Chocolate Fondue Party: A Sweet And Fun Get-Together

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, and it's even better when shared with friends. It's an interactive experience that gets everyone involved, choosing their favourite treats to dip into a pot of rich, melted chocolate. Whether it's for a birthday, a bridal shower, or a romantic meal for two, chocolate fondue is a great way to make your next get-together a little more special. In this discussion, we'll cover everything from choosing the right equipment and ingredients to preparing delicious dippers, so you can host your own chocolate fondue party!

Choosing a fondue pot

There are three main types of fondue pots: metal, ceramic, and electric. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Metal fondue pots are usually made from stainless steel or enameled cast iron. They are sturdy and can be placed directly on the stovetop before being brought to the table. However, they tend to be heavy and larger than other options.

Ceramic fondue pots are great at retaining heat and are easy to clean. They come in a variety of sizes, with some models being microwave-safe and stovetop-safe.

Electric fondue pots are the safest option and heat up the fastest since they don't require an open flame. They are easy to adjust but tend to be more expensive than other options, and you'll need a power outlet nearby.

If you're looking for a more unique option, you could also consider a chocolate fondue fountain. These can be used for chocolate as well as other dips like nacho cheese. Fondue pots can also be found second-hand in thrift or vintage stores at reasonable prices.

When choosing a fondue pot, it's important to consider the number of guests you'll be serving. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the amount of chocolate you'll need, and consider having multiple pots for different types of fondue. Additionally, make sure you have enough fondue forks for everyone, with a few extras in case of any accidents.

Selecting the chocolate

Selecting the right chocolate is crucial to the success of your chocolate fondue party. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Type of Chocolate

The type of chocolate you choose will depend on your taste preferences and the desired intensity of the fondue. Bittersweet or dark chocolate, with a higher percentage of cacao, will give a deeper, more intense chocolate flavour. If you prefer a milder taste, semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate are good options. White chocolate can also be used for a creamy, delicious alternative. You can even mix different types of chocolate to create your own unique flavour.

Quality

It is important to use high-quality chocolate for your fondue. This doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive brand, but choosing a well-known brand with a good reputation will ensure a better-tasting fondue. Avoid using chocolate with a waxy texture, as it may not melt smoothly.

Amount

The amount of chocolate you need will depend on the number of guests you are expecting. As a guide, a pound of chocolate will serve approximately 12 people. However, it is always better to have too much than too little, so consider buying extra chocolate, especially if your guests are likely to be big chocolate lovers!

Add-Ins

You can enhance the flavour of your chocolate fondue by adding a few simple ingredients. A pinch of salt will enhance the flavour of the chocolate, while a small amount of vanilla or peppermint extract will add a subtle twist. For a more grown-up version, try adding a liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto. If you want a spicy kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or chilli powder.

Preparation

When preparing the chocolate for your fondue, it is important to chop it into small, even pieces. This will ensure that it melts smoothly and evenly. If using a whole chocolate bar, a serrated knife will make this task easier. You can also use chocolate chips, which will melt quickly and easily.

Preparing the dippers

Variety is the Spice of Life

Offer a variety of dippers to cater to different tastes and preferences. In addition to the classic strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows, consider expanding your selection to include tropical fruits like pineapple, kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, and mango. Don't forget dried fruits like apricots, figs, dates, and apples, which can be excellent choices for chocolate fondue as well.

Cookies, Cakes, and More

Cookies are a perfect answer to the question of what to dip in chocolate fondue. Shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and even fortune cookies will all taste delicious coated in chocolate. Cakes also pair well with chocolate; consider cubed angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, or even cheesecake for a decadent treat.

Breads and Baked Goods

Sweetbreads, such as raisin bread, date bread, banana bread, and pumpkin bread, are unique options that will impress your guests. Cinnamon rolls, cut into bite-sized pieces, can also be a delightful addition to your spread.

Berries and Other Fruits

Berries are a popular choice for chocolate fondue, and you can never go wrong with strawberries. However, feel free to mix it up with raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or even more exotic options like marionberries and boysenberries. Apples, oranges, cherries, grapes, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon also pair well with chocolate.

Crunch and Sprinkles

For a textural contrast, offer salty pretzels or sprinkle toasted coconut, slivered almonds, or crushed hazelnuts on your dipped treats. For an extra touch of fun, provide different types of sprinkles to decorate the dipped items.

Preparation is Key

Remember to cut everything into bite-sized pieces ahead of time. This will simplify the dining experience and prevent any flimsy items from creating a mess. Place the dippers on platters for easy access, and have a few small tongs available for your guests.

Setting the table

Table Cover and Decorations:

It's a good idea to use a table cover or tablecloth that is dark in colour, preferably something inexpensive like burlap or dark cotton. This is because chocolate fondue can be a messy affair, and you don't want stains on your nice tablecloth! You can also get creative with DIY party decor. Try using wrapping paper as a table runner and making tissue paper flowers for a festive touch. Just remember that the table will likely get messy, so don't go overboard with the decorations.

Fondue Pot and Fuel Source:

The fondue pot is the star of the show. If you have a dedicated fondue pot, great! If not, a regular pot will do. Just place it on an oven mitt to protect your table from the heat. You can use a tea candle or canned Sterno fuel to keep the chocolate warm, but be careful as they can get very hot. An electric fondue pot is a safer option and heats up quickly, but you'll need an outlet nearby.

Dippers and Serving Platters:

Arrange a variety of dippers on platters or plates around the chocolate pot. Cut up your chosen dippers into bite-sized pieces ahead of time to make dipping easier. Fruits like strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and oranges are excellent options. You can also offer cookies, brownies, cake cubes, marshmallows, and pretzels. Don't forget to provide fondue forks, bamboo skewers, or other suitable utensils for your guests to use.

Additional Items:

Have some small tongs handy on the platters for guests to pick up the dippers. You may also want to provide small plates or bowls for guests to place their dipped treats on before eating. If you're serving multiple types of fondue, consider using dishes with handles so they can be easily passed around.

Melting the chocolate

First, prepare your equipment. You will need a heat source, such as a stove or hot plate, and a pot or bowl to melt the chocolate in. If you are using a stove, choose a pot that is small enough to fit comfortably on the burner. For a double boiler, you will need a saucepan and a heat-safe bowl that fits snugly on top. The bowl should be made of glass or metal. You will also need a fondue pot or a serving bowl to transfer the melted chocolate to.

Next, gather your ingredients. The basic ingredients for chocolate fondue are chocolate and milk or heavy cream. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference. Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces to ensure even melting. If you want to add flavourings such as vanilla or peppermint extract, have those ready as well.

Now you are ready to start melting the chocolate. If using a stove, simply place the chocolate and cream in the pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. If using a double boiler, fill the saucepan with water and bring it to a low boil. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and place the bowl with the chocolate and cream on top. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Once the chocolate is melted, you can add any desired flavourings and stir to combine. Carefully transfer the chocolate mixture to your fondue pot or serving bowl. If using a fondue pot, light the flame underneath to keep the chocolate warm. If using a regular bowl, you can place it on an oven mitt or a tea candle to keep it warm.

Finally, it's time to dip! Arrange your chosen dippers, such as fruit, cake, or marshmallows, on a platter and let your guests enjoy. If the fondue starts to stiffen, you can add a small amount of hot cream and stir to thin it out.

Frequently asked questions