The Best Chocolate Choices For A Fondue Party

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. The key to a great fondue is, of course, the chocolate. But how do you pick the right one?

First, it's important to use real, high-quality chocolate. Look for chocolate with few ingredients – ideally, three to five. The chocolate should also have a good sheen and no discolouration. While you can experiment with different types of chocolate, most fondue recipes call for semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate is a little more versatile and provides a good deal of sweetness, whereas bittersweet chocolate has a more intense flavour.

The importance of high-quality chocolate

When it comes to chocolate fondue, the chocolate you choose is of utmost importance. Starting with high-quality chocolate is essential to creating a decadent and mouth-watering fondue that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Here's why the quality of chocolate matters:

• Taste: The better the quality of chocolate, the better your fondue will taste. High-quality chocolate has a more intense and complex flavour profile, adding depth and richness to your fondue. Low-quality chocolate, on the other hand, may leave you with a lacklustre and unsatisfying batch.
• Purity: Opt for pure chocolate with minimal ingredients. Look for semisweet or bittersweet chocolate with three to five ingredients, avoiding cheaper brands that often contain unnecessary additives. Chocolate chips, for example, are not ideal as they don't taste quite right, harden quickly, and aren't made with pure chocolate.
• Freshness: Freshness is crucial in fondue. Always check the best-before date and ensure the chocolate packaging is tightly sealed. Inspect the chocolate for a good sheen without any white or discoloured spots, as this indicates incorrectly melted chocolate, which can negatively impact flavour and texture.
• Texture: High-quality chocolate melts smoothly and retains its creamy texture, making it perfect for dipping. Low-quality chocolate, on the other hand, may result in a grainy or separated fondue that doesn't provide the desired dipping consistency.
• Versatility: With high-quality chocolate, you have the option to experiment with different flavours and types of chocolate. You can add special flavours like peppermint or peanut butter, or try milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter fondue.
• Stability: Good-quality chocolate is more stable and less prone to seizing or separating. It blends seamlessly with the liquids used in fondue, creating a smooth and homogeneous mixture that is a pleasure to dip into.

In conclusion, when selecting chocolate for fondue, investing in high-quality chocolate is well worth it. It ensures a superior taste experience, a smoother texture, and the versatility to customise your fondue to your liking. So, splurge on that premium chocolate and take your fondue to the next level!

Using chocolate chips vs chocolate bars

Chocolate chips and chocolate bars can both be used for fondue, but there are some differences to consider.

Chocolate chips are convenient and easy to measure, and they melt quickly and smoothly. However, they may contain stabilising ingredients to help them maintain their shape, which can affect the texture of the fondue. Chocolate chips may also be more likely to burn, so it's important to monitor them closely during melting. If using chocolate chips, opt for a high-quality brand such as Ghirardelli or Guittard, and consider adding a small amount of vegetable oil or solid vegetable shortening to improve the texture and prevent seizing.

Chocolate bars, on the other hand, will result in a smoother and creamier fondue. Look for good-quality chocolate bars with recognisable ingredients. Bars are usually found in the baking aisle of grocery stores and come in a variety of flavours, including milk, dark, and white chocolate. When using chocolate bars for fondue, chop them into small pieces to ensure even melting.

Ultimately, the decision between chocolate chips and chocolate bars depends on personal preference and what is available. Both options can be used successfully to create a delicious fondue, but it's important to choose a good-quality chocolate and to adjust the recipe as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

How to melt chocolate without it burning

Melting chocolate can be stressful—if it gets too hot, it'll burn, and if it's not hot enough, it'll be lumpy. Here are some tips to help you melt chocolate without burning it.

Use the Right Type of Chocolate

Chocolate chips are designed to maintain their shape, so they're not ideal for melting. Instead, opt for melting wafers or a chocolate baking bar. If you want to use chocolate chips, choose a high-end brand like Ghirardelli or Guittard.

Choose the Right Melting Method

The best way to melt chocolate is in the microwave. Place the chocolate in a bowl and heat it in 30-second bursts at regular power, stirring in between. This method is quick, efficient, and reduces the risk of scorching.

Alternatively, you can use a double boiler or a water bath. For a double boiler, place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with about an inch of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until it's fully melted. A water bath follows a similar process, but the bowl of chocolate is placed in a skillet of simmering water. Turn off the heat and let the residual heat melt the chocolate.

