Cómo diluir el chocolate para fundir y errores comunes que se deben evitar

Melting caramels are a great introduction to baking for beginners. They're used in countless sweet projects, from creating caramel figures to coating all sorts of delicious treats. While they're more affordable than traditional chocolate and generally a bit easier to work with, they still require some practice. And sometimes, the caramel needs a little help to reach the desired consistency.

Making candy, in general, can be stressful. It's notoriously difficult and, in some cases, even dangerous. The good news is that melted candy is generally more accessible and safer than working with sugar. The temperature is lower, and there's more room for error, making it a great beginner project. That said, there are still some important dos and don'ts when using melted candy. We'll walk you through the basic preparation process and show you how to thin it without making a mess and ruining your work.

What are melting candies?

At this point, you might still be wondering, "What are melting candies?" and "How are they different from chocolate chips?" Don't worry, they're very different. Melting candies are made with sugar and oils. The oils and other ingredients they contain help the candy melt smoothly and evenly, allowing it to retain its soft, luxurious texture for longer. Even the chocolate-colored ones aren't just chocolate.

Let's take Ghirardelli's milk chocolate-flavored meltable wafers as an example. The first indication that they're not just simple chocolate discs is the word "flavored" in their name. If we check the ingredient list, we'll first see sugar and vegetable oil. (Ghirardelli also sells chocolate wafers that don't contain vegetable oil, but do contain chocolate and cocoa butter.)

The advantage of using melting chocolate is that it softens faster and is less delicate than pure chocolate. It also has a sweet, neutral flavor and comes in a variety of colors.

Based on the information above, it will come as no surprise that the way to thin chocolate for melting is to use more vegetable oil. This can be achieved with shortening, coconut oil, or liquid vegetable oil. We will be using the latter.

In addition to the oil, you'll need a double boiler, a heat-resistant container that can be placed inside a pot, or a candy melter like the one Wilton makes.

Common mistakes to avoid

Under no circumstances should you add water. This means you shouldn't use water to dilute the mixture, nor water-based food coloring, nor oils that contain water, such as butter or margarine. Water can cause the mixture to harden. If this happens, instead of remaining smooth, it will solidify into a lumpy mass. Often, you will have to start over with a new batch of mixture.

Also, don't overheat the chocolate when melting it, as this can also cause it to harden. The key is to heat it gently.

Prepare your station

Turn on your chocolate melter or prepare a double boiler. Have everything ready and add the candies to melt, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Melt your candies to melt

Melt the candies completely. Refer to your product's specific instructions, but the ideal temperature is typically between 90 and 100°F (32 and 38°C). This means it should feel about the same temperature as your normal skin, not hot and not cold.

Check your candy

Make sure the melting chocolate has the ideal consistency. If it doesn't, check the temperature. Excessive heat or cold can alter the chocolate's texture. Also, ensure that no water or other contaminants have entered the container.

Add a small amount of oil.

If you've checked everything and the melted candy is still in place, add the oil. A little goes a long way. Start with a teaspoon of oil and mix well. Continue until you reach the desired consistency.

How to store leftover candy

First, make sure no food scraps fall into the melted chocolate. You can pour the clean leftover chocolate into molds and let it cool. Once cool, store the chocolate in an airtight container. Under ideal conditions, leftover chocolate can last for several months and will be ready for your next project whenever you need it.

What to do with melted candy?

Melting candies are ideal for making chocolate-covered strawberries or seasonal treats, like chocolate-covered pumpkin pretzels. If you love cake pops but don't want to spend a fortune at Starbucks, try making them yourself. You can also use these candies instead of real chocolate if you're looking for a neutral or more colorful dessert, like chocolate-covered candies.