Chocolate Fondue: The Ultimate Dipper's Guide

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make at home. It's a great way to get creative and is perfect for sharing with family and friends. The basic recipe is simple: just melt some chocolate with cream, and you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to taste. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, from milk to dark, and even add a little peanut butter or marshmallow fluff for a unique flavour.

Once you've made your fondue, the fun part begins—deciding what to dip in it! Anything goes, from fresh fruit to cookies, pretzels, and even potato chips. So get your favourite chocolate, grab some cream, and let's get dipping!

Choosing your chocolate

Choosing the right chocolate for your fondue is essential to getting the right flavour and texture. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, but it's best not to mix all three. You can also add some candy bars for extra flavour, such as Toberlone or Symphony bars, or even candy bars with nuts or toffee bits for some extra crunch.

When it comes to the type of chocolate, it's best to avoid chocolate chips as they don't melt as well and can make the fondue grainy. Instead, opt for bars of chocolate, which melt better and don't harden as quickly. Look for high-quality chocolate, preferably not a store brand, such as Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Dove. If you're making a large batch, you might want to use a combination of milk, dark, and white chocolate to create a perfect balance of flavours that isn't too sweet or bitter.

If you want to add a twist to your fondue, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as bittersweet or semisweet, or even white chocolate with a touch of liquor or citrus zest. You can also add extracts like orange, peppermint, almond, or vanilla to give it a unique flavour. Just remember, the quality of the chocolate is crucial, so don't skimp on this ingredient!

Preparing your fruit

Fruit is a popular choice to dip in chocolate fondue. Here are some tips to prepare your fruit:

• Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, pears, apples, and oranges are all great options for fruit to dip in chocolate fondue.
• Cut your fruit into bite-sized pieces or chunks. For bananas, cut them into 1-inch chunks. For oranges, separate them into wedges.
• If you want to use dried fruit, such as apricots, mango, papaya, or figs, make sure they are soft and pliable.
• You can also use canned fruit, such as pineapple chunks or peach slices. Drain the syrup and pat the fruit dry before dipping.
• If you want to use fresh fruit, choose fruits that are in season and ripe but still firm. This will help them hold their shape after being dipped in the fondue.
• Wash and dry your fruit before cutting it. This will help remove any dirt or residue that could prevent the chocolate from adhering to the fruit.
• If you are using fruit with a peel, such as oranges or kiwis, you can leave the peel on or remove it, depending on your preference.
• To make it easier for your guests to pick up the fruit, you can skewer the fruit pieces onto wooden skewers or fondue forks before serving.
• If you are using fruit that tends to brown quickly, such as apples or pears, you can toss the cut fruit with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
• If you want to get creative, you can even dip your fruit in other toppings before dipping it in the chocolate. For example, you could roll strawberries in crushed nuts or coconut flakes before dipping them in the fondue.

Melting your chocolate

Firstly, it is important to select the right type of chocolate. Opt for a good quality, high-end brand of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars. Some recommended brands include Ghirardelli, Guittard, and Dove. Avoid using store brands or low-quality chocolate, as they may not melt well and can affect the taste of your fondue.

Next, prepare your equipment. You can use a fondue pot, a saucepan, or a stovetop-proof pot. If using a fondue pot, ensure it is stovetop-proof and has a low heat setting. If using a saucepan, choose a medium-sized pot or a large saucepan. Additionally, you will need a whisk or a spatula for stirring.

Now, it's time to melt the chocolate! Combine your chocolate of choice with heavy whipping cream or whole milk in your chosen pot or saucepan. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-low. If using a fondue pot, ensure the heat setting is low. Heat the mixture until the chocolate begins to melt, stirring constantly with your whisk or spatula. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as this can affect the texture and scorch the chocolate.

Once the chocolate has completely melted, continue to stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent scorching. At this point, you can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.

Finally, you can add any additional ingredients or flavours to your melted chocolate. This could include a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon, or even a liqueur such as Bailey's Irish Cream or Amaretto. Simply stir your desired ingredients into the melted chocolate until they are fully incorporated.

And there you have it! Your chocolate is now melted and ready to be transferred to your fondue pot or slow cooker to keep warm while serving. Remember to prepare your dippers beforehand, and you're all set for a delicious chocolate fondue experience!

Adding extra flavours

Marshmallow Fondue

Add a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff into the chocolate fondue and swirl it around. For a prettier presentation, leave streaks of marshmallow by avoiding stirring it fully into the chocolate.

Peanut Butter Fondue

Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to your chocolate fondue and swirl to combine. Again, leave streaks of peanut butter visible for a more appealing presentation.

Peppermint Chocolate Fondue

Add some peppermint extract to your fondue for a refreshing and festive twist. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase the amount according to your taste preference.

Cinnamon and Chilli

Add a touch of cinnamon and chilli to your chocolate fondue for a Mexican-inspired treat. This combination will create a delightful contrast of sweet and spicy flavours.

Alcoholic Twist

Spike your chocolate fondue with a dash of liquor for a more grown-up version. Try Amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream for a rich and indulgent flavour.

Zesty Citrus

Add a burst of freshness to your fondue by incorporating some citrus zest. Orange zest will create a bright and slightly fruity flavour that will complement the chocolate beautifully.

Steeping Aromatics

For a subtle and sophisticated flavour, try steeping aromatics in the cream before adding it to the chocolate. Bruise a lemongrass stalk for white chocolate or use a bag of Earl Grey tea for dark chocolate.

Dipping your treats

Now for the fun part: dipping your treats!

Chocolate fondue is a great way to end a romantic meal or a fun way to get your family or guests gathered around the table. The options for what to dip are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruit is a popular choice for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, mango, papaya, orange segments, pears, apples, and dried fruit such as apricots, mango, and papaya all work well. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try dipping blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries.

If you want a salty-sweet combination, try dipping potato chips and pretzels. For a more classic sweet treat, try marshmallows, brownies, pound cake, ladyfingers, Rice Krispies treats, Oreos, Nilla wafers, or other cookies.

You could also dip crystallised ginger, graham crackers, or even cheesecake. If you're serving the fondue to children, get them involved by making Rice Krispies treats for them to dip.

If you want to add extra flavour to your fondue, try adding a twist with some peppermint extract, cinnamon and chilli for a Mexican spin, or a splash of alcohol for a more grown-up version.

Frequently asked questions