Food & Cooking Recipes Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes Tempered Chocolate 1 Review By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 10, 2019 Print Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Bryan Gardner Prep Time: 25 mins Total Time: 25 mins Yield: 1 cup Tempering -- a technique that stabilizes chocolate -- creates a glossy sheen and a crisp snap in the finished confections. For tempering tips, see How to Temper Chocolate.You can also faux-temper the chocolate, which is quicker and simpler but then requires that you keep the finished candies refrigerated, to prevent softening and "blooming." See the method in the Cook's Notes below. Ingredients ¾ pound bittersweet or semisweet couverture chocolate, such as Valrhona or Callebaut, chopped Directions Place 1/2 pound chocolate in a metal (or other heatproof) bowl. Bring a saucepan containing 2 inches of water to a simmer, then turn off heat. Set bowl of chocolate over saucepan (don't let bottom touch the water) and let melt, stirring gently with spatula until chocolate registers 118 degrees to 120 degrees on thermometer. Remove bowl; cover saucepan to keep water warm. Add remaining 1/4 pound chocolate to bowl, stirring constantly until chocolate registers 82 degrees on thermometer. Remove any unmelted pieces of chocolate with spatula. Line bottom of bowl with a kitchen towel and return to saucepan, stirring constantly until chocolate registers 88 degrees to 90 degrees. (The towel will help ensure the chocolate does not climb above 90 degrees, which would cause it to "bloom" when set.) Use immediately, stirring frequently while using to maintain temper and prevent streaking once chocolate hardens. If tempered chocolate thickens too much during use, place over simmering water again, stirring, 2 to 3 seconds. Cook's Notes How to Faux-Temper ChocolateBring a saucepan containing 2 inches of water to a simmer. Turn off heat; place a metal bowl containing chocolate over saucepan; stir until chocolate melts. Remove bowl from saucepan, stir in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or shortening, and use immediately. Transfer finished candies to the refrigerator to harden when done, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Print