Chocolate-dipped Strawberries

4 ounces semisweet chocolate (125 g)
1 pint basket fresh strawberries, if possible with stem and cap attached (500 ml)
Broad green leaves for decoration (optional)
Yields about 6 servings, 3 or 4 strawberries per serving.

Break or chop chocolate coarsely. Use real, not imitation, chocolate bars or squares for best results.

Place chocolate in small heat-proof bowl, then place bowl in 1/2-inch barely simmering water in small skillet over low heat. Heat, stirring occasionally, just until chocolate is melted. (Be careful that no water gets into chocolate.) Stir until smooth.

Remove skillet from heat, leaving bowl of chocolate in hot water. Pat strawberries dry. Holding by stem end, dip each strawberry into chocolate to cover about 3/4 of the way up. Drain excess chocolate, then place on waxed paper-lined tray; refrigerate to harden.