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Almond Bark vs Candy Melts vs Other Dipping Chocolate

post #1 of 15
9/14/06 at 12:22pm
Thread Starter 
A few years ago, I found blocks of Ghirardelli dipping chocolate at Sam's and Wal Mart. It was the first dipping chocolate I ever used and was scrumptious! I can't find it anymore and I haven't dipped anything lately (until today) because the choices just don't seem very appealing.

Almond Bark seems like a pseudo-chocolate product and candy melts pretty much the same. Maybe it's because they say chocolate flavored, instead of chocolate??? I don't think I'm a chocolate snob...I get my fix any way I can icon_lol.gif I was at a craft store last week and they were sampling the candy melts and molds. They were pretty tasty, just not Ghirardelli good.

So, what is your preference? I live in small town America so my options really are the Almond Bark, Wilton Candy Melts or that other brand that comes in all the cool colors, and chocolate chips from the grocery store.

With all that said, I just made a batch of Nutter Butter Truffles covered in chocolate almond bark and they are pretty tasty. icon_biggrin.gif
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post #2 of 15
9/14/06 at 12:36pm
The almond bark and candy melts usually have added things, including wax, so that tempering isn't required. Most of them taste OK, especially if the product is wrapped around something else really good.

Real chocolate, tastes better, but most of it requires tempering to prevent bloom (those white streaks on the outside). Bloom doesn't hurt anything, but the appearance isn't nice.

You can order most brands online, but many companies won't ship during the summer months.

I have used all the various kinds for different recipes. The only time I am really picky is for truffles. I only use the best chocolate I can get.
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post #3 of 15
9/14/06 at 12:46pm
If you have half a chance, order Merckens online. It is not Ghiradelli (sp) but it is very good. If I had a choice, I would choose the candy melts over the bark. The bark is okay to send into kids at school, but for anybody that loves chocolate, it just doesn't cut it. My sister and I have ordered as much as 100 pounds of Merckens at a time. We usually only order in Sept/Oct/Nov so it can be shipped without a problem.
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post #4 of 15
9/14/06 at 5:44pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for your insight. I haven't checked into ordering online, assuming the cost would be prohibitive. I did check out the Ghirardelli site and the dipping chocolate is still available but not given as an option when trying to locate a store that sells it.

I found a recipe for some fantastic homemade marshmallows and wanted to dip them in chocolate for Christmas baskets. I'll keep playing and see what I can come up with. icon_smile.gif
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post #5 of 15
9/14/06 at 6:14pm
I don't care much for almond bark, the melts aren't real chocolate but they taste much better than the bark.
I have mixed chocolate chips with melts or bark to make it easier to handle but not so hard to deal with as far as tempering for dipping.
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post #6 of 15
9/19/06 at 5:24pm
I had 1 box left of the dipping choc. from Sams until my brothers wedding this last saturday icon_cry.gif they don't have it any more and it worked great, hopeing they'll get it back in stock soon for the holidays!
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post #7 of 15
9/19/06 at 6:04pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mkolmar

I had 1 box left of the dipping choc. from Sams until my brothers wedding this last saturday icon_cry.gif they don't have it any more and it worked great, hopeing they'll get it back in stock soon for the holidays!



Keep looking.......I emailed Ghirardelli for a source and this was the reply I got:

Quote:
Quote:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Ghirardelli Chocolate. We appreciate hearing that you enjoyed using our Double Chocolate and White Chocolate Flavor Candy Making and Dipping Bars. The Candy Making Bars are only manufactured one time per year. The whole batch is then sent to the main warehouse for Sam's Club and sold during the Fall baking season. At this time, Sam's club is the only retailer that sells the bars. Look for them at you local Sam's Club.



I might just have to break down and get a Sam's membership or just pay the upcharge for non-members. I actually found the chocolate at my Super WalMart after I had purchased it at Sam's but I haven't seen it since (maybe 4 years ago). I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I really want to dip some homemade marshmallows. icon_smile.gif
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post #8 of 15
9/19/06 at 6:10pm
I was at Sams not too long ago and *think* I saw the dipping chocolate. I remember seeing Ghardi-howeveryouspellit!! chocolate there, but don't remember if it was for dipping or not...you might give them a call.
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post #9 of 15
9/19/06 at 6:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ME2

I was at Sams not too long ago and *think* I saw the dipping chocolate. I remember seeing Ghardi-howeveryouspellit!! chocolate there, but don't remember if it was for dipping or not...you might give them a call.



Thanks--I'll call tomorrow. I went online to check the inventory of my nearest store, but it wasn't listed yet. If I call, at least they will know someone is interested and will hopefully stock it.

Your signature always reminds me of my best friend. Her name is Susan and both her SIL are named Susan. Her married name is the same as her husband's sister's maiden name and her brother's wife now has her maiden name. Wow...that made no sense whatsoever. I'll try again with a psuedonym. She used to be Susan A. Her husband's sister was Susan B. When Susan A. got married, she became Susan B. Her brother's new wife (who used to be Susan C.) is now Susan A. Oh well, for some reason, I think it's neat. icon_rolleyes.gif
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post #10 of 15
9/19/06 at 6:41pm
LOL!!! Reminds me of "Who's On First?"

LOL!
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I finally found the energy I needed!
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post #11 of 15
9/22/06 at 7:30am
Try Guittards dipping chocolate. They don't add 'wax'. See's Candies uses it and so does Shari's Berries.
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Chocolate Candy Making Supplies and Ideas
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Chocolate Candy Recipes
http://www.chocolate-candy-recipe.com
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post #12 of 15
9/22/06 at 7:36am
Giardelli has choc. chips in the grocery store.........most stores carry them!! They taste just as good I think as the dipping chocolate! I love Ghiardelli!!!!! yummy
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post #13 of 15
9/22/06 at 7:44am
Sam's Club does carry the ghirahelli, but it is a seasonal item. I was there yesterday and looked around in the baking aisle for the seasonal items (they usually have some unique things) and found the white and dark chocolate dipping kind. They are in large blocks, and the clerk showed me on the sign that it is a seasonal item and they get it for holiday baking....
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post #14 of 15
9/23/06 at 4:40pm
I use Merckens when I can get it, but now AC Moore carries a brand of Make N Mold. It is just like Merckens & I use hundreds of pounds each year.
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post #15 of 15
9/24/06 at 10:41am
looks like I'll be heading to Sam's soon and buying a bunch of dipping chocolate. I like the taste of the Gharidelli choc. chips but they don't run as smoothly over the candy as their dipping choc. I can't find another brand I'm as satisfied with in stores around here. I love the Gharidelli brand!
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