How to Melt Chocolate in a Microwave Oven

Chocolate is considered a healthy treat. In fact, research indicates that dark chocolate, a potent antioxidant, contains many of the same health benefits that vegetables contain. Aside from the effects chocolate has of lowering blood pressure and lowering cholesterol, melted chocolate drizzled over almost anything is a delight.

Chocolate – it is good for your heart and it makes your heart happy. With the proper technique, melting chocolate in the microwave is the easiest and quickest way to dip, dunk or drizzle to your heart’s content.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dark chocolate
• Microwave safe bowl
• Rubber spatula

1. 

   Break your chocolate into uniform sized pieces to ensure that it melts evenly. Place the broken chocolate bits in a microwave safe vessel, careful not to over fill. The chocolate should fill the container to about half capacity.

2. 

   Microwave the chocolate on medium (or half power) for roughly 1 minute for 1 ounce of chocolate, 3 to 3.5 minutes for 1 pound of chocolate and up to 4 minutes for about 2 pounds of chocolate. Remove chocolate from microwave, stir well, and place back in the microwave oven.

3. 

   Continue microwaving chocolate on medium, rotating the bowl and stirring every 15 seconds, until almost completely melted. Chocolate is delicate so do not over cook. If in doubt, err on the side of undercooking to prevent chocolate from scorching. Remove from the microwave and stir the chocolate until it is shiny and smooth.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure all containers and utensils are clean and dry
• Slowly melt chocolate over low heat
• Dip fruits, pretzels, nuts, etc. in melted chocolate
• For drizzling on cakes, cookies or brownies: gently pour melted chocolate in plastic bag, snip off a small corner and squeeze
• When in doubt, under-cook chocolate or it may scorch
• Never melt chocolate in the microwave on full power
• Chocolate can become lumpy or grainy if overcooked

Resources

• WebMD
• How to Make a Chocolate Pie that's Heart Healthy

[jenecequa]

on 11/30/2009 I always burn my chocolate - so now, I will try the microwave. Thanks for the great advice at a crucial time! 5*

[jenecequa]

on 11/30/2009 I always burn my chocolate - so now, I will try the microwave. Thanks for the great advice at a crucial time! 5*

[Coach4U]

on 11/2/2009 Thanks for the tip on how to melt chocolate in a microwave oven. I learned how to make peanut butter balls recently and this tip will come in handy! "5"

[ljbinkop]

on 10/31/2009 I often have to melt chocolate for my truffles, so i may try it this way the next time. A rubber spatula is also a great idea, I use them all the time!

[goldiec]

on 10/13/2009 Thanks for the great tips on How to Melt Chocolate in a Microwave Oven! 5*