Prep. Chop chocolate into small pieces for even melting. No chopping needed if using couverture.
1 Chocolate Bar
Set up double boiler. Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with 1 inch of simmering water (not touching the bowl). Add 2/3 of the chocolate and lower heat to a minimum.
Melt. Stir frequently until about 90% of the chocolate is melted. Remove from heat and dry the bowl’s bottom.
Seed. Stir until fully melted, then add 2/3 of the reserved chocolate. Stir until melted. Check the temperature and if above 95°F (35°C), add half of the leftover chocolate. Stir until melted and repeat with the other half if temperature still above 95°F (35°C).
Cool to tempering range. Stir while cooling the chocolate in a cold water bath, then remove once it reaches the tempering temperature. Dry the bowl and stir.
Warm to working range. Gently warm in a warm water bath or in a double boiler over low heat, stirring, until it reaches the working temperature.
(Optional) Test. Dip a knife or offset spatula in the chocolate and chill for 2–3 minutes. If it sets glossy and firm, it’s tempered.
Use. Pour into molds, coat desserts, or make decorations.