Food Love: Ingredient Focus
3 Easy Ways to Melt Chocolate for Drizzling, Dipping, and Covering
Primary Media
Author
Hy-Vee Test Kitchen
February 16 2018
Description
Learn the best and most fool-proof ways to quickly melt chocolate.
Microwave
Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on 50 percent power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave on 50 percent power for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Hyvee Culinary Expert Tip
When melting chocolate, make sure it is always uncovered. Covering the chocolate will allow steam to build up and allow water to drop into the chocolate causing it to seize and become grainy and thick instead of smooth and silky.
Direct Heat
Place chopped chocolate in a small heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until chocolate just begins to melt. Remove saucepan from heat and continue stirring until smooth.
Hyvee Culinary Expert Tip
If your melted chocolate takes on a grainy or pasty consistency known as seizing, you have either burned it or it's come in contact with water and can't be saved. Always melt chocolate over low heat and keep it free of water to avoid seizing.
Double Boiler
Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir occasionally until chocolate is almost melted. Remove from heat and stir until chocolate is melted and smooth.
