Melting Chocolate Chips: The Ultimate Fondue Guide

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make. It's a great way to make dessert more interactive, as everyone can choose what they want to dip into the chocolate. While chocolate fondue is usually made with chopped chocolate, it can also be made with chocolate chips. However, not all chocolate chips melt well, so it's important to choose a good quality brand. To make chocolate fondue, simply melt the chocolate chips with a small amount of milk or cream, and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Be careful not to let the mixture come to a simmer or boil, as this can ruin the texture. Serve with your choice of dippers, such as fruit, cake, cookies, or marshmallows.

Choosing the right chocolate

When selecting chocolate, it is essential to consider the type of chocolate and the desired flavour profile. For a deep chocolate flavour, opt for bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cacao. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or a combination of bittersweet and high-quality milk chocolate. Creating a mix of chocolates can add depth to your fondue.

Additionally, the quality of the chocolate is vital. Choose premium or good-quality chocolate to ensure a smooth and decadent fondue. Avoid artificial chocolate-like melting wafers, as they may not produce the desired results.

Experimenting with different types of chocolate and brands can help you find your preferred combination for the perfect chocolate fondue experience.

Melting the chocolate

Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of chocolate. High-quality chocolate bars are recommended over chocolate chips, as they melt better and have a superior flavour. If you do use chocolate chips, opt for a higher-end brand like Ghirardelli or Guittard. Combining different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet and milk chocolate, can result in a richer, deeper flavour.

Now, for the melting process:

• Combine your chosen chocolate with milk or cream in a small bowl. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
• Melt the chocolate gently. This can be done in a double boiler (a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water) or in the microwave on medium power for about 2 minutes. Stir the mixture until it is completely smooth.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk or cream a little at a time and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
• Remove the mixture from the heat.
• Stir in additional ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or chilli powder to enhance the flavour. You can also add a tablespoon of peanut butter or marshmallow fluff for a unique twist.
• Transfer the melted chocolate to a fondue pot and keep it warm over low heat. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a small slow cooker, a tea candle, or a regular pot with an oven mitt to protect your table.

Remember, when melting chocolate, avoid letting it come to a simmer or boil, as this can ruin the texture and cause it to become grainy. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally for the best results.

Adding extra ingredients

There are many ways to add extra ingredients to a chocolate fondue and make it your own. Here are some ideas:

Types of Chocolate

Firstly, you can experiment with different types of chocolate. While most recipes call for semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, you can also use milk chocolate or a combination of different chocolates to create a creamier, lighter version. White chocolate is also an option and can be spiked with liquor or citrus zest. If you want to add a twist to your fondue, you can try using chocolate with added flavours, such as cinnamon bears or orange chocolate.

Liquors and Extracts

Adding a small amount of liquor or extract can also enhance the flavour of your fondue. Suitable liquors include orange liqueur, amaretto, or coffee liqueur, while extracts such as peppermint or orange can also be used.

Dippers

The options for dippers are endless, and you can get creative with both sweet and savoury options. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, and pineapple, is a classic choice, but you can also try dried fruit, cookies, brownies, marshmallows, or even savoury options like pretzels, bacon, or potato chips.

Spices and Seasonings

To add extra flavour to your fondue, you can experiment with spices and seasonings. A pinch of espresso powder, cinnamon, or ancho chile pepper can enhance the flavour of the chocolate, while orange zest can add a fruity twist.

Aromatics

For a more subtle flavour, you can steep aromatics in the cream before adding it to the chocolate. For example, a bruised lemongrass stalk can be used for white chocolate, while a bag of Earl Grey tea can be used for dark chocolate.

Dipping foods

Chocolate fondue is a versatile treat, and the options for what to dip into it are endless. Here are some ideas for dipping foods to accompany your chocolate fondue:

Fruits

Fruits are the obvious place to start. Strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges, pineapple, and kiwi all go well with chocolate fondue. Dried fruits such as apricots, mangoes, and papayas also work well. If you want to get creative, you can try dipping fruits like peaches, plums, or pears. Preparing the fruits by washing them and cutting them into bite-sized pieces is essential.

Pastries and Cookies

Waffles, pancakes, churros, doughnuts, croissants, brownies, and marshmallows are all delicious options for dipping into chocolate fondue. Small cookies or cookie pieces, such as Oreos, shortbread, gingerbread, and ladyfingers, are also great choices.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, and macadamias are perfect for dipping into chocolate fondue. Toasting the nuts slightly can add a nice crunch and enhance their flavour.

Savouries

For those who enjoy a mix of sweet and salty, pretzels, potato crisps, and even bacon strips can be dipped into chocolate fondue. Ruffles chips, in particular, are a popular choice for a sweet and savoury combination.

Cakes and Sweets

Pound cake, sponge cake, angel food cake, brownies, fudge, rice krispie treats, and Turkish delight are all delicious options for dipping. Cheesecake bites, frozen beforehand, can also be a unique and tasty addition.

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

Reheating and storing

Chocolate fondue can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stove. If using a microwave, reheat at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring frequently until warmed through. If using a stove, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also reheat fondue in a slow cooker on low heat, stirring frequently, and then turn it to the warm setting.

If you want to freeze your chocolate fondue, pour it into an airtight, freezer-safe container and let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer for up to one month. When you're ready to use it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it gently using the methods mentioned above.

Fondue can be kept warm in a fondue pot, a small slow cooker, or a clean candle warmer. If using a fondue pot, a tea candle or Sterno fuel can be used to keep the chocolate warm. However, keep an eye on the heat source as it can burn very hot and may need to be adjusted or partially covered.

Frequently asked questions