Strawberry Chocolate Ghosts

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.