659741 Thu Oct 15 13:14:37 -0700 2009 6 31 Home Cooking 0 5106024 My recipe calls for heating chocolate in a double boiler. Is there any reason I can't just nuke it in the microwave? Thu Oct 15 13:14:38 -0700 2009 10198 eeee 1 5106040 I generally use the microwave to melt chocolate. I find it's best to start with small pieces, use a low power setting, and melt in short bursts to ensure the chocolate doesn't scorch. Usually, a bit will melt, and the rest will retain the shape of the pieces but will have softened up. Stir it; often that's all that's needed to get everything melted and smooth. Thu Oct 15 13:19:47 -0700 2009 5106024 10074 Caitlin McGrath 2 5106054 Me, too. Specifically, I use the "defrost" setting. :) And definitely no reason not to nuke. Thu Oct 15 13:25:00 -0700 2009 5106040 249664 kattyeyes 1 5106042 Yes, as long as you're careful. I start w/ a minute, try to stir. Then I do 15 or 30 sec increments, but stir each time because it'll start melting but hold its form. Thu Oct 15 13:19:58 -0700 2009 5106024 39874 chowser 1 5106099 Another method is a covered bowl set on the warming plate of a typical electric drip coffeemaker. Its gentle heat will do the trick. Thu Oct 15 13:40:53 -0700 2009 5106024 159317 greygarious 1 5106161 You can definitely microwave it carefully like the other responses say, but I find it quicker and easy to improvise a double boiler. I just boil some water in the kettle, take two different sized pyrex bowls, put some boiling water in the larger one, put the chocolate in the smaller one, then set the small bowl into the large bowl. If I'm in a rush, I stir the chocolate for about a minute and it's melted. If I'm not in a rush, I cover it with foil and come back in a few minutes and it's melted. If I'm really not in a rush, I use one bowl, fill it with boiling water, let it rest a minute for the pyrex to get good and hot, pour the water out, give it a second for the little remaining water to evaporate, put the chocolate in, cover in foil, and leave it alone for five minutes, after which it is usually totally melted. Thu Oct 15 13:57:31 -0700 2009 5106024 36408 danieljdwyer 2 5106176 I don't bother with the double boiler at all. I think today's stoves can be set at a lower setting and I use a heavy duty pot. I've never had problems with it on low, ever. And w/out a double boiler, I don't need to worry about getting a drop of water in it and having it seize. Thu Oct 15 14:02:49 -0700 2009 5106161 39874 chowser