Squares vs. Chips

• The quality of chocolate isn't dependent upon the shape. It’s the amount of cocoa butter and the quantity of chocolate liquor -- the pure form of chocolate that results when the cocoa beans are ground and roasted -- that counts. At the factory, chocolate is tempered, or melted, to break down the crystals in the cocoa butter. Besides giving the chocolate a firm consistency and silky appearance, the tempering process allows the chocolate to be molded into a variety of shapes.

Substituting Chips for Squares

• Baking chocolate is usually available in 1-ounce squares. Substitute 3 tablespoons of semisweet chips for every 1-ounce square of semisweet chocolate. In the event that the recipe calls for unsweetened chocolate, in a pinch you can substitute semisweet chocolate chips. Although the measurement is the same, using semisweet chips in place of a square of unsweetened chocolate will likely alter the flavor and may create a firmer texture as semisweet chocolate chips contain less cocoa butter and liquor.

Types of Chocolate

• Unsweetened chocolate -- also known as bitter chocolate -- contains 50 to 58 percent cocoa butter and is made from pure cocoa liquor. It is bitter to the taste, hence the name. Alternatively, bittersweet and semisweet chocolate contain sugar and are composed of 35 to 50 percent cocoa butter and only a fraction of the chocolate liquor. Semisweet chocolate is sweeter than bittersweet. Most baking recipes call for these types of chocolate as opposed to milk chocolate, which has a very low percentage of chocolate liquor.

Pairing Chocolate

• The next time you use semisweet chips or squares to make homemade hot chocolate, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for the ultimate kick. Mexican or Asian hot peppers are a great accompaniment to chocolate. Alternatively, add chocolate to the menu for your next wine tasting, but steer clear of pairing it with red wine. Chef Jean-François Bonnet of New York City's Tumbador Chocolate says the tannins in red wine and chocolate may prove to be overwhelming.