Yes, you really can melt chocolate with a hairdryer

Imagine watching your favorite movie while eating a handful of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Or maybe you prefer a melted chocolate and hazelnut sundae. While it should be easy to get your hands on fresh strawberries or ice cream, you may not have the right tools to melt chocolate. Maybe you’re traveling or furnishing your new home and don’t have access to a microwave, stove, or other kitchen appliances.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to melt chocolate without using the stovetop. All you need is a hairdryer, a small bowl, and basic utensils like a knife and spatula. It’s best to opt for milk or white chocolate, which tends to melt faster than dark chocolate. The latter is richer in cocoa solids, so it takes longer to liquefy properly. Apart from that, the hair dryer method will allow you to melt chocolate without burning it so easily that kids could even try it.

Read more: 11 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking with Chocolate

How to melt chocolate with a hairdryer

The quickest way to melt chocolate is in a microwave, but it’s easy to burn it this way. A better option is to cut the chocolate into small pieces, then heat them with a hairdryer while stirring. This method works particularly well when you want to melt a small amount of chocolate, especially milk or white varieties.

First, place the chocolate pieces in a bowl. The smaller they are, the faster they will melt. Next, hold the hair dryer about eight inches from the chocolate, moving it in a slow circular motion to distribute the heat evenly. For best results, use it on low or medium heat.

Meanwhile, stir the chocolate with a spatula. Dry it for three to four minutes, or until creamy and smooth. Don’t worry if it’s too thick. It’s easy to dilute melted chocolate with a little coconut or vegetable oil. You can also mix it with grated cocoa butter and then heat it with the hair dryer for another minute or two.

A plastic bag will also do the trick.

If you don’t have a hairdryer, there is another way to melt chocolate without a water bath or microwave: using a thick ziplock bag. To start, break the chocolate into small pieces and transfer them to the bag. After that, close it and place it in a bowl or cup filled with hot water. Gently press the bag with a spoon or spatula to ensure the chocolate melts evenly. Leave it in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes or until the water cools. Repeat the steps above if necessary.

When you’re done, cut off a corner of the bag and pour the chocolate over ice cream, bananas, cookies, or other treats. Better yet, make this delicious German chocolate cake to spoil your loved ones or celebrate small victories. You can also pour the melted chocolate over porridge, oatmeal or waffles to give your breakfast a boost. For a burst of flavor, use it as a garnish for coffee, parfaits, hot chocolate or even cocktails.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.