Recipe: Melted dipping chocolate

This is Shari's Secret Recipe No. 4, in "Berried in Chocolate."

• 1 (12-oz.) bag semisweet chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips)

• 1/4 tsp. orange, hazelnut or mint extract or liqueur, optional

Directions

Put chips in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on defrost setting for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir. Return to microwave for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir. Repeat until chips are completely melted.

If desired, add liqueur or flavored extract.

Pour melted chocolate into fondue pot or slow cooker. Keep warm on lowest setting and place on a table for dipping goodies. Stir occasionally if necessary.

Serves 1.

This is Shari's Secret Recipe No. 8, in "Berried in Chocolate."

• Chocolate syrup

• Red sugar

• 11/2 oz. strawberry vodka

• Splash strawberry purée

• Splash cream

• Ice

• 1 chocolate-dipped strawberry, partially sliced and fanned out

Directions

MOM'S STRAWBERRY PIE

Serves 8.

This is Shari's Secret Recipe No. 3, in "Berried in Chocolate."

Piecrust:

• 18 graham crackers

• 1/2 c. (1 stick) melted butter (not margarine)

Strawberry filling:

• 11/2 c. cold water

• 2 tbsp. cornstarch

• 1 (3-oz.) pkg. sugar-free strawberry gelatin

• 4 c. hulled, sliced strawberries

Directions

For pie crust: Crush graham crackers into a bowl. You should have approximately 11/2 cups. Add sugar and melted butter, and mix well. Press the mixture firmly into a buttered, 8-inch pie pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes.