Valentine’s Day just isn’t the same without chocolate-covered strawberries.

Scripps News food and wellness contributor Jessica DeLuise, PA-C, shows you how to make them like a pro at home. From melting the chocolate just right to getting that smooth, glossy finish, she walks you through each simple step.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients

• 12-16 strawberries cleaned and dried thoroughly
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tsp coconut oil

Instructions:

• Wash the strawberries and gently pat them completely dry. If you can let them air dry for 2-3 hours, that would be ideal.
• Leave the green stems on for easy dipping.
• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler.
• Heat on low heat until only a few chunks of chocolate remain.
• Remove from the heat and continue to stir, mixing in the rest of the chocolate until it melts.
• Hold each strawberry by the stem (or use a fork) to dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat evenly.
• Let excess chocolate drip back into the pot.
• If desired, sprinkle with crushed nuts, dust with cocoa powder, or other topping before the chocolate sets.
• Place the dipped strawberries on a silicone baking mat or parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Let the chocolate set at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or refrigerate 5–10 minutes for a faster setting.
• Arrange the chocolate-covered strawberries on a plate or platter.
• Serve immediately if possible