighten the twine and tie a small knot.

Once the chocolate is set, press the broomstick handles down into the strawberries through the top center section of the leaves. Pipe a small amount of frosting to the back of the candy eyes and attach two to each strawberry. Finally, use frosting to add a smile, a spooky mouth, fangs or other fun features.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 20

Photograph and recipe courtesy of Driscoll’s.