Chocolate Indulgence: Dutch Fondue Preparation Guide

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be served at parties or enjoyed as a special treat. It is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients: chocolate, cream, and a pinch of salt. The type of chocolate used is important – a good-quality, high-percentage chocolate is best, and chocolate chips may not melt as well. To make the fondue, heat the cream and chocolate together, then stir until smooth and fully incorporated. The fondue can be served straight from the pot, or transferred to a fondue pot to keep it warm. A variety of sweet and savoury foods can be dipped into the fondue, such as fruit, cookies, brownies, and marshmallows.

Choosing the right chocolate

Dutche chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make. It is important to choose the right chocolate to ensure the fondue turns out well. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect chocolate for your fondue:

Type of Chocolate

When making Dutche chocolate fondue, it is best to use high-quality, real chocolate. Avoid using chocolate chips as they do not melt well and can affect the taste and texture of the fondue. Look for pure chocolate, either semisweet or bittersweet, with a small number of ingredients (three to five). Semisweet chocolate is a more versatile option, providing sweetness to your fondue, while bittersweet chocolate offers a more intense chocolate flavour. If you are unsure, a good ratio to follow is three parts semisweet chocolate to two parts bittersweet chocolate. This will give your fondue a rich, velvety texture and a good depth of flavour.

Brand of Chocolate

Not all chocolate chips are created equal when it comes to melting, so it is important to choose a brand that melts well. Recommended brands include Ghirardelli and Guittard, which offer bittersweet or semisweet chips that are perfect for fondue. If you cannot find these brands, you can opt for chocolate baking bars, which are widely available in most grocery stores and tend to melt better than chocolate chips.

Freshness

When selecting your chocolate, check the best-before date and ensure the packaging is sealed tightly to maintain freshness. Inspect the chocolate for any white or discoloured spots, as this may indicate that the chocolate has been incorrectly melted, affecting its flavour and texture.

Experimentation

Once you have mastered the basic chocolate fondue recipe, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate. You can also add special flavours like peppermint, peanut butter, or coffee to create unique and delicious fondue creations.

Preparing the ingredients

Chocolate

For the chocolate, you can use a combination of milk, dark/bittersweet, and white chocolate. Break up 1 lb (453 g) of chocolate into small, 1⁄4–1⁄2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) pieces. If you are using chocolate chips or chocolate that is already portioned into small pieces, you can leave it as is.

Cream

You will also need 2 cups (470 mL) of heavy cream. If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk or a combination of milk and cream.

Butter

You will need 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This is optional, but it will give the fondue a more mellow chocolate flavor.

Vanilla Extract

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to round out the flavor of the fondue.

Salt

A pinch of salt will enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.

Dipping Options

Prepare an assortment of fruits and sweets to dip into the fondue. Cut your chosen fruits and sweets into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) cubes if needed. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh or dried fruit: bananas, pineapples, strawberries, apples, pears, mangos, cherries, or any other fruit you like.
• Sweet treats: soft cookies, graham crackers, marshmallows, brownies, coconut strips, or pound cake.
• Salty or neutral items: rice cakes, wafers, biscuits, or pretzels.

Melting the chocolate

Chop the Chocolate

First, you'll want to chop your chocolate into small, even pieces. This step helps the chocolate melt uniformly and prevents scorching. Use a sharp knife to cut dense chocolate bars, and simply break softer chocolates into pieces with your fingers. Chocolate chips or pre-chopped chocolate can be used as-is.

Prepare a Double Boiler

The gentle heat of a double boiler is ideal for melting chocolate. Fill a small or medium-sized pot with 2-4 inches of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Rest a heat-resistant mixing bowl on top of the pot, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl doesn't submerge in the water. The double boiler method ensures the chocolate melts gradually and doesn't burn.

Heat the Cream

Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into the mixing bowl and gently heat it for 1-2 minutes. Stir the cream occasionally to ensure even heating, and be careful not to let it boil. If it starts bubbling, lower the heat. You can also add flavourings like cinnamon or chilli at this stage for a festive or spicy twist.

Melt the Chocolate

With the cream heated, it's time to add the chocolate. Whisk the chocolate into the cream, stirring gently and continuously until all the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to spill! If the fondue seems too thick, you can thin it out by whisking in an extra tablespoon of heavy cream.

Add Vanilla

To round out the flavour of your fondue, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step adds a subtle depth to the chocolate's flavour. Be sure to turn off the heat after adding the vanilla to prevent the flavour from cooking off.

Experiment with Alcohol

For an adult twist, spike your fondue with a tablespoon of your favourite alcohol. Brandy, rum, amaretto, or Bailey's Irish Cream can cut through the sweetness of the chocolate and complement the vanilla.

Try Different Extracts

Feel free to experiment with other extract flavourings to match the occasion. For a contrast, add orange extract to dark or bittersweet chocolate, or give a white chocolate fondue a festive touch with peppermint extract.

Adding flavour

There are many ways to add flavour to your Dutch chocolate fondue. Here are some ideas:

Cinnamon and Chilli

Add a 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper to your fondue for a Mexican hot chocolate spin. Cinnamon will add a mellow, festive taste to your fondue, while chilli will give it a spicy kick.

Espresso Powder

Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the flavour of your fondue. Coffee and chocolate are a classic combination, and the espresso will add a depth of flavour to your fondue.

Orange Zest

Adding orange zest to your fondue will give it a slightly fruity flavour. This can be a great way to complement the sweetness of the chocolate.

Peppermint Extract

For a refreshing twist, add peppermint extract to your fondue. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase the amount gradually until you reach your desired level of coolness. This is a great option for those who want a minty, chocolatey treat.

Alcohol

Adding a tablespoon of your favourite alcohol or liquor to your fondue can enhance its flavour. Brandy, rum, amaretto, or Bailey's Irish Cream are all great options to cut through the sweetness of the chocolate.

Tea

Steeping your cream with tea before adding it to the chocolate is a great way to add subtle flavour to your fondue. A stalk of bruised lemongrass or a bag of Earl Grey tea steeped for an hour can add a stylish and contemporary twist to your dessert.

Serving the fondue

Now that your chocolate fondue is ready, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips to make sure your fondue stays warm and is served with the best dippers:

Using a Fondue Pot

If you have a fondue pot, simply transfer the fondue mixture into the pot and ignite the handy fuel to keep it warm. Keep the flame under the pot low to avoid burning the fondue. Occasionally stir the fondue as you eat to rotate it from the bottom of the pot. If the fondue becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to thin it out.

Without a Fondue Pot

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a chafing dish or a ceramic bowl. Wrap a towel around the base of the bowl to retain the heat. However, the fondue may thicken faster this way, so it's best to serve it immediately.

Dippers

The fun part about fondue is the variety of dippers you can choose from! Here are some ideas:

• Fresh or dried fruits: Strawberries, bananas, pineapples, apples, pears, mangoes, cherries, oranges, peaches, apricots, etc.
• Sweet treats: Cookies, brownies, marshmallows, Rice Krispies treats, pound cake, brownies, etc.
• Salty or neutral items: Pretzels, wafers, biscuits, rice cakes, etc.

Fondue for One

If you're enjoying fondue by yourself, you can get individual fondue dishes with a small tea light holder at the bottom to keep the chocolate warm.

Reheating Fondue

Leftover fondue can be refrigerated in a sealed container for about a week. To reheat, simply place the fondue back on the stovetop over low heat and stir continuously. Add heavy cream as needed to thin out the mixture.

Frequently asked questions