How to Melt Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are tiny chunks of chocolate derived from cocoa beans used in baking or to eat as a healthy snack. Cocoa has an extremely low melting point, and can melt in your hand or your mouth at body temperature. While melting cacao nibs, much precaution should be taken to prevent the chocolate from burning at high temperatures, or seizing due to the introduction of water. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Fill the bottom of the double boiler with 1 or 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a low boil, then allow to simmer. Meanwhile, fill the top half of the double boiler with cacao nibs.
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Place the top half of the double boiler over the simmering water, watching carefully that the hot water does not touch the top half of the double boiler.
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Watch the cacao nibs carefully, as they melt very fast. Stir the cacao nibs slowly with a water-free utensil. Any water introduced to the melted chocolate can ruin the entire batch.
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Remove the top half of the double boiler as soon as the chocolate melts entirely. Quickly pour the cacao nibs into a chocolate mold, or use to coat strawberries or another dessert. To keep the cacao nibs in a liquid state while working with the chocolate, put the top half of the double boiler over a bowl of warm - not hot - water.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the melted cacao quickly, as it re-solidifies at room temperature.
Improvise a double boiler by using two saucepans, one on top of the other.
Never introduce even a single drop of water into the melted cacao, as it seizes and ruins.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
