Chocolate Fondue Party: A Sweet And Fun Get-Together

Hosting a chocolate fondue party is a fun and easy way to entertain guests. Fondue parties are a great way to bring people together over food and are a good alternative to a traditional dinner party, as most of the prep can be done in advance. The number of guests will determine the amount of fondue and number of fondue pots needed – a ratio of four guests to one fondue pot is recommended. Electric fondue pots are the easiest option, and tea lights or candles can be used to keep the chocolate warm. Sterno fuel can also be used, but may burn the chocolate. A variety of foods can be served for dipping, such as fruit, cake, cookies, marshmallows, and pretzels.

Chocolate fondue recipes

Chocolate fondue is a great dessert option for a fondue party. Here are some recipes you can try:

Basic Chocolate Fondue

This recipe uses a combination of bittersweet and milk chocolate, with a little cherry brandy (kirsch) to give it a unique flavour. You can skip the brandy or swap it for any other brandy or bourbon. The fondue can be served with a variety of dippers such as fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, pineapple chunks), marshmallows, cubed pound cake or angel food cake, wafer cookies, salted pretzels, potato chips, or even candied bacon.

Ingredients:

• 4-oz. bars bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 4-oz. bar milk chocolate, chopped
• Cherry brandy (kirsch)
• Dippers of your choice (strawberries, raspberries, pineapple chunks, salted pretzel rods, pound cake or angel food cake cubes, marshmallows, etc.)

Steps:

• Heat some cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot.
• Stir in the bittersweet chocolate, milk chocolate, cherry brandy, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined.
• Pour the mixture into a fondue pot and serve with desired dippers.

Perfect Chocolate Fondue

This fondue recipe is rich, decadent, and easy to make. It uses four simple ingredients: chopped chocolate or good-quality chocolate chips, milk, cream, and vanilla extract. The type of chocolate used is important; brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard are recommended as they melt well. The fondue can be served with a variety of dippers such as strawberries, bananas, small rice krispie squares, vanilla cookies, etc.

Ingredients:

• 10 ounces chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 1/3 cup milk (preferably not skim milk)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dippers of your choice (strawberries, bananas, small rice krispie squares, vanilla cookies, etc.)

Steps:

• In a saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot, combine the chocolate, milk, and cream.
• Heat on low, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Do not let it boil.
• Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract. The fondue will likely be fairly thick. If a thinner consistency is desired, whisk in heavy cream or milk a little at a time until you reach the ideal consistency.
• Pour the mixture into a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep warm while serving.

Chocolate Fondue with Peanut Butter

This recipe adds a twist to the classic chocolate fondue by including creamy peanut butter. The fondue can be served with a variety of dippers such as honey castella cake, fresh strawberries, orange segments, marshmallows, bananas, or aniseed biscotti.

Ingredients:

• 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2-3/4 cup half-and-half, milk, heavy cream, or a combination
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
• Creamy peanut butter
• Dippers of your choice (honey castella cake, strawberries, orange segments, marshmallows, bananas, aniseed biscotti, etc.)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the chocolate and 1/2 cup of milk or cream.
• Melt gently in a barely simmering water bath or microwave on medium power for about 2 minutes.
• Add more liquid if the sauce seems too thick or looks curdled.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and peanut butter.
• Use the fondue immediately or set it aside and rewarm briefly before serving.
• Provide forks, skewers, or swizzle sticks for guests to dip with.

Dipping foods

When it comes to throwing a chocolate fondue party, the food you choose to dip is just as important as the fondue itself. Here are some ideas for dipping foods to serve at your chocolate fondue party:

Fruits

Fresh fruit is a classic choice for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, apples, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows are all popular options. For a more luxurious touch, you can offer a selection of exotic fruits such as starfruit or mango. If you want to get creative, you can even offer dried fruits such as dried apricots or apple chips.

Cookies and Cake

Cookies and cake are also excellent choices for dipping in chocolate. Shortbread cookies, Oreos, and fan cookies are all great options. For an extra indulgent treat, serve fresh donuts alongside your fondue.

Sweet Treats

In addition to fresh fruit, you can offer other sweet treats such as pretzels, pound cake, rice crispy treats, and, of course, marshmallows. These sweet treats will satisfy any sweet tooth and create a fun and indulgent atmosphere for your guests.

Savory Options

While chocolate fondue is typically served as a dessert, you can also offer some savory options for your guests to dip. Pretzels, potato chips, and crackers can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.

Presentation

When setting up your chocolate fondue display, consider building a board of "dippables" around the fondue pot. This creates a visually appealing display and makes it easy for guests to grab what they want. Be sure to have plenty of skewers or fondue forks for your guests to use, and provide plates or trays for them to place their dipped treats.

Drinks to pair with chocolate fondue

When it comes to drinks to pair with chocolate fondue, there are a few directions you could go in.

