Chocolate Fondue: Making It In A Fondue Pot

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, and it can be made in a fondue pot or a regular pot. A fondue pot is ideal for keeping the chocolate warm while people dip their chosen treats into it, but it is not necessary. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot on a low flame or a small slow cooker to keep the fondue warm. You can also use a tea candle or Sterno fuel to keep the chocolate warm, but be careful as these can burn very hot. So, if you're looking to make chocolate fondue, don't let the lack of a fondue pot stop you!

What to dip in chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. While the traditional dippers are marshmallows and strawberries, there are endless possibilities for what you can dip into this sweet treat. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Chocolate-covered fruits are a classic choice, and for a good reason. The sweet and tangy flavour of strawberries, for example, complements the richness of chocolate perfectly. Other excellent options include bananas, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, raspberries, blueberries, apple slices, cherries, grapes, and dried fruits like apricots or mangoes.

Pastries, Cakes, and Cookies

For a more indulgent treat, dip pastries such as waffles, pancakes, churros, doughnuts, croissants, or brownies into the chocolate fondue. Cubes of pound cake, sponge cake, or angel food cake are also perfect for dipping. As for cookies, shortbread, digestives, gingerbread, ladyfingers, and Oreos are all great choices.

Savouries

If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping pretzels, potato crisps, or even bacon strips into your chocolate fondue. The combination of sweet and salty can be surprisingly delicious.

Nuts and Seeds

Coating nuts and seeds in chocolate is a great way to add some extra flavour and texture. Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and macadamias are all excellent choices for dipping.

Other Sweet Treats

There are also several other sweet treats that can be dipped into chocolate fondue. These include coconut pieces, peanut butter balls, meringues, Rice Krispie treats, and Turkish delight.

Remember, the key to a successful chocolate fondue is creativity and variety. So, feel free to experiment and find your own favourite combinations!

How to make chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make and is a great way to make dessert more interactive. It's also incredibly versatile, as you can use a variety of chocolates and add extra flavors to the fondue. You can also dip a wide range of treats into the fondue, from fruit to cookies and even pretzels!

Ingredients

To make chocolate fondue, you will need:

• Chocolate (either chopped chocolate or good-quality chocolate chips)
• Cream or milk (heavy cream, whole milk, or half-and-half)
• Butter (optional)
• Vanilla extract or other flavorings (optional)
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Method

• Start by preparing all the ingredients and treats you will be dipping into the fondue.
• Combine the chocolate, cream or milk, and butter (if using) in a small bowl or saucepan.
• Melt the ingredients gently in a barely simmering water bath or microwave on medium power for about 2 minutes. Stir until completely smooth.
• If the fondue is too thick, add a little more milk or cream.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt (if using).
• Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot and heat gently to keep warm. You can also use a slow cooker or a regular pot on a low flame to keep the fondue warm.
• Serve the warm fondue with your chosen dippers and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot on the stove and place it on a trivet on the table. Just warn everyone that the pot is hot.
• You can make the fondue in advance and rewarm it gently before serving.
• To thin out the fondue, simply whisk in additional cream or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
• If the fondue becomes too thick or starts to harden, reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate and add-ins to create your own unique fondue flavor.
• Get creative with your dippers! You can dip fresh fruit, cookies, cake, marshmallows, pretzels, and more into your chocolate fondue.

The best chocolate for fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make at home. It can be made in a fondue pot or a regular pot, and the best chocolate to use is one with a high fat content, a high cacao percentage, and sugar content. Here are some specific types of chocolate that work well for fondue:

Best Overall Chocolate for Fondue

• Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips: Melts well and has a good flavor.
• Ghirardelli bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips: Also melts well and has a nice flavor.
• Baker's chocolate baking bars: Widely available and melts better than chocolate chips.

Best Milk Chocolate for Fondue

• Guittard milk chocolate chips: Widely available and a good option if you prefer milk chocolate.
• Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips: Another good option for milk chocolate fans.

Best White Chocolate for Fondue

High-quality white chocolate chips or baking chocolate: Look for a creamy, delicious alternative to dark or milk chocolate.

Other Options for Fondue Chocolate

• Chocolate melting wafers: May not have the best flavor, but they are convenient and easy to use.
• Chocolate bars from the grocery store: Look for bars with at least 60% cacao for a deep chocolate flavor.
• Callebaut milk chocolate: A good gateway to milk chocolate with a sweet, nutty profile.
• Whole Foods' 38% milk chocolate: Earthy, rich, and darker than expected.
• Theo 45% milk chocolate: A good option if you want a creamy texture without the tongue-coating mouthfeel of some milk chocolates.

When making chocolate fondue, it's important to heat the chocolate gently and avoid letting it come to a simmer or boil, as this can affect the texture and taste. Add a small amount of cream or milk to thin out the fondue if needed.

How to keep chocolate fondue warm

To keep chocolate fondue warm, you can use a tea candle, which produces less heat than canned Sterno fuel. However, if you use Sterno, be mindful that it can burn very hot, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat or partially cover the can with the lid if needed. Another option is to use a small crockpot or a clean candle warmer to keep your fondue warm.

If you are using a fondue pot, there are three types: metal, ceramic, and electric. Metal fondue pots are usually made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron. They are sturdy and can be placed directly on the table without transferring the fondue from a separate pot. Ceramic fondue pots are great for retaining heat and are easy to clean, while electric fondue pots are safer, heat up quickly, and are easy to adjust but are more expensive.

How to store leftover fondue

To store leftover fondue, let it cool down to room temperature. Fondue should not be stored when it is still hot, as it will affect the taste and hygiene.

Once the fondue has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. If you plan to consume the fondue within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will last for 2 to 3 days.

If you want to store the fondue for longer, put it in the freezer. Fondue can be frozen for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover fondue again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.

It is important to note that fondue should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria can start to grow and affect food safety.

Frequently asked questions