Swiss Chocolate Fondue: Meltingly Delicious Indulgence

Swiss chocolate fondue is a fun activity for family and friends. It was invented by Konrad Egli, a Swiss restaurateur in the mid-1960s as part of a promotion for Toblerone chocolate. The process is deceptively simple: melt chocolate in a double boiler, add cream, butter, and salt, and stir until thickened. Transfer to a fondue pot and dip away! Suggested dippers include angel food cake, pound cake, fruit, and marshmallows. For adults, you can add a little liqueur to the fondue for an extra kick.

Choosing the right chocolate

Swiss chocolate fondue is a delightful way to combine two of Switzerland's most famous offerings: fondue and chocolate. While dessert fondues are a relatively modern invention, they are a fun and delicious way to end a meal.

When it comes to choosing the right chocolate for your Swiss chocolate fondue, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, the type of chocolate you select will depend on your personal preference, as both dark and milk chocolate are commonly used in Swiss chocolate fondue recipes. If you prefer a richer, more intense chocolate flavour, dark chocolate is the way to go. However, if you're looking for something sweeter and milder, milk chocolate is the ideal choice.

It's worth noting that the quality of the chocolate you choose will significantly impact the overall taste of your fondue. Opt for high-quality chocolate, preferably from a reputable brand known for its smooth and creamy texture. Some popular options include Guittard, Ghirardelli, Callebaut, Cailler, and Lindt. These brands are known for their exquisite chocolate creations and use only the finest ingredients, ensuring a superior taste experience.

Another aspect to consider is the form of the chocolate. Chocolate bars or blocks are typically broken into small pieces before being melted. Alternatively, you can use chocolate chips or grated chocolate, which will melt more quickly and evenly. If you're feeling creative, you can even mix and match different types of chocolate to create a unique flavour profile for your fondue. For instance, you could combine milk and dark chocolate or experiment with different percentages of cocoa solids to find your perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.

Lastly, when selecting your chocolate, pay attention to the ingredient list. Look for chocolate with a high cocoa content and minimal additives or preservatives. The simpler the ingredient list, the purer the chocolate flavour will be. Additionally, if you're catering to guests with specific dietary restrictions, you may need to choose chocolate that is vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free to ensure that everyone can enjoy the fondue.

Preparing the ingredients

Swiss chocolate fondue is a fun and delicious treat for any occasion. The key to a great fondue is to use high-quality chocolate and to prepare all your ingredients in advance so that you can serve it warm and melted straight away.

First, you will need to decide on the type of chocolate you want to use. Swiss chocolate is famous for its milk chocolate, but you can also use dark or bittersweet chocolate, or a combination of both for a more complex flavour. You will need around 6 ounces of chocolate, which should be broken into small pieces. If you are using chocolate bars, you can break each bar into a separate bowl.

Next, you will need to prepare your cream. You will need 3 ounces of heavy whipping cream, which should be warmed gently in a saucepan. Do not let the cream boil, as this will cause it to split. You can also add a small amount of vanilla extract to the cream for extra flavour. Around 1/2 teaspoon should be enough.

If you want to add a little extra kick to your fondue, you can include a liqueur. Grand Marnier, kirsch, cognac, or Crème de Cacao are all good options. You will only need a small amount, around 2-3 tablespoons, as the flavour can be quite strong.

Finally, prepare your dipping items. Traditional options include fruit (such as strawberries, bananas, and cherries), cake (pound cake or angel food cake), and marshmallows. Cut the fruit and cake into bite-sized pieces, and thread them onto skewers if desired.

With all your ingredients prepared, you are now ready to start melting your chocolate and creating your fondue!

Melting the chocolate

The first step is to prepare your equipment. You will need a double boiler, or a makeshift double boiler, which can be created by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. You will also need a fondue pot, or a small ceramic dish, to serve your fondue in.

Next, break your chocolate into small pieces. You can use a variety of chocolates, such as milk, dark, or white chocolate, or a combination of these. Place the chocolate pieces in the top of your double boiler, or in your bowl if using a makeshift setup.

