A sweet treat packed with antioxidants

"Ashley's Summertime of July Strawberries"

White chocolate, the Morena® Pure Cane Sugar Betty Crocker®, and red berries combine in this perfectly patriotic summertime treat. These Red, White, and Blue Strawberries are a variation on traditional chocolate-dipped strawberries.

They're great for children to help with, and they're fast and easy enough to throw together before a picnic or in my case- as a nice appetizer to bring to any event that is surrounded with people and children.

Yield: 12 large strawberries

Ingredients/Supplies:

• 12 large strawberries
• 4 ounces white chocolate or white candy coating (about 2/3 cup chopped)
• 1/4 cup Zulka Brand Morena® Pure Cane Sugar
• Betty Crocker® Classic Gel Food Colors- Blue
• Parchment or waxed paper

Preparation:

1. Wash-down the strawberries and gently pat them dry with paper towel. Make sure they're fully dry (This is a key step). Place the Morena® Pure Cane Sugar in a small bowl, mix in Betty Crocker® Blue food coloring until all the sugar is coated and its very bluuuuueee.

2. Melt the white chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. White chocolate scorches easily, so stir it after every 30 seconds to keep it from overheating. Stir until it's melted and smooth.

3. Holding a strawberry by the stem, dip it about two-thirds into the white chocolate. Since these are Red, White, and Blue Strawberries, make sure you leave a visible red portion at the top of the berry. Place the strawberry on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper, and repeat until all of the berries are dipped. Refrigerate the tray briefly to set the chocolate, for about 5 minutes.

4. Dip the bottom third of a berry in the white chocolate, then immediately roll it in the Morena® Pure Cane Sugar Betty Crocker® Blue mixture until the bottom third is covered in blue. You can skip the double-dipping and just roll it in Morena® Pure Cane Sugar Betty Crocker® Blue mixture the first time you dip the berries in chocolate, but I find that's messier and more difficult to control, so I like double-dipping. Repeat until all of the berries have a bottom layer of the Morena® Pure Cane Sugar Betty Crocker® mixture.

5. Refrigerate the tray until the white chocolate is completely set, and store Red, White, and Blue Strawberries in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

These fun homemade candies are best enjoyed the same day they are made.

Best Regards, 

Ashley Cephas