Melting Chocolate

Kate · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 2:36 am Post subject: Melting Chocolate

Creating home made dipped chocolates, dried fruits etc, is fun but can be a bit tricky. Here are a few tips and fixes.
Never let water or other non oil based liquids get into chocolate or it will bind up into a big grainy, dry glop. This includes butter and margarine, as they contain water.
When melting chcoolate in the microwave, use the lowest power or use the defrost setting and stir every couple of minutes.

To melt chocolate in a double boiler or ban marie, keep the water at a low simmer and avoid letting steam get into the chocolate.

If water gets into chocolate or it's over heated, add a small dab of solid shortening and stir well to return the chocolate to a smooth texture. This will not work on burned chocolate.This fix works with "white" chocolate and other compound coatings as well.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 7:34 pm Post subject:

whenever i melt chocolate i ALWAYS end up burning it! it tastes horrid and ends up going straight into the bin!

Kate · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 6:08 am Post subject:

Try the microwave and use the defrost setting, or power 3. Not sure what your microwaves are like but defrost is very low power. Set the timer for no more than 45 seconds and stir chocolate after each time period. It may look solid but when you put a spoon in it has melted suddenly. I hope this makes sense?
_________________
A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:07 pm Post subject:

my microwave has a defrost setting so ill try that next time. we just made your buttermilk scones but rather than buttermilk we used double cream (heavy cream) and they are delicious! so creamy and light. yum!

Kate · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 3:15 pm Post subject:

Ahhh I'll have to try that...I try to behave with my diet when I can though....sigh.
_________________
A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 11:17 am Post subject:

iv frozen the majority of them because they were really moreish and i knew i would eat loads of them - and probably be about half a stone heavier when i go back to work tomorrow!!!

Kate · Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:38 pm Post subject:

Paula I just love the terms you use!
_________________
A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 7:15 pm Post subject: