Electric Chocolate Fondue: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Treat

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, and it can be made in an electric fondue pot. Electric fondue pots are one of the safest and fastest ways to make fondue as they don't require an open flame. They are easy to adjust, but they are also more expensive than other options, and you'll need an outlet nearby to plug it in. To make chocolate fondue, you'll need chocolate, cream, and a pinch of salt. You can also add extra flavours such as peppermint extract, cinnamon, or liqueur. Simply melt the chocolate and cream together, stirring until smooth, and then transfer the mixture to your electric fondue pot to keep it warm. Serve with your choice of dippers, such as fruit, cake, or marshmallows.

Choosing an electric fondue pot

Electric fondue pots are a convenient choice for making chocolate fondue, offering easy temperature control and quick heating. When choosing an electric fondue pot, there are several factors to consider, such as size, temperature control, safety, and additional features. Here are some tips to help you select the right electric fondue pot for your needs:

• Size: Consider the size of the pot based on your intended usage. Smaller pots with a capacity of 1-1.5 quarts are great for couples or appetizers, while larger pots of 3 quarts or more are ideal for hosting fondue parties or larger groups.
• Temperature Control: Look for a pot with adjustable temperature settings. This feature will enable you to melt chocolate at a higher temperature and then reduce the heat to prevent scorching as the volume in the pot decreases.
• Safety: Opt for a fondue pot with safety features such as cool-touch handles and a breakaway magnetic power cord. These features will help prevent accidents and spills.
• Forks and Accessories: Choose a set that includes a sufficient number of color-coded forks for your guests. Some pots also come with additional accessories like fork rings, serving cups, or stands.
• Ease of Cleaning: Look for non-stick coatings or dishwasher-safe options to make cleaning more manageable.
• Brand and Price: Well-known brands like Cuisinart and All-Clad offer reliable products but tend to be more expensive. If you're on a budget, consider more affordable options like the Nostalgia Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot.

Melting the chocolate

To begin, it's important to select a suitable chocolate for your fondue. You can use chopped chocolate bars or good-quality chocolate chips. If you're particular about brands, Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chips are excellent choices. Alternatively, you can opt for chocolate baking bars, usually found in the baking aisle.

Now, let's get started with the melting process:

• Combine the chocolate with other ingredients: In a saucepan or a stovetop-proof fondue pot, mix the chocolate with milk, cream, or a combination of both. You can also add a small amount of butter at this stage for a more mellow chocolate flavor.
• Heat the mixture: Place the pot over low heat and stir occasionally. It's important not to let the mixture come to a simmer or boil, as this can cause the chocolate to scorch and become grainy. Instead, heat it gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
• Add flavorings: Once the chocolate is melted, remove the pot from the heat. This is the time to add any desired flavorings, such as vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or a liqueur like Grand Marnier or amaretto for an adult twist. You can also experiment with extracts like orange or peppermint to give your fondue a unique twist. Stir well to combine.
• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thinner fondue, simply whisk in additional cream or milk gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
• Transfer to a fondue pot: If using an electric fondue pot, transfer the melted chocolate mixture into it. You can then heat the fondue pot using the appropriate fuel or setting to keep the chocolate warm and melted during serving.

Remember, melting chocolate requires patience and gentle heat. Keep the heat low and stir frequently to ensure a smooth and luscious chocolate fondue. Enjoy your chocolate fondue with your favorite dippers, such as fruits, cookies, or marshmallows!

Adding extra flavours

There are many ways to add extra flavours to your chocolate fondue. Firstly, you can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour of the chocolate. You can also add a 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate spin. A good pinch of espresso powder can also enhance the flavour of your fondue.

If you want to add a fruity twist to your chocolate fondue, you can add orange zest, or steep aromatics such as a bruised lemongrass stalk in the cream for an hour beforehand. You can also add peppermint extract to make a peppermint chocolate fondue. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase according to taste.

For a more adult version, you can add a liqueur such as Amaretto or Bailey's Irish cream, or Grand Marnier (orange liqueur).

Choosing dippers

Choosing the right dippers for your chocolate fondue is essential to elevate your dessert experience. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fruits are the classic go-to for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges, and pineapple are popular choices. If you want to get creative, try kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, fresh coconut chunks, mangoes, cherries, seedless grapes, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon. Dried fruits like apricots, figs, dates, and apples also work well.

Baked Goods

Baked goods are excellent options for dipping into chocolate. Cut them into bite-sized pieces or cubes for easy dipping. Try pound cake, angel food cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, or cheesecake. For cookies, consider shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, or ginger snaps.

Sweet Treats

Marshmallows are a perfect match for chocolate fondue. Large marshmallows are easier to dip than mini ones. Other sweet treats to consider are pretzels, waffles, donuts, graham crackers, and biscotti.

Savory Options

While chocolate fondue is typically a sweet affair, don't be afraid to experiment with savory options. Potato chips, for instance, can be a surprisingly tasty choice. Pretzels offer a nice mix of sweet and salty, especially when paired with chocolate.

Nuts and Toppings

Nuts provide a crunchy texture and a boost of flavor to your fondue. Try larger nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or peanuts that are easier to skewer. You can also dip your fruit or baked goods in chocolate and then roll them in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or toasted coconut for an extra indulgent treat.

Keeping the fondue warm

Keeping your chocolate fondue warm is essential to the success of your dessert. If you're using an electric fondue pot, you're already on the right track as these are the easiest to adjust and will keep your fondue warm for the longest time.

If you don't have an electric fondue pot, there are a few other ways to keep your chocolate fondue warm. One option is to use a tea candle, which produces less heat than canned Sterno fuel. However, you'll need to keep an eye on it as it can burn very hot. Another option is to use a small crockpot or a clean candle warmer to keep your fondue warm.

If you're using a regular pot, simply place an oven mitt on the table and put the hot pot of melted chocolate on top. If the chocolate starts to stiffen, return it to the stove and stir in some hot cream. Alternatively, you can keep the fondue in the same saucepan and place it on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to stir the fondue occasionally to prevent it from scorching and keep it on low heat to maintain its smooth consistency.

Frequently asked questions