Cookbook:Melting chocolate

Melting chocolate, for example for icing, is not always easy. When it goes wrong, it goes horribly wrong. There are several methods.

If you are not using chocolate chips or "melts", be sure to cut/break up the chocolate into smaller pieces.

Stove-top method
You will need a saucepan and an oven-proof bowl that can sit on top of the pan without falling in it and without dipping in too low.

It is crucial to not let any water come in contact with the chocolate. If this happens, the chocolate will "seize up" and this method won't work: you will have to start all over again. This is why the bowl must fit well over the saucepan. The bowl must be absolutely dry as must any stirring implement used.