Creating these delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bites is surprisingly simple and fun. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Gently wash the strawberries under cool water. It’s crucial to dry them thoroughly. Excess moisture will prevent the chocolate from adhering properly and can cause it to seize. Pat them dry with paper towels, and then let them air dry completely for at least 30 minutes. Consider laying them out on a clean kitchen towel to ensure they are fully dry. Once dry, if desired, hull the strawberries by carefully removing the green caps with a small paring knife or a strawberry huller. Hulling is optional but makes them easier to eat.
2. Prepare Your Workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the chocolate-covered strawberries from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Set this aside. Gather your chosen toppings and place them in small bowls for easy access.
3. Melt the Chocolate: There are a couple of methods for melting chocolate, choose the one you are most comfortable with:
   • Double Boiler Method (Recommended for best results): Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Place a heatproof bowl (glass or stainless steel) on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Place your chopped chocolate (and vegetable shortening or coconut oil, if using) in the bowl. Stir the chocolate frequently as it melts, until it is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to let any water or steam get into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize and become grainy.
   • Microwave Method (Quick but requires careful monitoring): Place the chopped chocolate (and vegetable shortening or coconut oil, if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval. Continue microwaving in short bursts, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Remove from the microwave and stir until the remaining chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Be very careful not to overheat the chocolate in the microwave, as it can burn easily.
4. Dip the Strawberries: Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, hold a strawberry by its stem (or where the stem was if hulled) and dip it into the melted chocolate. Coat about ¾ of the strawberry, leaving a bit of the red visible for a beautiful presentation. Gently lift the strawberry out of the chocolate and let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. You can lightly tap your wrist while holding the strawberry to encourage excess chocolate to drip off.
5. Add Toppings (Optional): If you are using toppings, immediately sprinkle them onto the chocolate-covered strawberry while the chocolate is still wet. This will ensure that the toppings adhere properly. Get creative with your toppings! You can dip the strawberries in sprinkles, roll them in chopped nuts, or drizzle them with melted white chocolate using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
6. Set the Chocolate: Place the chocolate-covered strawberries on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together.
7. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the baking sheet with the chocolate-covered strawberries for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and completely set. Chilling helps the chocolate harden quickly and gives the strawberries a refreshing coolness. For faster setting, you can place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes, but be careful not to freeze them solid, as this can affect the texture of the strawberries.
8. Enjoy! Once the chocolate is set, your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bites are ready to be enjoyed! They are best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal freshness and flavor. Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator.