Fondue Chocolate: Where To Buy And What To Know

Fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While there are many types of fondue, chocolate fondue is a classic favourite. The great news is that you can easily make chocolate fondue at home, and you don't necessarily need a fondue pot to do so! A simple saucepan will do the trick. As for the chocolate, it's best to use high-quality chocolate bars, as chocolate chips may not melt as well and can harden quickly. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate, to find your preferred flavour and consistency.

What are the best chocolate types/brands for fondue?

When making chocolate fondue, the chocolate you use is important. Not all chocolate chips melt well, so it's best to opt for chopped chocolate or good-quality chocolate chips. Bars of chocolate tend to melt better than chocolate chips and create a smoother fondue.

Some recommended chocolate brands for fondue include:

• Ghirardelli
• Guittard
• Baker's
• Dove
• Godiva
• Hershey
• Toberlone
• Symphony

When making chocolate fondue, it's best to use a combination of chocolates, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, to create a richer and deeper flavour. It's also important to use real, high-quality chocolate bars, as chocolate chips don't work as well and can make the fondue harden quickly.

What are some good dippers for chocolate fondue?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy dessert with friends and family. While fresh fruit is a classic dipper, there are endless possibilities for what you can dip in chocolate fondue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fresh fruits are a popular choice for chocolate fondue as they provide a contrast of flavours and textures. Strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, mangoes, and melon are all excellent options. Dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, figs, dates, and apples can also be used.

Cookies and Baked Goods

Cookies and baked goods provide a sweet and indulgent dipper for chocolate fondue. Options include Oreos, biscotti, shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla wafers, brownies, and even cake. Angel food cake, pound cake, and cheesecake cubes are also perfect for dipping.

Sweet Treats

For an extra sweet experience, dip marshmallows, Rice Krispie treats, pretzels, honeycomb, or donut holes in chocolate fondue. Mini pancakes or waffles can also be a fun and tasty option.

Savoury Options

For those who enjoy the combination of sweet and salty flavours, there are several savoury options that can be dipped in chocolate fondue. Pretzels, potato chips, bacon, beef jerky, and popcorn are all unique and tasty choices.

Nuts

Nuts are a classic pairing with chocolate and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, cashews can be dipped or sprinkled on top of other dippers.

With these ideas and your favourite chocolate fondue recipe, you're ready to host a delicious and entertaining dessert experience!

How do you make chocolate fondue?

Making chocolate fondue is a simple process, but it does require some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chocolate fondue:

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a basic chocolate fondue, you will need chocolate, milk or cream, and a pinch of salt. You can use a variety of chocolates, such as semi-sweet, bittersweet, milk, or dark chocolate. It is recommended to use high-quality chocolate bars or chocolate chips that melt well, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavour.

Preparation:

Before starting your chocolate fondue, prepare all your dippers, such as fruits or cookies. Chop the chocolate into small pieces or use chocolate chips. You can also add a small amount of butter for a more mellow chocolate flavour.

Cooking:

Combine the chocolate, milk or cream, and butter (if using) in a small bowl or a saucepan. Heat the mixture gently over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the fondue is smooth and glossy. Do not let the mixture come to a boil, as it can scorch and affect the texture. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if desired.

Adjusting Consistency:

The fondue should have a thick and luscious consistency. If you prefer a thinner fondue, simply whisk in additional cream or milk until the desired consistency is achieved.

Serving:

Pour the chocolate fondue into a fondue pot or a small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving. Serve with your favourite dippers, such as strawberries, bananas, cookies, or marshmallows.

Tips:

• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a small slow cooker, a tea candle, or a regular pot placed on an oven mitt to keep the chocolate warm.
• Chocolate fondue can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate and add-ins, such as extracts, liquor, or spices, to create unique flavour profiles.

What are some good fondue pot options?

Fondue is an ideal party food and a delight to eat. It is important to select the right fondue pot to maintain the perfect temperature for your chocolate fondue. Here are some good fondue pot options:

Best Overall Fondue Pot: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Fondue Pot

This enameled cast iron fondue pot is a great option for its durability and versatility. It has a capacity of 80 ounces and uses ethanol gel as a heat source. The pot can be used directly on the stovetop, eliminating the need for transferring hot cheese. Its width is perfect for easy stirring, and it is available in three bright colours, including Le Creuset's signature orange.

