"Janet" > wrote in message
...
> Julie Bove wrote:
>> Stirring it will melt it further. It also does not
>> need to be fully melted because these candies are a little bumpy so
>> it doesn't really matter. I use an iced tea spoon to mix.
>
> Actually, if this is real chocolate, leaving some unmelted lumps to be
> stirred in is a good thing, because it is an easy method of quick
> tempering.
>
>> If you don't have a microwave, you can use or fashion a double
>> boiler. I used to use a canning jar set over simmering water. Be
>> careful if you use this method. You do not want the water to boil
>> because the steam can cause the chocolate to seize.
>
> You don't need a double boiler either if you use really low heat and
> watch/stir carefully during the melting process.
>
>> Chocolate Haystacks: Simply mix in whatever kind of coconut you
>> like. I use organic, unsweetened shredded, but in the past I have
>> also used the sweetened kind. Just mix in enough so that it is fully
>> coated. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto buttered/margarined/lightly oiled
>> waxed paper or "Release" foil and let set until firm. You can let
>> them set in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm.
>
> Have you ever tried making these having lightly toasted the coconut?
> Delicious, and so simple.

No. I don't think I've ever had toasted coconut.
>
>> Note: If you find that your chocolate is too thick to work with, you
>> can add vegetable oil, a drop at a time. But if you do this you will
>> probably have to store the candies in the fridge because the end
>> result will be a little softer.
>
> A miskate a lot of people make is using chocolate chips. Chocolate chips
> are formulated to hold together when melted. If you want to make candy,
> better to buy chocolate in bar form. It usually melts more smoothly. (An
> exception is couverture that comes in drops or discos, but I doubt anyone
> here but me is using those. )

I use the chocolate chips because they are nut and soy free. I can find nut
free chocolate, but it almost always has soy. I must say it isn't the best
chocolate but it is safe for us.