Grasp the stem or green leaves of the strawberry and dip into the chocolate and swirl in chocolate to partially cover. If the strawberries don't have a stem to grasp, pork a toothpick into the stem end.
Give the strawberry a little shake as you withdraw it from the chocolate (this will fill in all the cracks and leave a nice even line of of chocolate at the base.)
When the strawberry is completely withdrawn from the chocolate, swirl it in a quick, clockwise motion to let the excess chocolate drip off.
Place on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries.
If you are going to decorate the berries, allow the chocolate to set for a minute, then sprinkle with decorations. Sprinkling works better than rolling as it’s easier to control the coverage. You may cover your chocolate strawberries with nuts, sprinkles, coconut, or anything else you desire.
To decorate with white chocolate patterns, melt the white chocolate in a double boiler. When the white chocolate has melted, drizzle the white chocolate with a fork over the already chocolate-covered strawberry and drag a toothpick through the white chocolate in the opposite direction. You can also use a small piping bag to create an kind of pattern you desire. For clean white lines, allow the chocolate to set up completely, then drizzle with the white chocolate.
Either place strawberries into refrigerator or set aside to allow the chocolate to harden, about 30 minutes. Transfer fruit onto a serving platter to serve.
NOTE: The chocolate dipped strawberries are best if eaten within 24 hours - refrigerate for longer storage, but serve at room temperature for greatest flavor.
Makes 60 Chocolate Covered Strawberries.