Biting into a decadent truffle with extra chocolate drizzle is a special treat. You can melt chocolate in a microwave, double boiler, or direct heat. All three methods work for dessert recipes that call for melting chocolate and other ingredients, like butter, coconut oil, or whipping cream. Tempering chocolate will give your sweets a professional finish. Read on to find out how to melt your favorite chocolate bar or chocolate chips for coating, drizzling, and dipping your favorite desserts.
Melted Chocolate
The following methods can melt chocolate squares, bars, or chips. To get the best results, coarsely chop chocolate bars and squares before using these melting methods.
How to melt chocolate on the Stove
This method is simple and convenient. Pour the chocolate into a heavy pan over low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate starts to melt. Remove the pan immediately from the heat, and stir the mixture until smooth.
Double-boiler melting chocolate
The direct heat method is slower but eliminates the scorching chocolate risk. Put water in the bottom pan of the Double Boiler ($22; Walmart) so the water level is 1/2 inch below the top pan. Place the double boiler on low heat. The chocolate should be stirred constantly until it melts. While the chocolate melts, the water at the bottom of the double-boiler should not boil.
How to melt chocolate in the microwave
You can place up to six ounces of chocolate squares or pieces chopped in a glass measuring cup, custard cup, or microwave-safe bowl. Microwave uncovered on high for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or until the chocolate is soft.
Temper Chocolate
Tempering Chocolate is melting chocolate slowly, then cooling it carefully. The cocoa butter is stabilized, and the chocolate has a glossy shine.
Chop your chocolate and place it in a bowl. Add shortening to the bowl (1/2 tsp. Stir to coat chocolate in shortening.
Pour 1 inch of hot water (110degF) into a giant bowl than the one with the chocolate. Pour the warm water into a bowl more significant than the one with the chocolate. The water should cover half the chocolate bowl. The water level can be adjusted as needed (be sure not to splash any water onto the chocolate).
Stir the chocolate mixture constantly with a rubber spatula until it is completely smooth. This should take between 20-25 minutes. Remove the bowl with the chocolate when the water has cooled. Then, add the warm water to the bowl and melt the chocolate.
The chocolate can be dipped or shaped when melted, smooth, and pliable. Repeat step 4 if the chocolate gets too thick when handled. Stir the chocolate continuously until it reaches a dipping consistency.
Allow your product to dry in a place that is cool and dry. If you do not chill the finished product, it will lose its temper and become softer at room temperature.
Melting Chocolate Tips
Whatever method you choose, keep these things in mind:
Make sure that all equipment is dry. Moisture on utensils and in the container can cause the chocolate (which was previously fluid) to seize. Stir in between 1/2 and 1 tsp if this occurs. Shortening is needed for each ounce of chocolate.
Do not splash water into the chocolate. Even a single drop can cause it to seize.
Avoid scorching by keeping the heat low.
Continue to stir, as most chocolate will retain its shape when it melts. It also prevents the chocolate from burning.
Decorating with Melted chocolate
You can create desserts that look like they came from a bakery, whether it is an entire truffle or half of a Biscotti. Once your chocolate has melted, you can decorate your sweet treats with the following techniques.
Melted chocolate for Dipping
Dip the cookie in the chocolate mixture to decorate a cookie cutout or biscotti. The excess can be removed by pulling the cookie along the edge of the bowl or pan.
Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Place candies, cookies, or truffles onto a wire rack. Dip a spoon or fork into the melted chocolate and let the first drip land on the pan. Sprinkle chocolate on the top and edges of desserts or cookies.
Test-Kitchen Tip:
Place the melted chocolate into a pastry bag to achieve a controlled drizzle or piping of chocolate.
If necessary, make the hole bigger.
If you find the chocolate stiffer as you work on it, warm the bag for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave.
You can do so many things with chocolate once you’ve mastered melting it. Pour it over cookies to add a sweet touch. Cover your Chocolate Cake in a layer of shiny tempered chocolate. To give as a gift, make hot cocoa bombs and drizzle them with white chocolate. Whatever you do with your melted white chocolate will be delicious.
