Melted chocolate can be used in a variety of delicious recipes and it’s easy to melt chocolate chips at home with a microwave or on the stove. Dark, milk, and white chocolate have slightly different melting points depending on the amount of cocoa solids, but all chocolate has relatively low melting points so you’ll want to err on the side of caution and lower heat to avoid burning your chocolate.
In the Microwave:
The microwave method is the easiest and most convenient way to melt chocolate without causing a mess. With this method, be sure to use microwave-safe tools. A clear indication that the bowl is safe to use is by looking for the microwave-safe symbol at the bottom of the bowl.
Start melting your chocolate chips in 20 to 30 second intervals. Stir between each interval.
Shorten the melting intervals to 10 to 20 seconds once the chocolate starts melting. This happens when individual chips aren’t distinctly visible anymore, and the chocolate melts into one mass. “Be sure to stir between each interval,” Yoon says. “You need to keep stirring the chocolate, or it can risk burning in the center.” If your chocolate is burning, darker spots will appear and you’ll be able to smell it, or even see smoke. Burned chocolate also turns grainy.
Stop microwaving once 80% of the chips are melted, and let sit. “You can let the residual heat melt the rest of the chocolate by resting it on the counter,” Yoon says. This is the best strategy to prevent scorching chocolate.
Remember: Microwaves tend to have hot and cold spots due to frequency and wavelength. “If you microwave chocolate for an extended period without stirring, the center will usually burn,” Yoon says. Stir frequently to ensure the chocolate chips melt evenly.
On the Stovetop:
Melting chocolate on the stove might sound a little more intimidating, but it’s still pretty easy to do and results in a silky smooth consistency that’s harder to replicate in the microwave. You’re also less likely to burn chocolate on the stovetop. On the stove, you can use a double boiler or make your own by nestling a stainless steel bowl on top of an even-edged pot.
Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with water. Bring the water to a boil and then turn off the heat.
Set the stainless steel bowl of chocolate on top of the pot. The residual heat will slowly and gently melt the chocolate.
Stir often and be patient. This method will prevent you from burning the chocolate on the stove.
If the chocolate does not melt completely, gently heat the pot of water again. Turn off the heat and repeat.
Remember: “Water is chocolate’s worst enemy!”. “It can seize the chocolate, and the chocolate can also get grainy.” When taking the bowl off the pot, make sure you use a towel to wipe any excess water below the bowl.
For the full article and more tips, as posted on Insider.com, click, HERE.