Best Less Expensive Fondue Pot: Boska Candlelight Twinkle Fondue Set

This fondue set uses the combined power of five tea lights to generate enough heat to keep the cheese melted. The ceramic exterior is dishwasher-safe and showed no sign of discoloration after multiple uses. The set has a capacity of 54 ounces.

Best Electric Fondue Pot: Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker

This electric fondue pot is perfect for oil- or broth-based recipes as it provides greater control over high temperatures. It has a capacity of 96 ounces and includes eight colour-coded fondue forks. The electric functionality makes the process easier as there is no need to deal with a burner or ethanol gel.

Best Mini Fondue Pot: Staub Cast Iron 0.25-qt Mini Fondue Set

This mini-fondue set is perfect for cooking smaller quantities and maintaining the correct temperature. The cast iron construction is sturdy and arrives pre-seasoned. The enameled bottom reduces the chance of rust forming on the exterior. The set includes four fondue forks, but they are fairly short, so you'll need to stay close to the pot. The capacity is 8 ounces.

Best Large Fondue Pot: Boska XL "Mr. Big" Fondue Pot

This extra-large fondue pot is perfect for serving large batches of fondue. It has a capacity of 220 ounces and uses dual ethanol burners to provide sufficient heat. The ceramic material diffuses the heat to prevent scorching. The set includes a heavy wooden stand and 12 fondue forks.

Best Chocolate Fondue Pot: Boska Choco Marie Fondue Pot

This fondue pot is perfect for chocolate fondue as it uses a tea light and a ceramic base to diffuse heat gently. The chocolate stays silky smooth, and the short base is ideal for seated dinners. The set has a capacity of 18.6 ounces and includes a removable ceramic insert, allowing for higher temperatures when needed.

Best Durable Fondue Pot: Swissmar 11-Piece Sierra Fondue Set

This enameled cast iron fondue set is known for its durability, with a high-quality coating that hasn't chipped or cracked over high heat. The set includes a gel fuel canister, a stand, and four colour-coded fondue forks. The capacity is 51 ounces.

Best Fondue Pot for Parties: Twine Enamel Cast-Iron Fondue Set

The Twine fondue set is perfect for hosting as the heavy cast-iron bottom resists discolouring, and the heat lasts for hours. The set includes a gel-fuel canister and a cover plate that provides a convenient place to rest the fondue forks, reducing the risk of spills. The capacity is 48 ounces.

Can you make chocolate fondue without a fondue pot?

Yes, you can definitely make chocolate fondue without a fondue pot! Here are some ways to make fondue without a fondue pot, as well as some tips and tricks for making the perfect chocolate fondue.

Making Chocolate Fondue Without a Fondue Pot

You can easily make chocolate fondue in a saucepan on the stove. Simply combine your chocolate and cream/milk in a saucepan and heat on low, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted. Do not let the mixture come to a boil, as this can affect the texture of your fondue. Once melted, you can keep the fondue in the same saucepan and place it on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water to keep it warm. Alternatively, you can transfer the fondue to a small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chocolate Fondue

The type of chocolate you use is important. It is recommended to use high-quality chocolate bars or good-quality chocolate chips, as some brands of chocolate chips may not melt well. Avoid using chocolate chips that are not pure chocolate, as this can affect the flavour and texture of your fondue. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet, milk, dark, or white chocolate, to find your preferred flavour and intensity.

You can also add additional ingredients to your fondue to enhance the flavour and texture. For example, adding a small amount of butter can result in a softer, mellower chocolate flavour. A pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract can also enhance the flavour. If you want to make your fondue thinner, simply whisk in additional cream or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Dippers for Your Chocolate Fondue

The options for what to dip in your chocolate fondue are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh fruit: strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, oranges, dried apricots, etc.
• Cookies: Oreos, vanilla wafers, biscotti, brownies, Rice Krispie treats, etc.
• Cake: pound cake, angel food cake, cubed cake
• Marshmallows, pretzels, potato chips

So, go ahead and give chocolate fondue a try without a fondue pot! It's a fun and easy dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Frequently asked questions