The Magic Behind Fondue Fountains: A Tasty Adventure

Fondue fountains are a fun and creative way to serve food at parties and get-togethers. They can be used with both sweet and savoury foods, with chocolate and cheese being the most popular choices. When preparing a fondue fountain, it is important to consider the type of food being used, as well as the consistency of the melted substance. For example, when using chocolate, it is recommended to mix it with oil or cream to create a smooth and flowing consistency. The ratio of chocolate to oil is important, with a ratio of one tablespoon of coconut oil per cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips being a popular choice. Additionally, the location of the fondue fountain is crucial, as factors such as wind, heating, and air conditioning can impact the flow of the melted substance. It is also important to clean the fondue fountain promptly after use to avoid the chocolate or cheese hardening and making the cleaning process more difficult.

Fountain preparation

Firstly, ensure your fondue fountain is level. Use a spirit level to check this. If your fountain is not level, the chocolate will not flow correctly.

Next, gather your ingredients. You will need chocolate and oil or cream. The type of chocolate and the ratio of oil/cream to chocolate will depend on the type of fondue fountain you are using, so check the manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. If you are using a chocolate fondue fountain, you can use chocolate chips, squares of chocolate, or pre-mixed chocolate fondue. If you are using a cheese fondue fountain, you can use a variety of cheeses, blended with other ingredients such as chicken broth, cream, or milk.

Once you have your ingredients, melt the chocolate or cheese with the oil/cream. This can be done in a microwave, in a fondue pot, or on a stovetop. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from burning. If you are using a cheese fondue fountain, blend the mixture until it is smooth before adding it to the fountain.

After your mixture is melted, pour it into the bowl at the base of the fountain. Turn on the fountain and let it run for a couple of minutes, then turn it off for about 30 seconds to eliminate air gaps. If the chocolate or cheese does not flow smoothly, you may need to add more oil or cream to the mixture. Adjust the fountain speed and temperature so that the fondue flows smoothly and freely but remains thick and rich.

Finally, prepare your dippers. Suitable dippers for chocolate fondue include marshmallows, pretzels, fruit, cakes, cookies, and potato chips. For cheese fondue, suitable dippers include tortilla chips, wings, celery sticks, and popcorn.

Chocolate type

The type of chocolate you use for your fondue fountain is important. You can use chocolate chips meant for baking cookies, but pure chocolate bars are recommended for the best flavour. Chocolate chips don't work as well in fondue as they are not pure chocolate and can harden quickly.

If you want to avoid the addition of oil, you can buy chocolate that is specifically formulated for fountains. This type of chocolate will be more expensive but will save you time. Alternatively, rich couverture chocolate, which is high in cocoa butter, is commonly used to ensure a consistent flow.

If you are using regular chocolate, you will need to add an additive to decrease viscosity and ensure a smooth flow. Vegetable oil is most commonly used for this, but you can also use other neutral-tasting oils such as coconut oil or canola oil. For every cup of chocolate, you will need to add one tablespoon of oil.

You can also use chocolate-flavoured syrup, also called "chocolate coating", which is already in liquid form and costs much less than couverture chocolate. However, this may not be as popular with connoisseurs.

If you want a less sweet fondue, you can use a combination of different types of chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate has the most sugar, so you can balance this out by using a combination of semi-sweet, milk chocolate, and a little bit of bittersweet chocolate.

Heating the chocolate

When heating the chocolate, it is also crucial to avoid any contact with water, as even a few drops can cause the chocolate to seize. Additionally, it is recommended to use oil or cream to thin the chocolate and improve its flow. For oil, a ratio of one tablespoon of coconut oil per cup of chocolate works well and enhances the flavour. If using cream, you can create a ganache by dissolving the chocolate in hot cream, but this may diminish the flavour. Leftover ganache can also be used for glazing cakes or filling chocolate truffles.

It is also important to choose the right type of chocolate for your fondue fountain. Ordinary chocolate cannot be used as it is too thick to flow through the fountain. Instead, opt for chocolate wafers or morsels, which heat more evenly and are less likely to scorch. You can also purchase pre-made fountain chocolate, which is specifically designed to flow smoothly without the need for added oil or cream.

Once the chocolate is melted and ready, it can be poured into the bowl at the base of the fountain. Allow the fountain to run for a couple of minutes, then shut it off for a short time to eliminate air gaps. If the chocolate does not flow smoothly, you can add a small amount of additional oil. Adjust the fountain speed and temperature to achieve the desired flow, ensuring the chocolate remains rich and thick.

Dipping items

When it comes to choosing items to dip in your chocolate fondue fountain, the world is your oyster! There are plenty of sweet and even some savoury options to choose from.

Fresh Fruit

A popular choice for chocolate fondue is fresh fruit. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, watermelon, melon, pear, grapes, apples, cherries, and coconut pieces are all great options.

Dried Fruit

If you're looking for something a little different, dried fruit can also be dipped in chocolate. Try dried apricots, figs, dates, or pineapple.

Baked Goods

Cake and chocolate go hand in hand, so why not try dipping a piece of pound cake, angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, fruit cake, wedding cake, or even cheesecake into your fondue fountain? Cookies are another perfect choice for dipping—shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, vanilla wafers, oatmeal raisin cookies, and ginger snaps are all tasty options.

Sweet Treats

For some extra sweetness, try dipping marshmallows, pretzels, macarons, biscuits, churros, profiteroles, muesli bars, brownies, cream puffs, biscotti, granola bars, or even potato chips into your fondue fountain.

Savoury Foods

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even dip savoury foods into your chocolate fondue fountain. Crisps, croissants, bell peppers, mozzarella sticks, and bacon strips can provide an interesting contrast of flavours.

Extras

For an extra special touch, add some sprinkles or chopped nuts to your dipped treats. You can also add a little liqueur to your chocolate mixture for a boozy twist.

Fountain cleaning

Cleaning your fondue fountain is a very important step in the process of using one. It is important to clean the fountain as soon as possible after use, as the chocolate will harden and make the task much more difficult.

Firstly, turn off the machine and allow it to cool to a comfortable temperature. You want it to be warm enough that the chocolate is still soft, but cool enough to touch. Use a spatula to remove as much of the leftover chocolate as possible. If you are disposing of oil, pour it into a container, seal it, and throw it in the trash. Do not pour oil down the drain as it can cause plumbing problems.

Next, fill the fondue pot with hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Allow the pot to sit for 10 minutes, or for burnt-on food, leave it to soak overnight. Check periodically to see if the food is beginning to loosen. After the fondue pot has soaked, empty it and use a scrub brush to remove any remaining stuck-on food. Wash the entire pot in hot, soapy water, avoiding any harsh materials that could scratch the surface. Rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water, removing all soap residue, and dry it.

If your fondue fountain has dishwasher-proof pieces, clean these in warm soapy water and place them in the dishwasher. Any pieces that cannot be washed in the dishwasher should be scrubbed with a soft sponge and soapy water. The motor and pump are electrical hazards and should never be placed in the dishwasher. Always check your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to clean your fondue fountain.

Frequently asked questions