What is meant by conching? Why is conching important for chocolate products used for coating and dipping? Why is conching not as important for unsweetened chocolate used in baked goods? You add a...

What is meant by conching? Why is conching important for chocolate products used for coating and dipping? Why is conching not as important for unsweetened chocolate used in baked goods?

You add a small amount of vanilla extract to melted chocolate and, as you stir it in, the chocolate thickens. Why? What has happened to the sugars and proteins in the mixture?