If you want to stick to the traditional route, a glass of wine is a classic choice. A few specific recommendations from wine experts include a Malbec from Argentina, which offers dark and dusty cocoa notes along with baking spice flavours like clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and anise; a Grenache-based lightly fortified wine from the Roussillon region in southern France called Banyuls, known for its full body and powerful notes of dried cherries, strawberries, figs, caramel and nuts; or a rich, sunny Zinfandel from California's Paso Robles region, especially if you're dipping some delicious fruits or banana bread.

If you're looking for something a little more unique, a Belgian Farmhouse Saison Ale is a great beer option to pair with chocolate fondue. This style of beer is bright and lively, with a hint of citrus and a slight tartness that will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fondue.

For a festive cocktail option, a Gingerbread Martini could be a perfect choice to pair with chocolate fondue. This cocktail typically includes vanilla vodka, Bailey's Irish Cream, gingerbread syrup (made with brown sugar, molasses, ground ginger and cinnamon), half-and-half, and a crushed gingerbread cookie rim.

Finally, if you're looking for a digestif to round out the evening, the Swiss traditionally pass around a pear brandy called Poire Williams after a fondue. This brandy is an Eau de Vie, a European brandy category of dry fruit, and is sure to impress your guests.

Retro dress code

A chocolate fondue party is a fun and interactive way to spend an evening with friends and family. It's a great way to get everyone involved in the cooking process, and the prep work is minimal. Plus, who doesn't love chocolate?

To add to the fun, why not make it a retro-themed party? Here are some ideas for a retro dress code to go with your chocolate fondue party:

1970s Disco

As chocolate fondue was a big hit in the 1970s, a 70s-themed dress code is a perfect fit. Encourage your guests to wear bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye shirts, and vintage dresses. For an even more authentic look, add some disco-inspired accessories like large sunglasses, headbands, and colourful scarves. Play some classic disco music in the background, and you've got yourself a groovy party!

Retro Ski Resort

Take inspiration from the Swiss and French origins of fondue and go for a retro ski resort-themed dress code. Think vintage ski suits, colourful knitwear, and moon boots. Accessorise with retro ski goggles, woollen hats, and faux fur. For an extra touch, decorate your space with vintage ski posters and play some retro ski resort music to set the mood.

Retro Lounge

Lean into the retro lounge vibe with a 60s-inspired dress code. Think mod dresses, shift dresses, and go-go boots for the ladies, and skinny ties, suits, and turtlenecks for the gents. Don't forget the accessories, like oversized sunglasses, headscarves, and statement jewellery. Set the mood with some 60s lounge music and maybe even a game of charades to complete the retro lounge experience.

Retro Dinner Party

Chocolate fondue is all about coming together and sharing a meal, so why not make it a retro dinner party-themed dress code? Think elegant, vintage dresses, suits, and maybe even some fun, retro aprons. Set the table with vintage dinnerware and play some smooth jazz in the background. Your guests will feel like they've stepped back in time to a classy, retro dinner party.

Retro Childhood

Take it back to the good old days with a retro childhood-themed dress code. Encourage your guests to dress up in outfits inspired by their childhoods, whether that's colourful overalls, acid wash jeans, or neon windbreakers. Accessorise with fanny packs, scrunchies, and other retro childhood favourites. For an extra touch, provide some retro snacks and drinks, and play some nostalgic childhood tunes to take your guests back in time.

Remember, the key to a successful retro dress code is to have fun with it! Encourage your guests to get creative and embrace the theme. With a delicious chocolate fondue and a fun dress code, your party is sure to be a hit!

Fondue etiquette

Fondue is a communal dish, and as such, it comes with certain rules of consumption that must be observed to avoid alienating your fellow diners. Here are some essential tips for proper fondue etiquette:

• No double-dipping: Double-dipping is a common pet peeve and a hygiene issue. A study in The British Medical Journal found that double-dipped foods transfer between 50 and 100 bacteria with each contaminated bite.
• Use the right utensils: Each person should have their own fondue fork or skewer for dipping. Do not eat directly from the fondue fork—use a regular fork or utensil to remove the food from the fondue fork and eat it from your plate.
• Stirring: To prevent the cheese from burning or forming an unpleasant crust, keep the fondue mixture stirred. Stir in a figure-eight pattern or a clockwise motion, and take turns when dipping to avoid clashing forks.
• Dipping technique: To avoid drips and spills, twirl your fork three times above the fondue pot to allow excess cheese to fall off. When eating chocolate fondue, switch out plates and fondue forks between courses.
• Beverages: In Switzerland, it is customary to drink only white wine or tea with fondue. The acidity in the wine is said to aid digestion and prevent bloating. However, a study suggests that black tea is a better choice for improving digestion and alleviating bloating.
• La Religieuse: Towards the end of the meal, a thin crust of golden cheese called "la religieuse" will form at the bottom of the pot. This is considered a treat to be shared among guests. Wait for the pot to cool, then remove the cheese crust with a knife and break it into pieces. Alternatively, crack an egg into the pot and mix it with la religieuse.
• The forfeit: If a guest accidentally drops a piece of food into the fondue pot, they may have to pay a forfeit, such as buying everyone a round of drinks. To avoid this, use stale bread or ensure each piece of bread has some crust attached for better structural stability.

Frequently asked questions