Food of the Gods

[spasmo]

Originally Posted by Bazooka Joe71

I just picked up some chocolate chips tonight to make some chocobacon.

I have both regular bacon and maple bacon, which one would you suggest using? I was thinking regular, because the maple may overkill.

You may want to add a little vegetable shortening to the chocolate. Then after you have dipped it in the chocolate, you'll want to put it in the fridge to let it harden quicker or it will be sitting out for a while so it can harden. I believe it is one cup of chocolate chips (oh and I used milk chocolate) with 1 Tbs of vegetable shortening (not oil but shortening).

Note:
If you're melting chocolate to use in such items as chocolate covered strawberries, often times a recipe will call for added shortening. This is because the addition of shortening creates a smoother and more manageable consistency than melted chocolate alone. Doing this helps to make a more evenly coated product.
The ratio between shortening and chocolate is very straightforward. You simply add 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to each ounce of chocolate, melting the combination and stirring until it is smooth. Remember: Do not use butter or margarine because both of these contain water, which can ruin the melting process.
The issue with water cannot be overemphasized. Whether you use a double boiler, microwave, or direct heat to melt your chocolate, you must always make sure that all of your utensils are completely dry. Any amount of moisture may cause chocolate to "seize," or clump and harden. If this happens, add shortening using the previously prescribed ratio.
Another thing you should remember when you are melting your chocolate is to always melt it slowly over low heat. It doesn't really take much to melt, chocolate-covered fingers on a hot summer's day are proof of that. Chocolate begins to melt at 80°F and is fully melted by the time it reaches 100°F to 115°F. You really don't want more than that because at higher temperatures chocolate may scorch, separate, become grainy, or become too thick.

[Bazooka Joe71]

Originally Posted by spasmo

You may want to add a little vegetable shortening to the chocolate. Then after you have dipped it in the chocolate, you'll want to put it in the fridge to let it harden quicker or it will be sitting out for a while so it can harden. I believe it is one cup of chocolate chips (oh and I used milk chocolate) with 1 Tbs of vegetable shortening (not oil but shortening).

Note:
If you're melting chocolate to use in such items as chocolate covered strawberries, often times a recipe will call for added shortening. This is because the addition of shortening creates a smoother and more manageable consistency than melted chocolate alone. Doing this helps to make a more evenly coated product.
The ratio between shortening and chocolate is very straightforward. You simply add 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to each ounce of chocolate, melting the combination and stirring until it is smooth. Remember: Do not use butter or margarine because both of these contain water, which can ruin the melting process.
The issue with water cannot be overemphasized. Whether you use a double boiler, microwave, or direct heat to melt your chocolate, you must always make sure that all of your utensils are completely dry. Any amount of moisture may cause chocolate to "seize," or clump and harden. If this happens, add shortening using the previously prescribed ratio.
Another thing you should remember when you are melting your chocolate is to always melt it slowly over low heat. It doesn't really take much to melt, chocolate-covered fingers on a hot summer's day are proof of that. Chocolate begins to melt at 80°F and is fully melted by the time it reaches 100°F to 115°F. You really don't want more than that because at higher temperatures chocolate may scorch, separate, become grainy, or become too thick.

Thanks, I knew I needed to add something...Luckily you informed me it was shortening and not oil, since that's what I was going to add.

[Scutter01]

My little retirement cabin:

[Cwood]

Originally Posted by Scutter01

My little retirement cabin:

Wow, I felt my heart clog for a second but damn that looks good!

[Bill of Rights]

Originally Posted by Scutter01

My little retirement cabin:

Oh my God, Scutter! You can't use that picture-the Obama PC police will come arrest you... it has the word "Negro" in it!

Seriously, however... thanks for posting this. My mouth is watering now. (and we STILL need a "bacon" smiley!!!)

Blessings,
B

[obijohn]

nice, scutter. do you think that rhino and i will be able to camp out there sometime?

Originally Posted by Scutter01

My little retirement cabin:

[Scutter01]

Originally Posted by obijohn

nice, scutter. do you think that rhino and i will be able to camp out there sometime?

Of course! If you want to go boating, you'll have to bring your own bacanoe. Mine keeps developing mysterious bite-shaped holes.

[obijohn]

great. we'll bring our own boat and a few pounds of "patch kit" for yours. is there a limit on outboard size? i'm pretty sure i can't get rhino to paddle.

Originally Posted by Scutter01

Of course! If you want to go boating, you'll have to bring your own bacanoe. Mine keeps developing mysterious bite-shaped holes.

[Scutter01]

Originally Posted by obijohn

great. we'll bring our own boat and a few pounds of "patch kit" for yours. is there a limit on outboard size? i'm pretty sure i can't get rhino to paddle.

It's a river of meat. You can pretty much just carry the boat.

[Scutter01]

Christmas at the Cottage



And of course, I have a private study as well. You know, just to get away from the daily hubbub.