BEST CHOCOLATE FOR DIPPING CANDY RECIPES

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.

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.