Warm Chocolate Fondue: Keeping The Sweet Delight Perfectly Melted

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, but it's important to keep the chocolate warm and melted so that it's ready for dipping. There are several ways to do this, depending on what equipment you have available. If you have a fondue pot, you can keep the chocolate warm by placing it on a warm setting on the stove or using a small portable burner or food-warming candle. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a slow cooker or crockpot, which will keep the fondue warm throughout your party. Alternatively, you can use a regular pot placed on an oven mitt, or heat the chocolate in a double boiler. To prevent the chocolate from burning, it's important to maintain a low heat and stir occasionally.

Using a crockpot to keep fondue warm

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Plug in your crockpot, also known as a slow cooker, and set it to the "warm" or "low" setting. This will ensure that your fondue stays at a gentle heat, preventing it from burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather your fondue ingredients. For chocolate fondue, you will need chocolate (chopped or chips), heavy cream or milk, and any desired flavourings such as vanilla or peppermint extract. For cheese fondue, you will need grated or shredded cheese (such as Swiss, Gruyere, or cheddar), wine or beer, cornstarch, and any desired spices or seasonings.

Step 3: Heat the Liquid

Place your liquid ingredients, such as wine, milk, or cream, in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat. If making chocolate fondue, you can add your chocolate directly to these ingredients and melt it gently, stirring occasionally. If making cheese fondue, you will first want to heat the liquid with crushed garlic and any desired spices, then pour it over the cheese in the crockpot.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place the processed cheese in the crockpot and cover with a lid to retain the heat. If making chocolate fondue, you can add your chocolate directly to the saucepan with the liquid ingredients. Once the chocolate is melted and combined, pour the mixture into the crockpot.

Step 5: Whisk and Serve

Use a whisk to combine the cheese and wine mixture in the crockpot. It may take a few minutes for the cheese to fully incorporate, and you may need to adjust the heat to "high" for a few minutes to ensure a smooth consistency. Once the fondue is smooth and creamy, it's ready to serve!

Step 6: Dipping and Storage

Serve your fondue with an assortment of dippers such as bread cubes, fruit, vegetables, or pretzels. Leftover fondue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid separation or burning. You can also add a small amount of wine or milk to restore creaminess.

Using a candle warmer or tea light

First, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You'll need a fondue pot or heat-safe dish that can sit above the candle or tea light. You can use a tea light candle or two, depending on the size of your pot and the amount of chocolate you're melting. If using tea lights, you may want to use a holder or small plate to place them on for safety. You can also use a food-warming candle, which is designed specifically for this purpose. These candles produce a gentle heat, so they're perfect for keeping your fondue warm without overheating it.

If you're using a candle warmer, simply place your fondue pot or dish on top of the warmer. The warmer will gently heat the pot and keep the chocolate melted.

If you're using tea lights or food-warming candles, you'll need to set up a small stand or trivet to hold your fondue pot above the candles. This will ensure that the chocolate doesn't get too hot and burn. Place the candles in a holder or on a small plate, then place the stand or trivet over the candles. Finally, place your fondue pot on top of the stand.

The number of tea lights or food-warming candles you use will depend on the size of your pot and the amount of chocolate you're melting. For a small pot, one or two tea lights may be enough. For a larger pot or a greater quantity of chocolate, you may need three or four tea lights.

It's important to keep an eye on your fondue while it's warming. If it starts to get too hot, you can remove the stand or trivet and place it back on the table, away from the heat source. You can also blow out some of the tea lights to reduce the heat. If your fondue starts to thicken, simply add a small amount of cream and stir to thin it out again.

Keeping the fondue on a warm stove setting

Firstly, it is important to use a suitable pot for your fondue. A fondue pot is ideal, as it can be placed directly on the stove and then brought to the table. Metal fondue pots, usually made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron, are a good option as they are sturdy and can handle the heat. However, if you don't have a fondue pot, a regular pot will also work.

When preparing your chocolate fondue, combine your chocolate with other ingredients such as cream, milk, or butter, and heat them together on low heat. It is crucial not to let the mixture come to a simmer or boil, as this can scorch the chocolate and affect its texture. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even melting. Once the chocolate is fully melted, you can stir in any additional flavourings, such as vanilla extract.

To keep your fondue warm on the stove, simply adjust the stove to a low or warm setting. This will ensure that your fondue stays at a suitable temperature without burning. If you are using a regular pot, you can place it on an oven mitt on the table to protect the surface and maintain the heat.

If your fondue starts to stiffen, you can add a small amount of cream or milk to thin it out and adjust the consistency. Keep in mind that chocolate fondue doesn't need to be extremely warm to be enjoyable, and even as it cools, it will remain soft and dippable. However, if it cools down too much, you can always return it to the stove and gently reheat it, stirring occasionally.

Additionally, if you're serving the fondue directly from the pot, it's a good idea to have all your dippers prepared in advance so that you can enjoy the fondue while it's warm.

Using canned heat like Sterno

Canned heat, like Sterno, is a great option for keeping your chocolate fondue warm. Sterno is a brand name for fuel that comes in a container. It is a convenient and easy-to-use option for fuel. Here are some tips for using Sterno to keep your chocolate fondue warm:

• Place the Sterno under your fondue pot and light it. Ensure that you follow the safety instructions provided with your Sterno fuel.
• Keep an eye on the temperature of your fondue. Sterno can burn very hot, so adjust the flame or turn it off if it gets too hot.
• If your fondue starts to stiffen, add a little more cream to the mixture and place the Sterno back under the pot for a minute or two to warm it up again.
• Be mindful of the size of the Sterno can you are using. Some are taller than others, and this can affect the distance between the flame and the pot.
• Adjust the distance between the Sterno and the pot by raising or lowering the pot accordingly.
• If needed, adjust the vents on the Sterno can to control the flame and temperature. Closing the vents will result in a less hot fire.
• If possible, place a bowl of water between the Sterno and the pot. The steam will help keep the fondue warm without overheating it.

Reheating fondue in the microwave

• Place your leftover fondue in a microwave-safe bowl or container. If it has thickened, you can add a splash of milk or cream to adjust the consistency.
• Microwave the fondue in short bursts of 15-30 seconds, stirring after each interval. Fold and mix the fondue to ensure a smooth and creamy texture without any lumps.
• Continue reheating in short bursts until the fondue is heated through and has a smooth consistency. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the fondue to burn or separate.
• Enjoy your warm, gooey chocolate fondue immediately!

Microwaving is a convenient method to reheat your fondue, but it is important to monitor the temperature and texture closely to avoid overheating. If you have the time and want more control over the reheating process, you can also use a double boiler or a stovetop.

Frequently asked questions