You can also melt chocolate directly in a dry saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently and keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This method is riskier for milk and white chocolate due to their lower melting points.

Keep the Chocolate Dry

Chocolate and water don't mix. Even a small amount of water can cause the chocolate to seize and become stiff and grainy. Make sure all your utensils are dry, and avoid liquids like vanilla extract until after the chocolate has melted.

Additional Tips

• Don't let the chocolate come to a simmer or boil, as it can scorch and turn grainy.
• If you're making fondue, add a little cream or milk to adjust the consistency if it becomes too thick.
• If you're melting a large amount of chocolate, it will take longer to melt, so adjust the timing accordingly.

The best types of dippers for chocolate fondue

When it comes to chocolate fondue, the dippers are just as important as the chocolate itself. Here are some ideas for the best types of dippers to use for your next fondue party:

Fruits

Fruits are a classic choice for chocolate fondue, especially those that pair well with chocolate, such as strawberries, bananas, pineapple chunks, dried apricots, pears, orange or tangerine wedges, and slices of peaches, plums, or apricots. If you want to get creative, you can also try dipping other types of fruits like apples, raspberries, or dried fruits like figs, mangoes, or pineapple. Just make sure to cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces and dry them thoroughly after washing to avoid creating a watery fondue.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of dessert options that can be dipped in chocolate fondue. Some popular choices include brownies, pound cake, marshmallows, ladyfingers, Rice Krispies treats, Nilla wafers, Oreos, animal crackers, and other types of cookies. You can also dip pretzels, graham crackers, or even cheesecake or brownie bites for a salty-sweet combination.

Savory Options

While chocolate fondue is typically a dessert, you can also dip savory snacks for an unexpected twist. Pretzels, candied bacon, and potato chips are perfect for dipping in dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. This combination of sweet and salty flavors can be quite addictive!

Personalized Creations

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different types of dippers. For a personalized touch, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate spin, or a bit of espresso powder for a unique flavor. You can also add orange zest or peppermint extract to the chocolate fondue for a refreshing twist.

Dipping Tools

Lastly, don't forget the tools you'll need for dipping! Fondue pots usually come with a set of dipping sticks, but you can also use toothpicks or lollipop sticks. For larger items, consider using Candy Melts dipping tools, which are great for dipping strawberries, pretzels, cookies, and more.

How to keep fondue warm without a fondue pot

How to Pick the Right Chocolate for Fondue

When it comes to chocolate fondue, the type of chocolate you choose is just as important as what you plan to dip in it. Here are some popular options:

• White chocolate: This is a classy option that pairs well with strawberries, pretzels, chocolate cookies, cheesecake, and brownie bites.
• Milk chocolate: A crowd-pleaser that goes well with almost any dipper.
• Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate: Perfect for salty treats like candied bacon, pretzels, or potato chips. When using dark chocolate, pay attention to the cacao percentage, as a higher cacao content leads to a bitter taste. It is recommended to stay between 60% and 70% to avoid excessive bitterness.
• Chocolate fountain chocolate: Chocolate melting wafers designed to melt and maintain a liquid consistency, making them ideal for fountains, fondue pots, or double boilers.
• Candy Melts candy: Colourful candy coating designed to melt quickly and smoothly, available in various colours and flavours to match your party theme.

If you don't have a fondue pot, there are several alternative ways to keep your fondue warm and enjoyable:

• Small slow cooker: A small slow cooker or crockpot is an excellent way to keep your fondue warm without the need for a fondue pot. Simply prepare your fondue in a saucepan, then transfer it to the slow cooker to maintain its temperature.
• Double boiler: This method provides gentle heat similar to a fondue pot. Simmering water in the bottom pot indirectly heats the top bowl, allowing for a gradual melting process. Add your ingredients and stir constantly, adding the chocolate a little at a time to avoid lumps.
• Tea candle: A tea candle produces less heat than canned Sterno fuel. Place the candle underneath the pot to keep the fondue warm. Monitor the temperature, and add more cream if it gets too hot.
• Heating pad: Place your fondue-filled saucepan on a heating pad to maintain its warmth. Alternatively, you can place the pot over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water.
• Electric hotplate: If you're not trying to impress anyone, you can use small bowls of fondue that you refill as needed from a pot on the stove, or an electric hotplate to keep the fondue warm.

Frequently asked questions