Chocolate-Covered Apricots

Preparation : 1. Pat fruit completely dry. Place chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons shortening in top of a double broiler; set aside. Fill bottom pan with 1 inch water. Over medium heat, bring water to steaming (120 degrees). Remove from heat, place pan with chocolate chips over water and stir until melted, about 5 minutes.

Dunk aprictos into chocolate to coat halfway, letting excess drip off; then place pitted side down on baking sheets lined with plastic wrap. Chill until chocolate firms, about 15 minutes. Serve fruit, chill airtight up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 1 month.