Vegan Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Bouquet

Makes 1 chocolate strawberry bouquet

Valentines Day is nearly here and what a sweet way to celebrate with your loved one (or even yourself for that matter) with a beautiful fresh bouquet of vegan chocolate dipped strawberries. It doesn't just have to be for Valentines Day... this is also a sweet gift for Mothers Day, birthdays or just as a nice romantic gesture. I thought of this idea when I was in the grocery store and I saw how expensive it was to purchase a bunch of flowers. I wondered what I could make or buy instead of flowers. Then I thought of this ... it is such a cute way to express your friendship or love for someone else. It also shows that you have put  in a lot of effort! It is like your own edible bunch of chocolate flowers! Hehehe! Have a lovely Valentines Day everyone :)

   250g (15 to 20) fresh strawberries
   100g dark chocolate (70% or more cocoa content)
   skewers

1. Wash the strawberries.
2. Insert the skewers into the centre of the strawberry leaves, about halfway up the strawberry.
3. Melt the dark chocolate until just melted making sure to not burn the chocolate. (If you are using a microwave, melt it in 20 to 3o second increments and keep stirring.)
4. Pour the melted chocolate into a small and deep glass. (A narrow glass will allow more depth of chocolate and help with even dipping)
5. Dip each skewered strawberry into the chocolate about half way up the strawberry.
6. Transfer each dipped strawberry skewer upright into a vase or long glass to cool and harden.
7. Repeat with each strawberry.
8. Once all strawberries have been dipped into the chocolate, transfer them to the fridge making sure they are standing upright.
9. Once cooled and the chocolate has hardened, wrap the bottom in paper or gift the bouquet in a vase. Enjoy!

• Be careful when eating the strawberries and be sure to not hurt yourself with the skewer. You could trim the sharp bit of the skewer if desired.
• Make sure that the strawberries do not touch when drying or they will stick together and mark. 
• Write a cute little card or letter to go with the bouquet. 
• Enjoy :)