STATE FAIR ~ CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY WAFFLE POPS ~ for Type Os

12 large strawberries, hulled
12 ounces dark chocolate chips
vegetable oil, for deep frying
2 cups dry spelt homemade waffle mix, plus ingredients in spelt waffle recipe to make waffles
confectioners’ sugar for dusting

12 skewers

Thread each strawberry onto a wooden skewer; place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper and freeze for about 30 minutes.

Put the chocolate in a deep microwave safe bowl.  Melt in 1 minute intervals, stirring after each.  NOTE:  It took 2 – 1 minute intervals for  my chocolate chips to melt.

Dip the frozen strawberries in the melted chocolate, return to the parchment or wax paper line baking sheet and freeze until the chocolate hardens, about 15 minutes.

Heat 4 to 6 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 33o degrees.  While the oil heats, prepare the waffle mix as the waffle recipe directs.

Dip the chocolate-covered strawberries in the batter, turning to coat.  NOTE:  If the barter is too thin, add 1 to 3 tablespoons of the dry mix into the batter.  Carefully place the berries into the hot oil.  NOTE:  I only fried ONE at a time.  Fry, turning as needed, until batter is golden and just cooked through.  Remove from hot oil and drain on paper towels on a cooling rack.  Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to re-harden.  Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Adapted from recipe at: http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/state-fair-chocolate-strawberry-waffle-pops/    (See her website for original recipe & more informative pictures.)