Archive for April, 2009
Melting Times For Chocolate
Posted by: | CommentsSo we’ve been talking about melting chocolate the easy way, in your microwave. We covered the basics, including some trouble spots to watch out for.
Here’s another one that is really important. Melting times can vary if you are melting a very small amount, a medium amount, or a really large amount of chocolate. For small amounts, it is alarmingly easy to burn your chocolate – even in a microwave. (This produces that smoky kitchen you do not want!) For medium amounts of chocolate, your basic 2 minutes on HIGH usually works quite well. For very large amounts, it is suggested that you stop after about a minute and a half and stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula. Then, microwave for another minute and repeat. If the chocolate isn’t melted, add more time.
Another thing which affects melting time for chocolate is the cacao content. White chocolate melts the most quickly, followed by milk chocolate. As the percentage of cacao increases, the time needed to melt the chocolate goes up. (How do we know for sure? Our precious offspring just did a big science project about this very thing! Partly out of curiosity, and partly we suspect to be able to eat the experiment afterwards. Both great reasons)
Tags: Artisanal Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate & Fudge Making, Chocolate Fudge, Dark Chocolates, Fudge Recipes, Handmade chocolate fudgeRelated posts
How to Melt Chocolate
Posted by: | CommentsMelting chocolate is a challenge that traditionally can lead to burnt pans and a smokey kitchen! Some home cooks are afraid to try it.
A little secret: you can do it the easy way, no mess and no fuss. Here’s how: Using a microwave safe bowl, put your chocolate into it. It should be in blocks no larger than 1 ounce each. So, if you are not using “baking chocolate” which comes in this size of block, then you will need to chop your chocolate first. Next, put it in the microwave. Microwave power varies but in most, 2 minutes on high will melt your chocolate very nicely.
A couple of things to watch out for with the microwave method for melting chocolate:
-be sure your bowl is microwave-safe
-test a small amount first, for 2 minutes on HIGH. Some microwaves are stronger and will require you to use 70% power or take less time
-after the microwaving time, you might look in and think the chocolate has not melted. When it fact, it might have melted! How can this be? Chocolate in squares or big chunks can retain its shape even when it is melted. So, open the microwave and touch the chocolate with a rubber spatula. Is it softened? That unmelted-looking shape could prove to be melted chocolate after you touch it.
