Name: Guittard Chocolate Chips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 8 ounces of high-quality chocolate bar; 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa butter

Nestled within the bustling heart of my kitchen, a cozy nook filled with jars of flour, a medley of spices, and notes of recipes past, I reach for that familiar bag of Guittard Chocolate Chips. With every rich, melty chip, you’re not just biting into a century of chocolate mastery, but you’re also embracing a sustainable and ethical choice that elevates your desserts to a realm of conscious indulgence.

Table of Contents

How to make Guittard Chocolate Chips

Guittard Chocolate Chips are high-quality chocolate baking chips made by Guittard Chocolate Company, a family-owned premium chocolate maker based in California. The company has been producing gourmet chocolate since 1868 and is known for its commitment to quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing.

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Ingredients:

8 ounces of high-quality chocolate bar (prefer your choice between dark, milk, or white chocolate, aiming for a cocoa percentage that suits your taste preference)
1-2 tablespoons of cocoa butter (optional, to help thin the chocolate)

Tools:

Double boiler or microwave
Chocolate chip mold or a baking sheet with parchment paper
Heat-resistant spatula
Sharp knife (if chopping chocolate bar)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate:

If using a chocolate bar, chop it into small pieces. This aids in melting the chocolate uniformly.

2. Melting the Chocolate:

Double Boiler Method: Fill the lower pan of your double boiler with water, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the upper pan. Heat the water to a simmer, not a boil. Place the chocolate (and cocoa butter, if using) in the upper pan and let it melt gently, stirring occasionally with a spatula for even melting.

Microwave Method: Place the chocolate (and cocoa butter, if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it on high for 30 seconds, stir, and continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until melted and smooth.

3. Forming the Chips:

Using a Mold: If you have a chocolate chip mold, simply pour the melted chocolate into the mold. Tap the mold gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Manual Shaping on Parchment: For a rustic approach, pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off). Pipe small dots onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Alternatively, spread the chocolate in a thin layer and let it set, then chop it into small chips.

4. Letting the Chocolate Set:

Place the chocolate in a cool, dry place to set. This could take a few hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate the chocolate to speed up the process, but be mindful that sudden temperature changes can affect the chocolate’s temper.

5. Storing the Chocolate Chips:

Once set, if made in a slab and chopped, gently break the chocolate into chips. Store the chocolate chips in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips to Capture the Guittard Essence:

Quality Matters: Guittard is known for its high-quality beans and ethical sourcing. For your homemade chips, select a chocolate that shares these qualities.
Experiment with Varieties: Guittard offers a range of cocoa percentages and flavours. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of chocolate to find your perfect match.
Adding Flavors: To enhance the flavor profile of your chips, consider infusing your chocolate with natural vanilla, a pinch of sea salt, or even espresso powder.
Tempering: For a shinier, snappier chocolate chip, look into tempering your chocolate. This process stabilizes the chocolate, giving it a professional finish and feel.

What to serve with

Guittard Chocolate Chips are incredibly versatile and can be a delightful addition to a variety of treats and desserts.

1. Classic Baked Goods:

Cookies and Brownies: Serve warm chocolate chip cookies or fudgy brownies made with Guittard Chocolate Chips straight from the oven, perhaps accompanied by a glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Muffins and Pancakes: Add Guittard Chocolate Chips to muffin batter or sprinkle onto pancakes as they cook for a melty chocolate inclusion. Serve these with butter and maple syrup for a decadent breakfast or brunch.

2. Dessert Accents:

Ice Cream: Sprinkle Guittard Chocolate Chips over scoops of vanilla, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip ice cream. You can also melt the chips and drizzle them over cold desserts as a rich chocolate sauce.
Yogurt and Smoothies: Stir chocolate chips into Greek yogurt for a quick dessert or breakfast treat, or blend them into smoothies for added chocolate flavor and texture.

3. Trail Mix and Snacks:

Trail Mix: Mix Guittard Chocolate Chips with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and popcorn for a homemade trail mix. This snack is perfect for hikes, picnics, or as a quick snack.
Chocolate Chip Granola Bars: For a sweet treat that’s also filling, make homemade granola bars using oats, honey, nuts, and Guittard Chocolate Chips.

4. Elegant Desserts:

Chocolate Soufflé or Fondue: Use these premium chocolate chips for making a rich chocolate fondue or a delicate chocolate soufflé. Serve with pieces of fruit like strawberries and bananas, marshmallows, or shortbread cookies for dipping.
Tarts and Pies: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter of your dessert tarts or pies. They add a delightful surprise in lemon or banana cream pies.

5. Holiday Specialties:

Chocolate Bark: Melt the chocolate chips and spread the liquid chocolate onto a baking sheet. Before it sets, add a variety of toppings like crushed candy canes, nuts, or dried fruits for a festive treat.
Gifts: Homemade cookies, fudge, or truffles featuring Guittard Chocolate Chips make thoughtful and delicious gifts during the holiday season.

6. Decorative Uses:

Cake and Cupcake Decoration: Sprinkle chocolate chips over frosted cakes or cupcakes for added crunch and flavor. You can also mix them into the frosting itself for a chocolatey surprise.
DIY Chocolate Molds: Melt the chocolate chips and pour into candy molds for customized chocolate candies. These can be themed based on the holiday or occasion.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making a recipe that traditionally uses Guittard Chocolate Chips, you might sometimes need to substitute these chocolate chips due to availability issues, dietary preferences, or simply wanting to try something new.

1. Other Chocolate Chips:

Brand Variations: If Guittard Chocolate Chips are unavailable, other high-quality brands like Ghirardelli, Lindt, or even store brands may suffice. Consider similar cocoa content for similar results.
Flavored Chips: You can also substitute with different flavored chips, such as white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips, to impart a unique taste profile to your recipes.

2. Cocoa Percentage Adjustments:

Dark Chocolate: For a richer, less sweet product, opt for chocolate chips that have a higher percentage of cocoa. Chop bars of dark chocolate into smaller chunks to mimic the size and texture of chocolate chips.
Milk Chocolate: This can be a sweeter, creamier alternative. Milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate bars can be used for those who prefer a less intense chocolate flavor.

3. Diet-Specific Alternatives:

Vegan Chocolate Chips: Choose chocolate chips that are specifically labeled vegan, which will not contain any dairy products. Brands like Enjoy Life cater to such dietary needs.
Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: To reduce sugar intake, use sugar-free chocolate chips or bars. These are often sweetened with substitutes like stevia or maltitol.

4. Health-Focused Substitutes:

Cacao Nibs: For a healthier alternative, cacao nibs can replace chocolate chips. They are less processed with no added sugar and offer a rich chocolate flavor with a crunchy texture.
Carob Chips: Carob chips are naturally sweet and caffeine-free, which makes them a good alternative for those avoiding caffeine or following AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diets.

5. Homemade Chocolate Chips:

Making Your Own: You can make your homemade chocolate chips by melting your choice of chocolate, tempering it if desired for better texture, and then dropping small amounts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once solid, these can be used just like regular chocolate chips.

6. Nut and Fruit Substitutes:

Chopped Nuts or Dried Fruit: For a completely non-chocolate alternative, consider substituting chocolate chips with equal amounts of chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or peanuts or dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries. These add texture and natural sweetness to your baking.

Final Thoughts

While you might not be able to replicate the exact taste and texture of Guittard Chocolate Chips at home, this guide will help you create a gourmet product that brings a touch of handmade excellence to your baking adventures.

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