Chocolate-covered potato chips are a snack food consisting of potato chips that have been coated with chocolate. They are used for snacking like potato chips, and also served at parties or get togethers as appetizers and dessert items, especially in North Dakota.
History
The "chipper" has existed for many years, although the facts about its creation and history are in dispute. Widman's Candy, founded in 1885, has a long history with the product.carol Widman's Candy company website. Accessed August 6, 2009.Road Food website . Accessed August 6, 2009.AP, "Candy Co. Sues Fargo Woman Over Web Site," February 5, 2007, found at WCCO website. Accessed August 6, 2009.Dan Kaercher, Taste of the Midwest, p. 149, found at Google Books. Accessed August 6, 2009. For many years, these treats, called "chippers", have been made in the Grand Forks, North Dakota area by Widman's, other commercial confectioneries, and at homes.Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visotr's Bureau official website . Accessed August 6, 2009.Offbeat Travel website . Accessed August 6, 2009.
They were introduced into the market in Chicago in 1985 by a company called Executive Sweets.The Chicago Tribune, on November 21, 1985, wrote: "The mail recently brought a sample box of the latest chocolate gimmick: chocolate-covered potato chips. After wrinkling my nose and groaning, I tried one. Not bad. In fact, surprisingly good."
Preparation
The potato chips used are usually the regular or plain tasting ridged shaped potato chips. Ridged chips are used because they tend to be more sturdy and can hold the heavy chocolate. It also allows the chocolate flavor to be enhanced as the chocolate is allowed to build between the ridges of the chip. The kind of chocolate used is usually milk chocolate that is easily tempered for coating other foods. The tempering of chocolate is to lend an attractive, glossy appearance to the chocolate after it has been melted to the consistency for dipping. Chocolate covered potato chips may also be found in the gourmet section of grocery stores or at a specialty foods store.
See also
Chocolate-coated marshmallow treats Chocolate-coated peanut Chocolate-coated raisin Chocolate-covered bacon Chocolate-covered coffee bean List of chocolate-covered foods
References