Chocolate Covered Strawberries


Ingredients:
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
2 tablespoons shortening (do not use butter, margarine or oil)
Fresh strawberries with stems, rinsed and patted dry

Method:
1. Cover tray with wax paper.

2. In medium microwave-safe bowl, place chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1-1/2 minutes or just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred; cool slightly.

3. Holding by top, dip 2/3 of each strawberry into chocolate mixture; shake gently to remove excess. Place on prepared tray. Refrigerate until coating is firm, about 30 minutes. Store, covered, in refrigerator. Coats about 5 dozen small strawberries. (About 1 cup coating)

Note* Butter and margarine contain water which may prevent chocolate from melting properly and oil may prevent chocolate from forming a coating.

Chocolate basket:
Cover a dish of desired shape (pie pan) with foil and spray lightly with Pam. Place melted chocolate in a ziploc bag and seal. Snip a small hole in the corner and drizzle the chocolate to create a basket. Chill until firm. Carefully remove the basket. Place on a serving tray and fill with chocolate covered strawberries.