Chocolate Drizzled Fruit Kebabs

Welcome, culinary adventurers! Chef Ashley here from Back 2 Basics Cooking, based in the heart of Columbia, MO. In my kitchen classroom, I've had the joy of guiding both kids and adults in the delicious art of cooking. One recipe that has been a consistent crowd-pleaser, regardless of age or skill level, is our Chocolate Drizzled Fruit Kebabs.

These delightful skewers of fresh fruit, drizzled with a luscious layer of melted chocolate, have brought smiles to countless faces. They're simple to prepare, fun to customize, and even more enjoyable to eat. Plus, they offer a great opportunity to master the art of melting chocolate. While we usually use a microwave for convenience in class, I'll also provide instructions for using a traditional double boiler for those of you who prefer a more classic approach.

So, whether you're here to learn a new fun recipe or to improve your chocolate melting skills, you're in the right place. In addition to the recipe, I'll also be including a handy list of cooking terminology that you might not be familiar with, ensuring you're well-prepared and confident as you embark on this culinary adventure.

Let's get started on these delectable Chocolate Drizzled Fruit Kebabs together!

Terminology-Make sure you are familiar with these cooking terms before starting.

• Drizzle: To pour a very thin stream of liquid (in this case, melted chocolate) over food.

• Double Broiler: A set of two fitted saucepans or pots stacked together. The lower one contains simmering water that gently heats the upper pot.

• Seizing Up: When melted chocolate becomes suddenly thick and grainy.

• Kebab Sticks: Thin rods made of metal or wood, used to hold pieces of food together.

Chocolate Drizzled Fruit Kebabs

Ingredients:

• Your favorite fruit - for example, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, etc.

• ½ Cup of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Feel free to use bittersweet if you love dark chocolate, dairy-free for an allergy-friendly/vegan option, or sugar-free for a keto choice)

• 1 Tablespoon of unrefined Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil

• Kebab Sticks

Instructions:

1. First, give your fruit a good wash. If needed, peel and cut the fruit into smaller pieces that will fit easily onto your kebab stick.

2. Next, it's time to design your kebab! Alternate the fruits onto the stick, filling it up but remember to leave some space at each end so you can hold the kebab easily. Once done, place your fruity kebabs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Now, let's melt the chocolate chips and oil. You can use a double broiler (see below the picture for full instructions on using a double broiler) or microwave for this. If you're using a microwave, remember not to cook for more than 30 seconds at a time and give it a good stir each time. This will prevent the chocolate from burning or becoming too thick (this is called 'seizing up').

4. Once your chocolate is silky smooth, take a small spoon, scoop some melted chocolate, and drizzle it over the top of the kebabs using a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to take a little taste test of the chocolate to hold you over until the kebabs are done. 😉

5. Finally, pop the baking sheet into the freezer for between 1 to 4 hours. When they're nice and cool, they're ready to enjoy!

Double Broiler Instructions Sure, here are the instructions on how to use a double boiler:

Instructions for Using a Double Boiler:

1. Choose your pots: You need two pots to create a double boiler - a large one and a slightly smaller one. The smaller one should fit comfortably into the larger one without touching the bottom.
   

2. Add water to the larger pot: Fill the bottom pot with about 2 inches of water. You want enough water to provide heat, but not so much that the bottom of the top pot or bowl touches the water.
   

3. Place the smaller pot inside the larger one: Put the smaller pot or heat-safe bowl on top of the larger pot. It should be sitting on the rim of the larger pot, not touching the water.
   

4. Heat the pots: Turn your stove to medium heat and allow the water in the bottom pot to come to a simmer.
   

5. Add ingredients to the top pot: Once the water is simmering, add your ingredients (in this case, chocolate chips and oil) to the top pot. The steam from the simmering or boiling water in the bottom pot heats the contents in the upper pot.
   

6. Stir occasionally: Stir your ingredients occasionally to ensure they melt evenly and don't stick to the pot.
   

7. Maintain the heat: Keep an eye on your double boiler to make sure the water stays at a simmer and doesn't come to a full boil. If the water starts to boil, it can get too hot and potentially seize your chocolate.
   

Remember to always use caution when handling a double boiler, as the steam can be quite hot.

As we wrap this recipe up, I want to extend an invitation to join me in one of my cooking classes, catering specifically to beginning and intermediate skill levels. Whether you're just starting your culinary journey or looking to expand your repertoire, my classes are designed to provide a supportive, fun, and educational environment. Visit our website to learn more about upcoming classes and start your journey toward culinary mastery at your own pace. Happy cooking!