Dipping Chocolate Recipes

CHOCOLATE FOR DIPPING

Steps:

• Line baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside.
• Remove candy to be dipped from refrigerator about 10 minutes before dipping. Dipping cold centers can result in cracked coating or bloom (white crystals) on coating.
• Place chocolate chips and shortening into 2-cup glass measuring cup. Place measuring cup into bowl which contains very warm (100°F to 110°F) water reaching halfway up measuring cup. (Don't let even one drop of water mix with chocolate.) Stir mixture constantly with rubber spatula 18-22 minutes or until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. (Do not rush melting process.) Replace water with more very warm water, if necessary. Remove measuring cup from bowl; continue stirring 2-3 minutes or until chocolate is cooled slightly.
• Set one candy center onto tines of fondue fork or 2 pronged fork. Completely dip center into melted chocolate. Gently tap fork against side of measuring cup to remove excess melted chocolate. Invert candy onto prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining centers. Place measuring cup into bowl of very warm water, if melted chocolate becomes too thick for dipping; stir until desired consistency.

PERFECT DIPPING CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Remove the chilled candy from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before coating (dipping cold centers can result in cracked coating).
• Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a 2-cup measuring bowl.
• Place the bowl into a larger bowl which contains very warm water (about100-110F) the water should reach only halfway up the 2-cup bowl with the chocolate (DO NOT LET EVEN 1 DROP WATER MIX WITH CHOCOLATE!).
• Stir mixture constantly with a small spatula until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth (this should take about 16-18 minutes, do not rush the melted process).
• If necessary replace the water with more very warm water.
• remove the 2-cup bowl with melted chocolate from the water and continue to stir until all the chocolate is cooled slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
• Set one candy onto a two-pronged fork, then completely dip candy into melted chocolate.
• Gently tap the fork against side of the bowl to remove any excess melted chocolate.
• Place onto baking sheet lined with waxed paper.
• Repeat with remaining candy.
• If the chocolate becomes too thick for dipping, place the bowl containing the chocolate into the bowl with warm water until desired consistancy.
• TIPS ON HOW TO WORK WITH DIPPING CHOCOLATE.
• Avoid all types of moisture when melting the chocolate, any steam or drops of moisture can cause the mixture to :seize" or become very firm, crumbly and grainy, if this occurs it can be corrected by stirring in 1 teaspoon shortening for each 2 ounces of melted chocolate.
• Chocolate can also be melted over low heat in a double boiler.
• Store the chocolate tightly wrapped in a cool dry place, do not refrigerate.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED FRUIT

Steps:

• Finely chop a 4-ounce bar of dark chocolate; microwave on 50% power until almost melted, about 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Dip dried mango, papaya and/or apricot pieces in the chocolate, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill until set, about 10 minutes.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• Wash strawberries and gently pat with paper towels until completely dry. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semisweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon shortening at 50% power; stir until smooth. Dip each strawberry and place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze strawberries for 5 minutes., Meanwhile, microwave white chocolate and remaining shortening at 30% power until melted; stir until smooth. Stir in food coloring if desired. Drizzle over strawberries. Refrigerate until serving.

DIPPED CHOCOLATE ANYTHING

Steps:

• Melt 1 1/2 pounds chocolate in top of a double boiler (or clean metal bowl set over simmering water). Remove chocolate from heat when it reaches between 110 and 115 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
• To bring into tempering range, add remaining chocolate to the mixture and stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the thermometer registers 82 to 84 degrees. Put chocolate back over the hot water and bring temperature to between 88 and 91 degrees. Be careful not to let the temperature fall too far or you will have to gently re-warm the mixture; if the temperature rises above 91 degrees in the tempering step, you will have to start the process over.
• Once tempered, use immediately for dipping. Store tempered chocolate at room temperature.

DIPPED CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Butter an 8-inch square pan; line bottom with parchment. Chop chocolate into 1/4-inch pieces; place in a large heat-proof bowl.
• Bring cream to a boil over medium-high heat; pour directly over chopped chocolate. Allow to sit for 10 minutes; use a rubber spatula to stir chocolate and cream until totally combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap; chill until mixture is cold and set, 30 to 45 minutes.
• Turn ganache onto a cutting board. Using a very sharp knife, trim edges to form right angles. Cut into 7 strips about 7/8 inch wide. Cut strips crosswise to form cubes. Place on a parchment-lined tray; chill for 5 minutes if soft, otherwise proceed to next step.
• Once chocolate is tempered, use it immediately. Drop truffles into tempered chocolate one at a time; turn over to completely cover. Use a chocolate-dipping fork to lift truffle out. Tap fork; allow excess to drip back into bowl. With a second dipping fork, slide truffle onto a parchment-lined tray. Working as quickly as possible, repeat with remaining truffles (if tempered chocolate cools too much, it goes out of temper). When all truffles are dipped, you may drizzle with excess tempered chocolate.
• Allow truffles to sit for at least an hour or overnight to fully set. Store at room temperature in a cool dry place.

DIPPING CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• In a double boiler, combine the chips and shortening.
• Slowly let chocolate melt, while stirring frequently.
• When chocolate has completely melted to liquid and no lumps are visible, remove from heat and begin dipping! (Great for dipping cookies, pretzels, fruit, whatever!).
• Place your chocolate-covered treats onto a plate covered with waxed paper, then chill in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• This works great with white chocolate chips too!

DIPPED CHOCOLATE ANYTHING

Steps:

• Melt 1 1/2 pounds chocolate in top of a double boiler (or clean metal bowl set over simmering water). Remove chocolate from heat when it reaches between 110 and 115 degrees on a candy thermometer.
• To bring into tempering range, add remaining chocolate to the mixture and stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the thermometer registers 82 to 84 degrees. Put chocolate back over the hot water and bring temperature to between 88 and 91 degrees. Be careful not to let the temperature fall too far or you will have to gently re-warm the mixture; if the temperature rises above 91 degrees in the tempering step, you will have to start the process over.
• Once tempered, use immediately for dipping. Store tempered chocolate at room temperature.