To melt Milk or Dark Merckens Confectionery Coatings

1. Place at least 1/2 pound of Merckens coatings into a microwave safe container. (We like to use a two-cup glass measuring cup.
2. Microwave for coatings for 30 seconds.
3. Remove coatings from microwave and stir. This is an important step. It removes hot spots and prevents the coatings from burning.
4. Return coatings to microwave and repeat process continue until melted. (Again, remember to remove the coatings from the microwave after each 30-second interval and stir.)
5. Use as desired.
6. If chocolate becomes thick while you are working with it, simply return it to the microwave, and microwave it for 10-15 seconds to remelt.

To Melt White Merckens Confectionery Coatings

1. Place at least 1/2 pound of Merckens coatings into a microwave safe container. (We like to use a two-cup glass measuring cup.
2. Microwave for coatings for 20 seconds.
3. Remove coatings from microwave and stir. This is an important step. It removes hot spots and prevents the coatings from burning.
4. Return coatings to microwave and repeat process continue until melted. (Again, remember to remove the coatings from the microwave after each 20-second interval and stir.)
5. Use as desired.
6. If chocolate becomes thick while you are working with it, simply return it to the microwave, and microwave it for 10-15 seconds to remelt.

To melt Colored Merckens Confectionery Coatings

1. Follow directions above for melting milk or dark coatings.
2. Once coatings have melted, the consistency might seem thick. (This happens more often with dark colors, like red, dark green and dark blue.) If your melted coatings seem thick, add 1/2 teaspoon of paramount crystals to each 1/2 pound of coatings. Stir. If coatings are still thick, add more paramount crystals until coatings reach desired consistency.

Tips for Confectionery Coatings:

1. Keep confectionery coatings away from water. Water will cause the coatings to seize.
2. Store confectionery coatings in a cool, dry location. Confectionery coatings will absorb odors. So, don’t store your chocolate next to your onions, unless you want savory onion chocolates!
3. Merckens Confectionery Coatings have a self-life of three months from time of purchase.

Happy Baking and Candy Making!