Now, heat some water in a separate pot to a gentle simmer. Do not let the water boil, as this can cause your chocolate to burn. Place your double boiler, or bowl, over the pot of simmering water, ensuring that the bottom of the boiler/bowl does not touch the water.

Stir the chocolate constantly as it melts. Do not let any water get into the chocolate, and be careful that the water is not too hot, removing it from the heat if necessary. The chocolate will start to smell delicious as it melts, and it should be creamy and smooth throughout.

Once your chocolate is melted, you can add in any additional ingredients, such as cream, butter, vanilla extract, or liqueur, stirring to combine. Then, simply transfer your fondue to your serving pot or dish, and you're ready to start dipping!

Adding the finishing touches

Now that you've made your Swiss chocolate fondue, it's time to serve it! Fondue is a fun and social way to eat, so gather your friends and family around the table and get ready to dip. Here are some tips to make your fondue experience even more enjoyable:

Presentation

Arrange your dippers artfully on a platter or board. You can group similar items together or create a colourful pattern. Fondue is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, so take the time to make your display look tempting.

Dippers

Speaking of dippers, there are so many options to choose from! Fresh fruit is a popular choice, especially strawberries, bananas, and apples. Cake cubes, marshmallows, and cookies are also excellent for dipping. For a more substantial treat, try coconut macaroons or angel food cake. You can even thread your dippers onto skewers to make them easier to handle.

Music

As you're dipping and chatting, some soft jazz playing in the background can add to the atmosphere. It's a small touch, but it can make the experience feel extra special.

Drinks

A glass of water is always a good idea when you're eating fondue, especially if it's dark chocolate, which tends to be richer. For the adults, a glass of liqueur can complement the fondue nicely. Try Grand Marnier, kirsch, or cognac.

Fondue Etiquette

Remember to use your fondue fork only for dipping and then transfer the food to your regular fork to eat. It's easy to get carried away, but don't double-dip!

Troubleshooting

If your fondue becomes too thick, simply add a bit of warmed cream to thin it out. Keep it over a gentle heat to maintain its creamy consistency.

What to dip

When it comes to Swiss chocolate fondue, there is a multitude of delicious treats you can dip into that melted chocolate goodness. Here is a list of mouth-watering options to elevate your fondue experience:

Fruits

Fresh fruits are a classic and healthy option to pair with chocolate fondue. The sweetness of the chocolate blends beautifully with the tangy and juicy flavours of fruits. Popular choices include strawberries, bananas, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, raspberries, blueberries, apple slices, cherries, grapes, and dried fruits like apricots. Slightly tart fruits such as raspberries and oranges can cut through the richness of the chocolate, creating a well-balanced flavour profile.

Pastries and Baked Goods

For those with a heartier sweet tooth, dipping pastries and baked goods in chocolate fondue is a heavenly option. Waffles, pancakes, churros, doughnuts, croissants, brownies, and, of course, the classic pound cake or sponge cake cubes are all excellent choices. These treats can be easily skewered and dipped into the chocolate, resulting in a decadent and indulgent experience.

Biscuits and Cookies

If you're looking for something a little crunchier, biscuits and cookies are a fantastic option. Shortbread, digestives, gingerbread, and ladyfingers are all great choices that will hold up well to the chocolate. For an extra indulgent treat, consider dipping buttery shortbread cookies or even Oreos!

Nuts and Seeds

For a healthier option, nuts and seeds provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavours when paired with chocolate fondue. Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and macadamias are all excellent choices. You can also offer a variety of nuts and seeds to cater to different taste preferences.

Savouries

For a unique twist, you can offer savoury options to dip in your Swiss chocolate fondue. Pretzels, potato crisps, and even bacon strips can be a surprising and delightful combination. The salty and crunchy textures of these savouries contrast beautifully with the sweet and creamy chocolate.

Sweets and Others

Last but not least, there are endless sweet treats and other creative options to dip in your fondue. Marshmallows, coconut pieces, peanut butter balls, meringues, Rice Krispies treats, fudge, Turkish delight, and even cheesecake cubes can take your fondue experience to the next level. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions