Chocolate Fondue: Fruit Dipped In Decadence

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make for any occasion, whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a party. It's an interactive dessert that allows everyone to choose their favourite dippers, from fruit to cake to marshmallows. The basic recipe for chocolate fondue is simple and only requires a few ingredients: chocolate, cream, and a pinch of salt. You can add extra flavours to the chocolate, such as peppermint extract, cinnamon, or liquor. While a fondue pot is ideal for keeping the chocolate warm, it's not necessary, and a regular pot or slow cooker will also work. The key to success is to use high-quality chocolate and avoid getting any water in the chocolate, as this will cause it to seize up.

Choosing your chocolate

Choosing the right chocolate for your fondue is crucial to its success. The chocolate you choose will determine the flavour and texture of your fondue, so it's worth considering the options carefully.

Firstly, it's important to opt for a good-quality chocolate. While this may be more expensive, it will pay off in terms of flavour and how well it melts. Look for chocolate bars with ingredients you can pronounce, and avoid store-brand chocolate. Some recommended brands include Godiva, Guittard, Dove, Ghirardelli, and Hershey.

You can use any type of chocolate you like, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or bittersweet chocolate. It's up to you whether you prefer your fondue to be sweeter or more bitter, but a combination of different chocolates can create a perfect balance. For a deep chocolate flavour, use bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cacao, or substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you want to make a white chocolate fondue, substitute a pound of high-quality white chocolate chips or baking chocolate.

You can also add extra ingredients to your chocolate fondue to enhance the flavour. For a more grown-up version, try adding a liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, or a spirit like whiskey or brandy. For a Mexican twist, add cinnamon and chilli, or a pinch of espresso powder for a kick. If you're making your fondue for a special occasion, a little orange zest or citrus can create a fruity flavour, while peppermint extract adds a cool, refreshing note.

Finally, consider the quantity of chocolate you will need. As a guide, a combination of 8 ounces of dark chocolate and 8 ounces of milk chocolate should be enough to make about 4 cups of fondue, which is enough for 16 servings of a quarter of a cup each.

Selecting your fruit

Variety of Fruits:

Offer a variety of fruits to your guests to cater to different tastes and create a visually appealing platter. Popular options include strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, oranges, pears, and kiwis.

Freshness:

Always choose fresh, ripe fruits that are in season. Look for fruits with bright, vibrant colours and avoid those with bruises or blemishes. Fresh fruits will not only taste better but also provide a better texture contrast when dipped in chocolate.

Preparation:

Wash and dry the fruits thoroughly before cutting them into bite-sized pieces or slices. Make sure the pieces are not too small, as you want to ensure they are easy to dip and won't fall off the skewers.

Soaking Fruits:

Some fruits, like pineapple, can be soaked in a sugar syrup or juice for a few minutes before serving to enhance their sweetness and make them even more delicious when paired with chocolate.

Dried Fruits:

In addition to fresh fruits, consider including dried fruits such as apricots, mangoes, papaya, pineapple, or Bing cherries. Dried fruits can add a nice chewy texture to the fondue experience and are especially good when paired with chocolate.

Presentation:

Arrange the fruits attractively on a platter or plate. You can group similar fruits together or create a colourful pattern. Garnish with mint leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Remember, the key to a successful chocolate fondue is providing a variety of fruits that will appeal to different tastes and textures. By offering a well-presented selection of fresh and dried fruits, you'll create a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Preparing your fondue pot

There are several types of fondue pots to choose from, including metal, ceramic, and electric. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot placed on an oven mitt, a small crockpot, or a clean candle warmer. If you're serving a large group, you might want to use a chocolate fountain.

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

Ceramic fondue pots are great for retaining heat and are easy to clean. They come in a variety of sizes and some models can be used on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Electric fondue pots are safer and heat up faster since they don't use an open flame. They are easy to adjust but tend to be more expensive, and you'll need an outlet nearby to plug them in.

If you're using a fondue pot with a burner, you can use a tea light or canned Sterno fuel to heat the pot. Tea lights produce less heat than Sterno fuel, so you may need to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust accordingly.

When preparing your fondue pot, make sure all the utensils and the pot are completely dry before adding the chocolate. Water can cause the chocolate to seize up and ruin it.

Melting your chocolate

Melting chocolate is a delicate process, and it's important to take your time to ensure a smooth and creamy result. Here are some detailed instructions on how to melt chocolate for a fruit fondue:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chocolate, of course, and there are a few different types that you can use. Some recipes suggest using a combination of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate to create a perfect balance of flavours. Others recommend using semi-sweet chocolate or bittersweet chocolate for a deeper, more intense chocolate fondue. It's best to use high-quality chocolate bars or chips, as this will impact the flavour and texture of your fondue.

Next, prepare your equipment. You can use a fondue pot, a saucepan, or a double boiler (a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water). If you're using a fondue pot, make sure it's heated at a low temperature or with a low flame. If you're using a saucepan, opt for a medium-sized one.

Now, it's time to melt the chocolate. If you're using a fondue pot or a saucepan, simply add the chocolate and start stirring. If you're using a double boiler, place the chocolate in the top bowl and stir until it's melted. Be careful not to let the water touch the bowl or the chocolate, as this can cause the chocolate to seize up. Keep the heat at a medium-low temperature and avoid boiling the chocolate, as this can affect its texture.

Once the chocolate has started to melt, you can add other ingredients to enhance the flavour. Some recipes suggest adding a pinch of salt, while others recommend adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavour. You can also get creative and add extracts like mint, peppermint, almond, or orange. Continue whisking until the chocolate is completely smooth and all the ingredients are incorporated.

Finally, transfer the melted chocolate to your fondue pot or serving dish. If using a fondue pot, keep it heated at a low temperature to maintain a warm and creamy fondue. If you're serving it directly from a saucepan, place it on a trivet or an oven mitt on the table to protect the surface from the heat.

Your chocolate fondue is now ready to be served with your favourite fruit dippers!

Adding extra flavours

You can also add a pinch of salt, a good pinch of espresso powder, or orange zest to create a slightly fruity chocolate. For a Mexican hot chocolate spin, add 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper. For a grown-up version, add Amaretto or Bailey's Irish cream, or a high-quality liqueur such as Grand Marnier (orange liqueur) or amaretto (almond/cherry flavour).

For a peanut butter fondue, add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter and swirl it around, leaving streaks of peanut butter visible. For a marshmallow fondue, add a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff and swirl without fully incorporating.

If you want to add an extra flavour to your fondue, you can try creamy peanut butter, Nutella, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish cream, brandy, whiskey, or extracts such as mint, peppermint, almond, vanilla, or orange.

Frequently asked questions