Can you substitute unsweetened baking chocolate for semi sweet chips?

You can absolutely substitute unsweetened baking chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you'll need to adjust the recipe to account for the difference in sweetness and consistency. Here's how:

1. Sweetness:

* Unsweetened baking chocolate is much less sweet than semi-sweet chips. You'll need to add additional sugar to compensate.

* Start by adding about 1/4 cup of sugar for every 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your desired sweetness level.

* Consider using brown sugar for a richer flavor.

2. Consistency:

* Unsweetened baking chocolate is harder and denser than chocolate chips. You'll need to melt it down to use it in your recipe.

* Melt the chocolate over low heat in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

* Once melted, the chocolate will be smooth and pourable.

3. Recipe Adjustments:

* The amount of unsweetened baking chocolate you need will depend on the recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of semi-sweet chips, you'll likely need about 8 ounces of unsweetened baking chocolate.

* Adjust the other ingredients as needed. If you're using unsweetened chocolate, you might need to reduce the amount of other ingredients like butter or flour, as the chocolate will absorb more liquid.

Example:

If a recipe calls for 1 cup of semi-sweet chips, you could use:

* 8 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate

* 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Remember: Always taste test your recipe as you go and adjust the sweetness as needed.

By following these tips, you can successfully use unsweetened baking chocolate in place of semi-sweet chocolate chips and enjoy your favorite recipes!