How to Melt Chocolate Chips

Melt to add to any recipe.

Chocolate chips have a hardening agent that helps them keep their shape, but when melted they can be great in chocolaty recipes. It's relatively easy to melt chocolate. While a double boiler is often called for, you can easily substitute a pan of water with a glass bowl securely placed atop the pan to mimic a double boiler. Keep in mind that you must use the chocolate once you remove it from the heat as it starts to harden almost immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Chocolate chips
• Bowl
• Spatula or spoon

Instructions

1. Bring an inch or two of water to a simmer in a small pot..

2. Place the top pot over your simmering water and add chocolate chips if you have a double boiler. If you do not own a double boiler, put the chocolate chips in a bowl and place it over the water. Do not let the bowl touch the water.

3. Stir constantly with a spatula or spoon while the chocolate melts.

Tips & Warnings

• If water gets into your chips, the chocolate turns grainy -- called "seizing." Add a teaspoon of water at a time to return to a smooth texture.

References

• Food Education. org: Chocolate Part 1:3 - Why It Seizes With Just a Little Water, ...and What to do About It