All About Chocolate, Part III
Chocolate Hints and Tips
I don't know about you, but when I think of sweets or desserts, my mind immediately goes to chocolate. In Part I of this series, I wrote about the begins of chocolate and how it was only consumed as a drink. In Part II, I took you through how chocolate became an editable delicacy. I also covered the different kinds. In this week's feature, and final in the series, I include chocolate facts like how to store and melt chocolate. I've also included a chocolate substitution list.
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Enjoy!
Chocolate should be stored in a cool dry place. If the chocolate gets too warm it may develop bloom. You can refrigerate or freeze chocolate, but it is not necessary. Chocolate lasts a long time if stored properly.
There are only two ways I recommend melting chocolate. The first way is to use a double boiler. Slowly melt the chocolate in the top of the double boiler. The water in the bottom should only be simmering. The second way is in the microwave. These days the microwave is king, which proves why melting chocolate in the microwave is so easy. In a safe microwavable bowl, melt an ounce of chocolate for 1 minute on high. Stir the chocolate and if it is not completely melted, microwave it for another minute. Melting chocolate is not something you just start and walk away. It must be watched over. If you over melt your chocolate, it may become separated, lumpy and dry. This condition is known as seized. The chart from Nestle' Toll House can help you repair seized chocolate.
6 ounces of chocolate chips equal 1 cup.
3 level tablespoons of cocoa plus 1 tablespoon of oil equals 1 square of unsweetened baking chocolate.
1 square of unsweetened baking chocolate equals 1 packet of pre-melted chocolate.
Unsweetened, semisweet or sweet chocolate may be interchanged in recipes but the amount of the sugar in the recipe may need to be increased or decreased.
Brand Names of Chocolate
This list comes from Godiva.
Chocolate Lover's Quiz
Betty Crocker offers this cute quiz.
Chocolate Trivia
Here's some fun facts from Godiva.
Decorating with Chocolate
Learn how to make chocolate butterflies, curls, leaves and more from Hershey's.
