|
SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS
Semisweet chocolate chips are one ingredient specifically designed for baking. They hold their texture and shape in recipes such as chocolate chip cookies. This makes them a perfect addition to many favorite recipes such as brownies, muffins, quick breads and puddings.
Points to Remember
Ÿ Morsels and chips are the same thing; chunks are just a bit larger.
Ÿ For the richest chocolate flavor, look for chips that list "chocolate liquor" first in the list of ingredients on the package.
Ÿ Semisweet chocolate is made with the same ingredients as bittersweet chocolate, but with more sugar.
Ÿ When melted, chocolate chips may not be as smooth as bar chocolate.
Storing
Always keep chocolate chips in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or dark cabinet. Keep them tightly wrapped; a plastic zipper-top storage bag works well. Stored this way, chocolate chips will keep at least one year. Freezing the chips is not recommended, as this may cause them to "bloom." Bloom is a white or grayish-white filmy residue that can develop on any kind of chocolate when it is store in a place that is too warm or too cold. While this does not affect the taste of quality of the chocolate, it does give it an unusual appearance in recipes where the chocolate is not melted.
Substitutions
When a recipe calls for 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips, it is the equivalent of 1 cup. When a recipe calls for 1 ounce of semisweet chocolate, use 3 tablespoons of semisweet chocolate chips or 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
Semisweet and bittersweet chocolate can be used interchangeably in most recipes, but there may be a slight difference in flavor or texture.
|
|
