Chocolate Fondue: Making It Last

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, but it can be tricky to keep the chocolate from hardening. To make your chocolate fondue last longer, you can try a few different methods. One way is to use a fondue pot or slow cooker to keep the chocolate warm over a low flame or on a warm setting. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a tea candle or canned heat to keep the chocolate melted. You can also rewarm the fondue in the microwave in short bursts or on the stove over low heat. Additionally, adding a little extra cream or milk to the fondue can help to thin it out and make it last longer. With these tips, you can enjoy your chocolate fondue for a longer time!

Using a fondue pot

• Electric fondue pots are easy to adjust and control, making them a popular choice. They are more expensive than other options and require access to an electrical outlet.
• Metal fondue pots are usually made from stainless steel or enameled cast iron. They are sturdy and can be placed directly on the stovetop before being transferred to the table. They tend to be heavy and larger in size.
• Ceramic fondue pots are great at retaining heat and are easy to clean. They come in a range of sizes and some models can be heated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot placed on an oven mitt, a small slow cooker, or a tea candle to keep your fondue warm.

To make your chocolate fondue last longer, you can also adjust the recipe by adding a little more cream to thin out the mixture and prevent it from stiffening too quickly. You can also rewarm and serve your fondue directly in the fondue pot, or gently reheat it in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval.

Choosing the right chocolate

• Opt for high-quality chocolate: Look for premium or high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content and minimal additives. Quality chocolate will ensure a smooth, rich, and consistent texture and a superior taste experience.
• Chocolate bars vs. chocolate chips: Chocolate bars are generally recommended over chocolate chips for fondue. Chocolate chips often don't melt as well and can result in a grainy texture. If you do use chocolate chips, choose a high-end brand like Ghirardelli or Guittard.
• Types of chocolate: You can use a combination of different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate. Experiment with different varieties to find your preferred flavour and texture. If you prefer a darker chocolate fondue, opt for bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate. If you like it sweeter, go for milk chocolate.
• Chocolate brands: Some recommended brands for chocolate fondue include Ghirardelli, Guittard, Baker's, and Dove. These brands are known for their quality and melting capabilities.
• Avoid artificial chocolate: Avoid using artificial chocolate-like products, such as melting wafers, as they won't provide the same flavour and texture as real chocolate.
• Amount of chocolate: The amount of chocolate you need will depend on the size of your fondue pot and the number of people you're serving. A good rule of thumb is to use 10-12 ounces (about 280-340 grams) of chocolate for a standard fondue pot.
• Chopping or melting: Chopping the chocolate into small pieces will help it melt more evenly and quickly. Alternatively, you can use chocolate melting buttons or melts, which are designed to melt smoothly.

Adding extra ingredients

Liquors and Liqueurs

Adding a splash of liquor or liqueur to your fondue can give it a more adult twist. Try Grand Marnier for a hint of orange, or amaretto for a more almond-flavoured fondue. For a more classic route, brandy is always a good option, or you could go for something like Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua.

Spices

Adding spices to your fondue can give it a more complex flavour profile. Cinnamon is a great option, especially if paired with a little ancho chilli pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate spin. A pinch of espresso powder can also add depth to your fondue, or you could try adding some citrus zest like orange or lemon for a fruity twist.

Extracts

Peppermint extract is a great way to add a refreshing flavour to your fondue, and you can also experiment with other extracts like almond, vanilla, or orange.

Peanut Butter

For a truly decadent fondue, try adding some creamy peanut butter. Just make sure to avoid natural peanut butter, as this can affect the texture of your fondue.

White Chocolate

Adding some white chocolate to your fondue can make it even creamier and sweeter. Just be sure to use a high-quality white chocolate to ensure the best flavour and texture.

Keeping the fondue warm

The best way to keep your chocolate fondue warm is to use a fondue pot. These are available in metal, ceramic, and electric varieties. Metal fondue pots are sturdy and can be placed directly on the table without needing to be transferred from the stovetop. Ceramic fondue pots are great for retaining heat and are easy to clean. Electric fondue pots are the safest option and heat up the fastest, but they are also the most expensive. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot placed on an oven mitt, a small slow cooker, or a clean candle warmer.

If you are using a chocolate fountain, follow the manufacturer's directions. For a fondue pot or a slow cooker, make the fondue as instructed, then pour it into your vessel of choice and place it on the keep-warm setting. If you are serving the fondue to a large group, a crockpot is a great option to keep the fondue warm throughout the party.

For a small gathering or family fondue night, you can keep the pot of chocolate on a warm setting on the stove and bring it to the table when ready to serve. The fondue will stay in a silky and pourable state for about 20 minutes off the heat before it thickens, making it perfect for a family dessert.

Another option is to use a small portable burner or a food-warming candle to keep your fondue warm. Individual fondue dishes with a tea light holder are also available and are perfect for avoiding double-dipping.

Dipping ideas

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The key to a successful fondue is to have a variety of dippers or "dip-ables" to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits:

Fresh fruits are a classic and healthy option for dipping in chocolate fondue. Here are some popular choices:

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Pineapple chunks
• Mangoes
• Apples
• Pears
• Cherries
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Clementines/Orange segments
• Dried fruits like apricots, figs, pineapple, or mangoes

Baked Goods:

Chocolate fondue also pairs well with a variety of baked goods. Here are some options:

• Pound cake
• Angel food cake
• Brownies
• Blondies
• Rice Krispie treats
• Marshmallows
• Cookies (Oreos, Nutter Butters, Pirouette cookies, Milanos, Girl Scout Cookies, peanut butter cookies, etc.)
• Biscotti
• Donuts
• Waffles
• Granola bars
• Pretzels
• Potato chips
• Croissants

Other Treats:

For an extra indulgent experience, try dipping some of these treats in your chocolate fondue:

• Marshmallows
• Graham crackers
• Candy bars
• Caramels
• Peanut brittle
• Mini coconut macaroons
• Brownie bites
• Cake pops
• Ladyfingers
• Nilla wafers
• Animal crackers

The possibilities for dipping in chocolate fondue are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. Happy dipping!

Frequently asked questions