Perfect Dipping Chocolate

Total Time: 3 mins Preparation Time: 3 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips (use pure chocolate chips)
• 2 tablespoons crisco shortening

Recipe

• 1 remove the chilled candy from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before coating (dipping cold centers can result in cracked coating).
• 2 place the chocolate chips and shortening in a 2-cup measuring bowl.
• 3 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!).
• 4 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).
• 5 if necessary replace the water with more very warm water.
• 6 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).
• 7 set one candy onto a two-pronged fork, then completely dip candy into melted chocolate.
• 8 gently tap the fork against side of the bowl to remove any excess melted chocolate.
• 9 place onto baking sheet lined with waxed paper.
• 10 repeat with remaining candy.
• 11 if the chocolate becomes too thick for dipping, place the bowl containing the chocolate into the bowl with warm water until desired consistancy.
• 12 tips on how to work with dipping chocolate.
• 13 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.
• 14 chocolate can also be melted over low heat in a double boiler.
• 15 store the chocolate tightly wrapped in a cool dry place, do not refrigerate.