Chocolate Fondue Fountain: Meltingly Good Fun

Chocolate fountains are a fun and interactive way to serve dessert. They can be used for a variety of occasions, from family gatherings to graduation parties. To make chocolate fondue for a chocolate fountain, you will need chocolate, a liquid such as oil, cream, or milk, and, optionally, flavourings such as vanilla extract or liqueur. The chocolate and liquid are heated and combined, and then transferred to the chocolate fountain, which has been levelled and preheated. A variety of foods can be dipped into the flowing chocolate, including fruit, cake, cookies, and marshmallows.

Choosing the right chocolate

• Type of Chocolate: The type of chocolate you choose will depend on your taste preferences and the desired sweetness of the fondue. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or a combination of both. Dark chocolate will give a richer and deeper flavour, while milk chocolate will make it sweeter. If you're making the fondue for kids, a mixture of semi-sweet and milk chocolate might be a better option as bittersweet chocolate can be too intense for their palates. White chocolate is also an option, but it tends to have a lower fat percentage, so you may need to add extra oil or cream to adjust the consistency.
• Quality of Chocolate: Always opt for high-quality, real chocolate. Look for chocolate bars or baking chocolate over chocolate chips, as chocolate chips don't melt as well and can harden quickly. Choose well-known brands like Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Baker's for better melting and flavour.
• Chocolate Quantity: The amount of chocolate you need will depend on the size of your fountain and the number of guests you're serving. As a general guideline, home fountains typically require at least 3 pounds of chocolate to ensure a continuous flow. For a larger crowd, you may need up to 5 pounds. It's always a good idea to have extra chocolate on hand for refills.
• Chocolate Preparation: Before melting the chocolate, chop it into small, even pieces to ensure uniform melting. You can use a microwave, stovetop, or Instant Pot to melt the chocolate, combining it with cream or oil to achieve the desired consistency. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent scorching and maintain a smooth texture. Be careful to not get any water into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.

Melting the chocolate

Preparation:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a rich and indulgent fondue, use a combination of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate and milk chocolate. You can also add a tablespoon of butter for a more mellow flavour. If you're making a large batch, the general ratio is 20 ounces of chocolate to 1 and 1/4 cups of heavy cream. Adjust the quantities based on the size of your fountain and the number of guests.

Melting Methods:

There are three common methods for melting the chocolate: the microwave method, the stovetop method, and the Instant Pot method.

Microwave Method:

Place the chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl, preferably silicone or glass. Heat the mixture on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir gently. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat on high for 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval. Repeat this process 7 to 8 times. If the chocolate is heating but not melting completely, let it sit in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir again. The entire process should take around 5 minutes, depending on your microwave's power.

Stovetop Method:

This method involves using a double boiler to gently melt the chocolate. Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and place a large glass bowl on top, ensuring that no steam can escape. Add the chocolate and cream to the bowl and stir occasionally. This method takes a bit longer, around 10-15 minutes, but it's a great way to control the temperature and avoid overheating.

Instant Pot Method:

The Instant Pot method is similar to the stovetop method but with a modern twist. Pour 2 cups of water into the Instant Pot liner and place a glass bowl on top, creating a seal so that no steam escapes. Add the chocolate and cream to the bowl and set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' on Normal. The chocolate and cream will gradually melt and combine, which should take about 12-15 minutes. Stir the mixture well to ensure a smooth consistency. Once melted, switch to 'Keep Warm' until you're ready to add the chocolate to your fountain.

Additional Tips:

• Make sure your chocolate is completely smooth before adding it to the fountain. If there are still a few small lumps, let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 seconds, then beat it well until shiny and lump-free.
• If your chocolate seems too thick, you can add more cream or oil, one tablespoon at a time, to thin it out. However, be careful not to add cold cream or oil, as it can cause the chocolate to harden.
• Avoid getting any water into the chocolate, as even a few drops can cause it to seize and change texture.
• If you're using white chocolate, you may need to add extra oil or cream, as it has a lower fat percentage.

By following these steps and adapting them to your chosen melting method, you'll have a perfectly melted chocolate mixture ready for your chocolate fountain!

Adding extra flavours

Alcoholic liqueurs

For a more adult-oriented party, you could add a splash of liqueur to your fondue. Try Grand Marnier for an orange twist, or amaretto for an almond/cherry kick. Alternatively, add a dash of peppermint extract for a refreshing, minty fondue.

Spices

Add a pinch of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate fondue, or a good pinch of espresso powder for an interesting twist. For a fruity chocolate, add some orange zest.

Sweet treats

Try swirling in a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff, or peanut butter, for a fun, streaky effect. Or, melt in some candy bars with nuts or toffee bits for extra flavour and crunch.

Aromatics

For a subtle flavour, steep aromatics in the cream for an hour before making your fondue. Try a bruised lemongrass stalk for white chocolate, or a bag of Earl Grey tea for dark chocolate.

Choosing dippers

Choosing the right dippers for your chocolate fondue fountain is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips and ideas to help you select the perfect dippers:

Variety is the Spice of Life

Offer a variety of dippers to cater to different tastes and preferences. This will make your chocolate fondue fountain more exciting and enjoyable for your guests.

Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits are classic and popular dippers for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, pineapple, apples, and melon are all excellent choices. Make sure the fruits are washed, dried, and cut into bite-sized pieces before serving.

Dried Fruits

In addition to fresh fruits, dried fruits such as dates, apricots, figs, and coconut chunks can also be used as dippers. Just ensure that they are soft enough to be easily pierced with a fondue fork or skewer.

Sweet Treats

Cookies, brownies, cake pops, marshmallows, Rice Krispie treats, and pretzels are all fantastic options for sweet treats to dip into the chocolate. Again, make sure these are bite-sized for easy dipping and consumption.

Gluten-Free and Nut Options

It is important to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or allergies. Offer gluten-free dippers such as gluten-free cookies or sweetbreads, and large nuts like macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, or hazelnuts for those who enjoy them.

Avoid Crumbly or Wet Foods

When selecting dippers, avoid foods that are too wet or crumbly, as they can create a mess and clog your chocolate fountain. Examples include most cakes, watermelon, and powdered doughnuts.

Get Creative

Encourage your guests to get creative with their dippers! Provide a variety of options and let them experiment with different combinations. You can even have a contest for the most unique or delicious dipper creation.

Prepare in Advance

Cut up your dippers into bite-sized pieces ahead of time to simplify the dining experience. This way, your guests can easily dip and pop the treats into their mouths without making a mess.

Use Fondue Forks or Skewers

Provide fondue forks or skewers for your guests to use. This helps prevent double-dipping and keeps the chocolate fondue fountain hygienic and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Keeping the fondue warm

Keeping your chocolate fondue warm is essential to ensure it remains in a dippable state. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Use a fondue pot: This is the most effective way to keep your fondue warm. Electric fondue pots are the easiest to adjust, but metal and ceramic options are also available.
• Small slow cooker: A small slow cooker can be used to keep your fondue warm.
• Stovetop: You can keep your fondue warm by placing the saucepan on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water.
• Tea candle: A tea candle produces less heat than canned Sterno fuel and can be used to keep your fondue warm.
• Sterno fuel: This burns very hot, so keep an eye on it and adjust as needed. Add more cream to the fondue and reheat if it gets too hot.
• Candle warmer: A clean candle warmer can be used to keep your fondue warm.

Remember, chocolate fondue doesn't need to stay super warm to be delicious. Even as it cools, it will remain soft and dippable. Additionally, if your fondue starts to thicken, simply add a tablespoon of heavy cream and stir to thin it out.

Frequently asked questions