Strawberry Ghosts

1

LINE a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2

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

3

MELT chocolate using one of these methods:
a. PLACE it in a double boiler over simmering water, ensuring that no water gets into the chocolate.
b. Alternatively, PLACE chocolate in a glass bowl and microwave for 20 seconds, then STIR with a fork. REPEAT microwaving and STIRRING until the chocolate is almost melted. SHORTEN the microwave time to 5 seconds and stir. REPEAT if necessary until completely melted.

4

HOLD each strawberry by its stem or leaves and DIP it into the melted chocolate. Swirl until coated, leaving about ¼ inch of red showing below the leaves. Gently shake off excess chocolate and place the coated berry on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining strawberries.

5

MEANWHILE, create decorative broomsticks by:
a. CUTTING twigs into 2 ½ inch lengths.
b. CUTTING broom fibers into 3 inch lengths.
c. GATHERING broom fibers into a small, rough bundle.
d. LOOPING twine around the bundle, keeping it loose.
e. SLIPPING a twig into the center of the bundle.
f. ADJUSTING the twig and fibers to look like a broomstick.
g. TIGHTENING the twine and tying a small knot.

6

ONCE the chocolate on the strawberries is set, PRESS the broomstick handles down into the strawberries through the top center of the leaves.

7

PIPE a small amount of frosting to the back of candy eyes and ATTACH them to the strawberries.

8

USE frosting to add fun decorations like smiles, spooky mouths, fangs, or any other creative ideas you have.