The cooking/baking thread

[RoyalDiva]

Okay, I want to make chocolate-dipped strawberries for a party I am attending this weekend. Very simple I know, but I also know how easily chocolate burns. Anyone ever make this before? Am I okay to just melt the chocolate on the stove on the lowest setting? And do I have to add a little butter or anything else to it? I saw some dipping chocolate in the grocery store last night, it was in a tub and all you have to do is nuke it in the microwave for a few minutes. But I don’t trust that it is of tasty chocolatey quality, so I think I am going to try melting a bag of Dove chocolates. Any advice is greatly appreciated, I want these to turn out scrumptious!!

Perhaps this thread can be used for any kind of cooking/baking questions and also posting recipes!

 

[Bricklayer]

Good idea with the Dove chocolates -- most of that dipping chocaolate is pretty bland and Doves are pretty yummy.

Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate if you have one -- will help prevent scorching.

 

[RoyalDiva]

Good idea with the Dove chocolates -- most of that dipping chocaolate is pretty bland and Doves are pretty yummy.

Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate if you have one -- will help prevent scorching.

That's what I was thinking just looking at the container. Unfortunately I don't have a double-boiler, but maybe I can create one just by using two pans.

 

[ILV]

That's what I was thinking just looking at the container. Unfortunately I don't have a double-boiler, but maybe I can create one just by using two pans.

I think the microwave would work better....the indirect heat and all....then it wouldn't scorch.

 

[ILV]

Here's a link that looks pretty easy....

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_26053,00.html

 

[HndsmCelt]

you can actualy fake a double boiler by filling a large pan with water and placing a metal jar lid in the pan to hold the second pan off of the bottom of the first.

 

[quick dog]

The most important thing is to serve a hearty Bordeaux with the chocolate-covered strawberries. It wouldn't hurt to pocket some Tumms either.

 

[Evenstar]

we don't have double boilers in our kitchens at school, we make them when we need them. it's really easy. just take a pan, fill part way up with water, and put a bowl over it, one that fits over the top. make sure the water DOES NOT touch the bowl. the water should be simmering.

cut the chocolate into small pieces using a serrated knife if it's in a huge chunk. it will melt easier that way. also, it must melt slowly. you don't want it burning.

 

[Rockmeister]

Here's a link that looks pretty easy....

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_26053,00.html

This would have been a good website for me if only I knew how to cook. I can only cook 3 things: salmon fillets, turkey burgers and chicken. At least I know how to use a gas grill.

 

[Evenstar]

This would have been a good website for me if only I knew how to cook. I can only cook 3 things: salmon fillets, turkey burgers and chicken. At least I know how to use a gas grill.

thats where i come in if you need cooking advice, come to me. i'll help you any way i can.

 

[RoyalDiva]

we don't have double boilers in our kitchens at school, we make them when we need them. it's really easy. just take a pan, fill part way up with water, and put a bowl over it, one that fits over the top. make sure the water DOES NOT touch the bowl. the water should be simmering.

I do have two saucepans, one bigger than the other. The smaller one doesn't really fit over the larger one, though. Guess I would have to hold it over it. But if I just put the chocolate in the saucepan and turned the heat to the lowest setting, wouldn't that be okay since it's on low?

 

[slugking50]

we don't have double boilers in our kitchens at school, we make them when we need them. it's really easy. just take a pan, fill part way up with water, and put a bowl over it, one that fits over the top. make sure the water DOES NOT touch the bowl. the water should be simmering.

I do have two saucepans, one bigger than the other. The smaller one doesn't really fit over the larger one, though. Guess I would have to hold it over it. But if I just put the chocolate in the saucepan and turned the heat to the lowest setting, wouldn't that be okay since it's on low?

No you never put chocolate on direct heat. (Unless your an Iron Chef)Take 1 saucepan and fill it with an inch or 2 of water. Then place a bowl big enough to sit atop the saucepan. turn the stove on low to medium low. put the chocolate in the bowl. dont stir it too much just enough melt it all. Depending on what kind of chocoate it is you can put some cream and or milk to lighten it up so it wont be as thick.

Hope that helps RD.

 

[RoyalDiva]

we don't have double boilers in our kitchens at school, we make them when we need them. it's really easy. just take a pan, fill part way up with water, and put a bowl over it, one that fits over the top. make sure the water DOES NOT touch the bowl. the water should be simmering.


No you never put chocolate on direct heat. (Unless your an Iron Chef)Take 1 saucepan and fill it with an inch or 2 of water. Then place a bowl big enough to sit atop the saucepan. turn the stove on low to medium low. put the chocolate in the bowl. dont stir it too much just enough melt it all. Depending on what kind of chocoate it is you can put some cream and or milk to lighten it up so it wont be as thick.

Hope that helps RD.

Thanks, that does help me a lot. I rarely cook. I am going to add some cream to the chocolate per the recipe I found on Food Network, that should give it some extra taste as well.