Tips on Melting Chocolate
Source of Recipe
by Grandpoohbah, from Nestlé
General Melting Tips:
To achieve a smooth, shiny texture, melt Nestlé® Toll House® Morsels, Chunks and Baking Bars slowly over gentle heat with constant stirring while avoiding any contact with water.
* Nestlé® Toll House® Morsels, Chunks and Baking Bars are heat sensitive. They have a low melting point; at higher temperatures the sugar in the chocolate also melts and scorches which can cause the morsels, chunks or baking bars to SEIZE. This is only slightly higher than our body temperature (98.6º F), which is why chocolate melts in your hand.
* Small amounts of water don't mix with morsels, chunks and baking bars. If even a droplet of water comes in contact with melting product, it will SEIZE, instead of melting properly.
Avoid contact with moisture:
* High humidity, steam, condensation or water droplets can cause chocolate to SEIZE.
* Use dry utensils since any presence of moisture can cause SEIZING
Avoid excessive heat:
* Use low heat; too much heat will cause morsels, chunks or bars to seize, scorch, lose its flavor and become coarse and grainy.
* Avoid excessively high heat from steam or boiling water.
* When morsels, chunks or baking bars have melted; promptly remove them from heat source.
* Break baking bars into small uniform-sized pieces to maximize the melting surface and avoid uneven cooking.
* Stir morsels, chunks and baking bars constantly to promote even blending and prevent scorching.
Recommended Melting Methods:
Microwave Method: For best results, consult the chart below for a recommended quantity and microwave power that is best for melting your product.
Semi-Sweet Morsels and Mini Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) HIGH (100%)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks 1 cup (6 oz.) HIGH (100%)
Milk Chocolate Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) Medium-High (70%)
Butterscotch Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) Medium-High (70%)
Premier White Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) Medium-High (70%)
Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) Medium-High (70%)
Semi-Sweet and Unsweetened Baking Bars 4 bars (8 oz.) HIGH (100%)
Premier White Baking Bars 3 bars (6 oz.) Medium-High(70%)
Note: Overheating or addition of moisture may cause chocolate to SEIZE or harden.
Note: Microwave Power default is set at HIGH (100%)
Instructions for all flavor morsels, chunks and baking bars:
* Melt morsels, chunks and baking bars in a dry, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on recommended power for 1 minute; STIR.
* Morsels, chunks and baking bars may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.
* To melt 1 2/3 - 2 cups (11 oz. or 12 oz.) morsels or chunks, microwave a few seconds longer.
Saucepan and double boiler methods:
For best results, consult the chart below for recommended melting method that is best for your product.
Semi-Sweet Morsels and Mini Morsels: Saucepan OR double-boiler
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: Saucepan OR double-boiler
Milk Chocolate Morsels: Double-boiler
Butterscotch Morsels: Double-boiler
Premier White Morsels: Double-boiler
Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Morsels: Double-boiler
Semi-Sweet and Unsweetened Baking Bars: Saucepan OR double-boiler
Premier White Baking Bars: Double-boiler
Note: Overheating or addition of moisture may cause chocolate to SEIZE or harden.
Saucepan Method (for Semi-Sweet Morsels, Chunks and Bars only):
* Melt morsels, chunks or broken baking bars in small, heavy-duty, dry saucepan over lowest possible heat. DO NOT COVER.
* When morsels, chunks or baking bars begin to melt, remove from heat. Stir with a dry spoon.
* Return to heat for a few seconds at a time, stirring just until morsels, chunks or baking bars are Promptly remove from heat source.
Double Boiler Method
* Place morsels or broken baking bars in top of a dry DOUBLE BOILER over hot (NOT BOILING) water. DO NOT COVER.
* Prevent water from coming in contact with morsels.
* When morsels, chunks or baking bars are shiny, stir with a dry spoon just until melted. Promptly remove from heat source.
Drizzling bag
Note: Overheating or addition of moisture may cause morsels, chunks or baking bars to SEIZE or harden.
* Place 1/2 cup of any flavor morsels or broken baking bars into a small, dry heavy-duty plastic bag.
* Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 30 to 45 seconds; knead.
* Microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, kneading until smooth.
* Cut tiny corner from bag and squeeze to drizzle.
What is Seizing?
Seizing is the textural change that occurs when moisture, cool liquids and excessive heating or overheating is introduced to melting morsels, chunks or baking bars creating a dull, grainy mass. The smallest drop of moisture from a utensil, steam from a double boiler or condensation from a lid can lead to seizing. Once seized, the melted mass is unworkable. Three most common reasons for seizing:
* Seized Chocolate – rough or grainy textureMoisture has been added to melting product in one or more of these ways:
* Double boiler method (splash of water or steam)
* Use of wet utensils or cookware
* A covered saucepan causes condensation
* Cool liquids have been added to melting product.
* Although small amounts of liquid cannot be added to chocolate, large amounts can be, if they are the same temperature as the product when added.
* Excessive heating or overheating can cause moisture loss and affect its texture
Correcting seized Nestlé Toll House Morsels, Chunks and Baking Bars:
Need to rescue your seized morsels, chunks or baking bars? The Nestlé Test Kitchens have developed procedures for CORRECTING SEIZED NESTLé TOLL HOUSE MORSELS, CHUNKS AND BAKING BARS.
It provides the proper ratio of oil or shortening that may be added to your product to restore its texture.
To correct SEIZE morsels and baking bars, follow the instructions below.
Semi-Sweet Morsels and Mini Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) 1 Tbsp. oil OR 1 Tbsp. solid shortening
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks 1 cup (6 oz.) 1 Tbsp. oil OR 1 Tbsp. solid shortening
Milk Chocolate Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) 1 Tbsp. oil OR 2 Tbsp. solid shortening
Butterscotch Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) 2 Tbsp. oil OR 2 Tbsp. solid shortening
Premier White Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) 1 Tbsp. oil (Solid Shortening Not recommended)
Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Morsels 1 cup (6 oz.) 1 Tbsp. oil OR 1 Tbsp. solid shortening
Semi-Sweet and Unsweetened Baking Bars 4 bars (8 oz.) 2 Tbsp. oil OR 2 Tbsp. solid shortening
Premier White Baking Bars 3 bars (6 oz.) 2 Tbsp.oil OR 2 Tbsp. solid shortening
Note: For best results, we recommend the use of the above oils (vegetable, corn or canola oil) and vegetable shortening with all of our products. Butter, spreads, water or milk are not recommended.
Method:
* To SEIZED amounts of product add recommended measures of oil or vegetable shortening. Blend well.
* If needed, add up to 1 teaspoon more oil or shortening to achieve a smooth workable product.
* Use corrected chocolate as intended.
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