How to Melt Chocolate Chips in the Microwave

Here are directions on how to melt chocolate chips easily and quickly in the microwave. Most recipes will tell you to use a double boiler, but the microwave works just as well and is much quicker. You can use the melted chocolate to coat pretzels, strawberries, cherries and all kinds of candy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 bag of chocolate chips
• 1 large glass, microwave-safe bowl
• Spoon
• Microwave

How to Melt Chocolate Chips in the Microwave

1. Pour the chocolate chips into the microwave safe bowl and place them in the microwave.

2. Set the microwave for the half or 50 percent power level. This is important because the chocolate will burn if cooked on full strength.

3. Run the microwave at half strength for 40 seconds. Take the bowl out and stir the chocolate well.

4. Repeat Step 3 until the chocolate is just melted. Once it is melted do not heat longer as it will burn. Use the chocolate quickly before it hardens.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember to stir well between each 40 seconds of heating.
• The total time needed to melt the chocolate will vary from microwave to microwave.
• To keep the chocolate from hardening as quickly once melted, add a few drops of vegetable oil. The chocolate may be a little softer when hardened if you do this, but it is easier to bite into.
• To harden candies quickly, place a tray of chocolate coated candies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Chocolate easily burns. When heated too long it clumps together and makes an unusable mess.
• Make sure the microwave is always on half strength when heating the chocolate.

[stardust39]

on 1/24/2009 how do u put the microwave on half strength?