Question:Tiger Butter

[Cherelune]

Tiger Butter

The Tiger Butter recipe says to melt chocolate in a double broiler, but I don't own one. Is there an alternative way to melt the chocolate? Could I melt it in a regular saucepan?

Thanks!

[Dee514]

No, it will scorch in a regular saucepan. Chocolate needs to be melted with indirect heat (the exception is a microwave).
Chocolate can be melted (carefully) in a microwave.
Place the chocolate in a microwave container, and microwave it on medium/high for about 20 to 30 seconds at a time, making sure to stir it well after each 30 seconds.
Microwaved chocolate retains its original shape when microwaved, making you think it isn't melting....then you end up overcooking/burning the chocolate. That is why you must stir the chocolate after each 30 seconds.
When it is almost but not completely melted/smooth, stop microwaving it and just continue to stir it until it is completely smooth/lump free. This way you won't over cook it.

[Riverside Len]

You can improvise by using a metal bowl in a pot of simmering water.[/i]

[Chicagoland Chef du Jour]

Riverside Len wrote:
You can improvise by using a metal bowl in a pot of simmering water.[/i]

This link should help.

http://candy.about.com/od/workingwithchocolate/a/meltchocolate.htm

[Cherelune]

Thanks very much everybody! I'm a real newbie in the kitchen and don't really know much about, so you're replies are very helpful and taught me something new. I really appreciate it! I hope I manage to cook Tiger Butter without making a disaster out of it.