A monthly online magazine chock-full of insightful articles for busy mothers.

by Shelly Hill

Are you considering making your own chocolate dipped strawberries this year for Valentine’s Day? Making and dipping your own fruits is really a lot easier than you might think and only take a few minutes to do.

If you don’t have a fondue pot, you can still make them by using a double boiler or by using specially made chocolate that you can melt in the microwave oven. When dipping fruits, you always want to purchase fruits that are ripe, firm and free of blemishes. Wash and air dry them before you even begin.

Here is what you will need to make your very own Tuxedo Striped Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.

milk or dark chocolate
white chocolate
fresh whole strawberries (not frozen)
fondue pot, double boiler or purchase chocolate that can be melted in the microwave oven
tongs
silicone spatula
waxed paper
wooden spoon

Step 1: Lay waxed paper on top of a baking sheet. You will lay your dipped fruits onto the waxed paper to harden.

Step 2: Melt your white chocolate first until it is smooth and creamy with no lumps. I use a silicone stirring spatula so that the chocolate doesn’t stick to my spatula.

Step 3: Take your tongs and grab the strawberry at the top. Dip your strawberry into the melted white chocolate covering about 3/4 of the berry. Hold the berry over the pan to let the excess chocolate run off and back into the pan for about a minute. Place berry onto the waxed lined baking sheet to dry.

Step 4: Once all of your berries have been dipped in white chocolate, clean out your pot and melt your milk or dark chocolate. Again, make sure it is completely melted before you start to dip. Using your tongs, grab the berry and dip it into the chocolate at an angle so that it makes a v-shape onto the berry to resemble a tuxedo jacket. Hold berry above the pan and let the excess drain back into the pot.

Step 5: Dip the end of a wooden spoon into the chocolate and make two tiny circles on the white chocolate to resemble the jacket buttons. You only need a little bit and apply those circles while holding the berry sideways. Once done, lay the berry onto the waxed line baking sheet to dry.

If you are in a hurry, place the baking sheet into the refrigerate to speed up the hardening process. Once they are completely done, store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator. If you started off with nice berries, they should keep for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Shelly Hill is a mother and grandmother living in Pennsylvania who enjoys cooking, baking and canning. You can visit Shelly’s Shakin ‘N Bakin in the Kitchen Blog for free cooking tips and recipes at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com You can find a photo of how the strawberries should look once dipped on Shelly’s blog at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-make-your-own-chocolate-dipped.html

Article Source: WAHM Articles

by Arlene Pellicane

Browsing online, I saw a toddler Easter basket selling for $65. Since when does a parent have to spend so much money on a basket filled with a stuffed animal, candy and plastic grass for a two-year old? You can spend a lot less and create a basket that’s even better because it’s tailor made just for your child.

Here’s how you make a perfect Easter basket that will not break the bank and make a great impression on your terrific toddler:

1. Start with a basket you already have at home. Don’t buy that Easter basket at the grocery store that you will use once and then pitch into your garage to be lost forever. Can’t find a basket? Look for a small plastic storage bin, decorate a shoebox, or extra plastic wastebasket. Nix the cellophane wrap.

2. Skip the candy and load up on healthier treats instead. Your toddler’s favorite fruits or crackers will do just fine. Or try a new brand of cracker. If your toddler is asking for candy, just include one small chocolate egg or a few peeps. Remember the less your toddler is exposed to candy, the better!

3. Instead of filling plastic eggs with candy, fill them with beans instead. Tape them up with colorful electrical tape and you’ve got a new shaker instrument. You can also fill the eggs with small toys or stickers.

4. Include items you need to buy anyway: a toothbrush with one of your child’s favorite characters, nice socks, new character underwear or pajamas.

5. Great toys to include are inexpensive items like crayons, sidewalk chalk, coloring books, toy cars, stickers, play doh, rubber duckies and other toys for the bath.

6. Celebrate the coming of spring with some outdoor activity toys like a Frisbee, bubbles, or ball.

7. Write them a simple note that says “I love you” or “Happy Easter.” Encourage them to say each letter in your note.

Create your basket with your toddler in mind. Include some of his or her favorite things and you’ll be sure to have a hit! And it will cost you a lot less than $65.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Get FREE tips that work at Arlene’s website www.losingweightafterbaby.com or blog at losingweightafterbaby.wordpress.com