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4 Easy Ways to Melt Chocolate

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Easy Ways to Melt Chocolate
Easy Ways to Melt Chocolate
How to Melt Chocolate
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How to Melt Chocolate

As is the case in many chocolate recipes, chocolate must be melted in order to be incorporated into a dessert. But melting chocolate to perfection, let alone baking it, isn't easy to master. It takes a combination of experience and instinct to melt chocolate without burning it or altering its unique composition.

Below we have compiled four different chocolate-melting techniques that you can implement in your everyday cooking.

4 Easy Ways to Melt Chocolate
4 Easy Ways to Melt Chocolate

Melting Chocolate In the Microwave: Microwaves can be unpredictable and uneven in their cooking. Always make sure to check your chocolate frequently during its cooking time to prevent burning and fat separation. For darker chocolates with higher cacao contents, microwave four ounces of chocolate on medium low for about two minutes.

For white chocolate or milk chocolate, use a low setting and microwave for two minutes. The chocolate will not melt directly in the microwave; it will soften and appear wet and/or shiny. Once this look is achieved, remove it from the microwave and stir until all chocolate has melted and appears smooth.

Melting Chocolate Using Hot Water
: This old technique, although slightly outdated, works wonders to melt chocolate gently without the need for any extra pans or gadgets.

Heat up some water until just before it boils. Place your chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot water until the chocolate is just covered. Let sit for five minutes.  After five minutes, remove the water from the bowl while holding the chocolate in place with a spoon or whisk. Since the chocolate is mainly cocoa butter, the water will slip right off when drained. Whisk the softened chocolate until it's completely melted and smooth in texture.

Melting Chocolate using Bain Marie, or a double boiler
: Heat an inch of water in a medium sauce pan until it simmers. Reduce heat to low.

Place your chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over the pan with simmering water. The bowl shouldn't be in contact with the water. Let sit for about 15 seconds and do not mix it. After 15 seconds, mix the chocolate using a spatula until it's completely melted and smooth in texture.

Comments

Angeline 4 weeks ago

Tried trick number 2# yesterday. It works like a charm! I don't really understand number 3# but my all time favorite is number 2# If you have more tips please share!!

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