The best way to melt chocolate chips is by microwaving them in short intervals.
Microwave the chocolate chips in short time intervals (20-30 seconds) and vigorously mix the chocolate in between with a spoon until the chocolate is fully melted.
Microwaving chocolate is much safer than melting chocolate over a double boiler.
Melting chocolate chips using a double boiler has a much higher risk of burning the chocolate.
How do you melt chocolate chips
Melt chocolate chips in the microwave
Using a microwave safe bowl, place chocolate chips in a large enough bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals. Mix with a spoon vigorously at each of the intervals until the chocolate chips are completely melted.
Melt chocolate chips using a double boiler
Using a double boiler. Place 1”-2” of water in the bottom of a saucepan.
Boil the water on medium. Place the double boiler on top of the saucepan.
Place chocolate chips in the double boiler.
Mix the chocolate chips continuously with a wooden spoon until they are fully melted.
Careful not to burn them. It’s very easy to burn the chocolate and there is no going back after you burn them. They become clumpy and you’re not able to use them.
How to store chocolate chips
The best way to store chocolate chips is in a room temperature area without direct sunlight. Chocolate chips need to be kept in a sealed bag or airtight container.
Dark Chocolate chips will last up to 2 years at room temperature. They can last even longer if kept in the fridge or freezer. Milk chocolate chips only last about 8 months until they start to stale a bit.
What can you do with old chocolate chips
Melt them down for other recipes.
10 recipes on how to use up old leftover chocolate chips
- Peanut butter cups
- Chocolate dipped rice krispies
- Chocolate covered strawberries
- Chocolate ganache
- Chocolate fountain
- Truffles
- Chocolate mousse
- Chocolate croissants
- Chocolate loaf cake
- Chocolate oat bars
Why do you add oil to melting chocolate
Adding oil makes melting chocolate thinner in viscosity. This makes the chocolate smooth, and is easier for dipping. It also prevents the chocolate from hardening as quickly, so you have lots of time to dip your food into the melted chocolate.
You need to add oil to chocolate when creating a chocolate fountain. The melted chocolate with oil added is able to move quicker around the plastic parts of a chocolate fountain, so it’s more desirable because it wont risk clogging up the machine.
Can you use chocolate chips for dipping
Yes. Chocolate chips are easy to melt in the microwave and then can be used for dipping. Make sure to use semi-sweet or pure chocolate chips as the flavor will be well suited for dipping. Using bittersweet chocolate for dipping is more of an earthy, tart flavor.
How to drizzle chocolate over chocolate covered strawberries
- Obtain your chocolate dipped strawberries from the fridge.
- Melt your color contrasting chocolate to drizzle with.
- Obtain a piping bag or resealable bag.
- Place the bag inside a glass, overwrapping the top of the glass with the plastic.
- Place chocolate into the piping bag.
- Seal the bag by twisting it, or sealing it.
- Take the bag out of the glass and hold it horizontally.
- Cut the very tip of the bag – a very small opening.
- Squeeze the bag at the top to drizzle chocolate onto the strawberries.
- Place the strawberries in the fridge for a minimum of 20 min before serving.
Drizzled chocolate covered strawberries should be a contrasting color so you can vibrantly see the difference.
Color combinations to try:
- Dipped milk or dark chocolate, drizzled with white chocolate
- Dipped white chocolate, drizzled with dark or milk chocolate
How to make frozen chocolate strawberries
- Melt chocolate
- Obtain a piping bag or resealable bag.
- Place the bag inside a glass, overwrapping the top of the glass with the plastic.
- Place chocolate into the piping bag.
- Seal the bag by twisting it, or sealing it.
- Take the bag out of the glass and hold it horizontally.
- Cut the very tip of the bag – a very small opening.
- Squeeze the bag at the top to drizzle chocolate onto the strawberries.
- Place the strawberries in the freezer for a minimum of 20 min before serving.
Can old chocolate chips make you sick
Yes. Chocolate chips over 2 years old that have been kept open at room temperature can start to grow bacteria. It’s best to purchase a new bag of chocolate chips after they are past their expiry date.
