Marvelously Simple Methods of Melting Chocolate Chips

Does your recipe call for melting chocolate chips to make that perfect chocolate dipped strawberry or a gooey chocolate cake? It is quite easy to melt chocolate chips, although you do need to keep a few things in mind.

Chocolate chips are used in cookies, muffins, brownies, cakes, and other baked confectioneries. They are small round chips made of white, dark, or milk chocolates. The content of cocoa butter in chocolate chips is less than that found in conventional bars.

The less content of cocoa butter in chocolate chips helps the chips to retain their shape when baked in a moderately high oven. There are various ways in which you can melt chocolate in methods that is suitable and convenient for you.

How to Melt Chocolate Chips in Double Boiler

A double boiler is a kitchen equipment that comes with two fitted vessels placed one above the other. The lower vessel is partially filled up with boiling water and the upper vessel uses this heat of the steam to cook different types of delicate sauces.

Place the double boiler on the burner and fill the lower vessel with water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer. Now, place the upper vessel containing the chocolate chips over the lower vessel. Stir the chocolate chips continuously with a wooden spoon until you are left with a smooth and glossy sauce with a thick consistency.

If you do not have a double boiler, don’t rush to the store to buy one. With a bit of improvisation and some common kitchen utensils, you can very effectively employ the same cooking method. All you need is a large saucepan and a heat-proof bowl.

Follow the same instructions as that for melting chocolate chips in a double boiler. Take care that the base of the bowl does not come in contact with the boiling water of the saucepan.

How to Melt Chocolate Chips in an Oven

This is one of the best ways of melting chocolate chips if you require a large amount of melted chocolate. Preheat the oven at 50 ºC for 30 minutes. Put the chocolate chips in an oven proof dish place it in the oven. Remove it after 10 minutes and stir. Put it back in the oven and check every 10-15 minutes until the chocolate chips are completely melted.

How to Melt Chocolate Chips in Microwave

Put the chocolate chips in a microwave friendly bowl. Microwave them for 30 seconds. Remove the bowl and stir with a dry spatula. Repeat this process until the entire chocolate chips have properly melted. Do not cover the bowl containing the chocolate while microwaving. Make sure not to overheat the chocolate or you will end up with a grainy, hard lump.

Chocolate Fondue

Ingredients

• 2 cups, dark chocolate chips
• 250 ml of heavy double cream
• ½ tablespoon, sea salt
• 2 tablespoons, amaretto liqueur

Method

Melt the chocolate chips over a double boiler until you have a rich consistency. Whisk the double cream in a medium-sized bowl until stiff peaks are formed. Pour the melted chocolate over the whipped cream and mix thoroughly until you get the desired consistency.

Stir in the amaretto liqueur and transfer this mixture in a fondue pot. In a platter, arrange the dipping items like strawberries, marshmallows, orange sections, pineapples, and diced green apples. You can use a fork or bamboo skewers to pick this food and dip them in fondue.

Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients

• 100 ml heavy cream
• 2 egg yolk
• 1 cup, chocolate chips
• 50 g brown sugar
• 200 ml of milk
• 1 teaspoon, vanilla extract

Method

In a bowl, microwave the milk and cream together. In another bowl melt the chocolate chips by constantly stirring them. Into this melted chocolate, pour the milk and cream mixture. Add a tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time until you get a thick consistency.

If you feel that the mixture is too thick, add a little warm water to it. Pour this chocolate mixture into individual bowls and refrigerate for two hours. Serve with grated chocolate on top.

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