Dipping Chocolate Food

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.

CRISPY CHOCOLATE DIPPERS

Steps:

• Melt the chocolate wafers with the chocolate hazelnut-spread in a microwave or double boiler and stir together. Add the nuts and stir.
• Break the breadsticks in half and dip the halves in the chocolate-nut mixture. Dip the other dippers--pretzels, saltines and crackers--to coat. Lay on waxed paper and sprinkle with chopped almonds, chocolate chips, crushed mints and/or sprinkles. Allow to set before serving.

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.

THE BEST DIPPING/COATING CHOCOLATE EVER!

Steps:

• Chop the paraffin into small pieces.
• Melt the paraffin in the microwave, or on top of a double-boiler. (This takes quite a while, so be patient.).
• When the paraffin is melted, add the chocolate.
• Stir all together.
• If using the microwave, continue heating for 1-minute intervals, using 50% power, until everything is well-blended. Be sure to stir your mixture between 1-minute heatings. If using a double-boiler, stir the chocolate/paraffin mixture constantly until fully mixed.
• Dip marshmallows, nuts, dried fruit, cookies, pretzels, or whatever you like.
• Fresh fruits should be at the peak of ripeness. After rinsing your fresh fruit, you need to be sure it's patted completely dry. (Chocolate will not cling to wet fruit.).
• After dipping, place on a waxed-paper lined cookie-sheet and allow to harden. 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on ambient temperature.

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 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 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.

EASY CHOCOLATE DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and allow to cool until tepid.
• Blend in the whipping cream and liqueur, mixing well and serve immediately.
• SUGGESTED DIPPERS: Fresh Or Dried Fruit, Vanilla Wafers, Ladyfingers, Pound Cake Cubes, Plain Cookies, Pretzels

CHURROS WITH DIPPING CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Hot Chocolate Dipping Sauce:.
• Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a saucepan over med-high heat.
• Add the semisweet and bittersweet chocolate, cocoa and milk and lower the heat to med-low.
• Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the chocolate is thick and smooth, about 5 minutes.
• Reserve.
• Churros:.
• Bring the water, oil and salt to a boil in a saucepan over med-high heat.
• Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth ball forms.
• Lower the heat and cook, flattening and turning the dough for 2 minutes.
• Cool and transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a 3/8 inch star tip (the fluted edge is essential).
• Pour the oil to a depth of at least 1 inch in a skillet (or use a deep fryer) and heat on high until the oil quickly browns a cube of test bread.
• Squeeze 5 inch lengths of dough through the pastry tube into the oil - as many as will comfortably fit.
• Reduce the heat to med-high and fry until the churros puff and have barely begun to turn golden, about 20 seconds. *Do not overcook - the churros should be crunchy outside and soft within.*.
• Drain on paper towels. (If needed, you can keep them warm briefly in a 200 degee F. oven until ready to serve.).
• Dredge the churros in the sugar and arrange 4 on each plate.
• To serve, reheat the chocolate over very low heat and divide into 6 espresso or small cups placed off center on 6 dessert plates.
• Dip away!