Melting Chocolate Chips

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. Melting chocolate chips is not at all hard, if you follow some tips. There are various ways in which you can melt chocolate and you can find a method 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 degree centigrade for 30 minutes. In an oven proof dish, place the chocolate chips and put it inside the oven. Remove from the oven after 10 minutes and stir. Replace 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

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

So now that you know how to melt chocolate chips, why not impress your family and friends by trying out these easy chocolate recipes!

Chocolate Fondue
Fondues are reminiscent of the seventies, when no party was complete unless there was a pot of fondue bubbling away. Fondues are very simple and easy to make and they incorporate an element of fun in parties.
Ingredients

• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 250 ml of heavy double cream
• ½ tablespoon of 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
This delicious pudding has a great consistency and is a big hit among kids. The addition of heavy cream in the pudding gives it a rich velvety texture.
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 in to this mixture 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.

The key to get a smooth and creamy texture of melted chocolates is to constantly stir them over low heat. Melting chocolate chips at high heat can cause the chocolate to scorch. Ensure that all utensils like bowls, spoons and spatulas that you use are completely free from moisture.