Fondue is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Fondue pots come in different types, each with its own unique features. Candle fondue pots are typically used for chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue. The fondue pot only needs to keep the dipping sauce warm, so unscented tea light candles are used as burners. To use a candle fondue pot, melt the dipping sauce in a separate pot on the stove, then transfer it to the fondue pot. Place a tea light candle underneath the fondue pot and light it with a match.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Fondue type | Cheese, chocolate, broth, oil |
Fondue pot material | Earthenware, ceramic, cast iron, metal, stainless steel |
Fondue pot features | Wide mouth, sturdy handle, adjustable heat source, long-stemmed forks with wooden handles and different colours |
Fondue fuel | Alcohol, gel, candles |
Fondue preparation | Clean the pot, assemble components, select the right burner or heat source |
Fondue ingredients | Cheese, chocolate, meat, vegetables, fruit, cake, bread, etc. |
Fondue techniques | Melting cheese, preparing chocolate fondue, heating oil or broth for meat fondue |
Fondue etiquette and safety | Use appropriate fondue forks, avoid double-dipping, supervise the fondue pot, keep away from flammable objects |
Fondue pot cleaning and maintenance | Unplug and let cool, remove remaining food, rinse with warm water, scrub with dish soap if needed, dry with a soft cloth |
Fondue pot storage | Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, wrap in a soft cloth, or refrigerate |
What You'll Learn
Candle fondue pots are perfect for chocolate fondue
Choosing the Right Pot
Candle fondue pots are typically made of ceramic or stoneware and come in various sizes, depending on the number of people you're serving. The pot should have a tea light base to hold the candle and a bowl for melting the chocolate. Some pots are microwave and dishwasher-safe, making them convenient and easy to clean.
Preparing the Ingredients
For chocolate fondue, you'll need finely chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, heavy cream or milk, and optional ingredients like a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, or liqueur for flavor. Gather your favorite dippers, such as fruit, cake, cookies, or marshmallows, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Melting the Chocolate
Place the chocolate, cream or milk, and any additional ingredients in the fondue pot. Use a tea light candle to melt the chocolate and keep it warm. You can also melt the chocolate in a separate saucepan over low heat and then transfer it to the fondue pot to keep it warm. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent scorching.
Serving the Fondue
Arrange your prepared dippers on a platter or plates around the fondue pot. Provide your guests with long forks, bamboo skewers, or toothpicks for dipping. Enjoy the chocolate fondue by dipping your favorite treats into the melted chocolate. If the fondue starts to stiffen, add a small amount of warm cream or milk to thin it out.
Candle fondue pots are a delightful way to enjoy chocolate fondue. They create a cozy and intimate atmosphere while allowing your guests to customize their dessert experience. So, gather your ingredients, light a candle, and indulge in a sweet and interactive treat with your loved ones!
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Melting the chocolate first on a stove is a good idea
To melt chocolate on a stove, use a saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot. Combine the chocolate with any other ingredients, such as milk or cream, and heat on low, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let the chocolate come to a simmer or boil, as this can scorch it and affect the texture. Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, you can stir in any additional ingredients, such as vanilla extract, and then transfer it to your fondue pot.
If you are making a dessert fondue, such as a chocolate fondue, it is generally recommended to melt the ingredients in a double boiler on the stove before transferring them to the fondue pot. This will help ensure that your fondue is smooth and lump-free.
Fondue pots designed for dessert fondues are typically smaller and shallower than those used for cheese fondue, and they are usually heated with a tea light candle rather than fuel. When using a candle-heated fondue pot, it is important to use a heat-safe surface, such as a wooden cutting board or a ceramic tile, to protect your table from the heat of the flame.
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Use tea lights to keep the fondue warm
Tea light candles are a great way to keep your fondue warm. Most dessert fondues require very little heat to keep the fondue in a liquid state, so a small tea light is the only source of fuel you need. Tea light candles are perfect for chocolate and cheese fondue.
If you are preparing a fondue fairly quickly, it is recommended to preheat the pot in the oven to make sure it's warm throughout before starting. You can melt the fondue ingredients in a double boiler on your stove before transferring them to your fondue pot.
The number of tea lights you use will depend on how much fondue you are melting and how quickly you want it to be ready. For example, you might use two to three tea lights if you are in a hurry and have a lot of fondue to melt.
Make sure to stir your fondue frequently to prevent it from burning.
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Ceramic fondue pots are great for a traditional fondue experience
Fondue is a fun and classy dish that can be intimidating to make for the uninitiated. However, with the right equipment and ingredients, it's a simple and enjoyable process.
When using a candle-heated ceramic fondue pot, it is important to place it on a stable surface, such as a wooden cutting board, to avoid burning your table or cloth. The ingredients should be melted in a separate container before being transferred to the fondue pot. Tea light candles provide a small amount of heat, so they are best suited for dessert fondues that require very little heat to stay in a liquid state.
Fondue is a versatile dish that can be made with cheese, chocolate, or other sweet ingredients. Cheese fondue is the most well-known type, but meat and chocolate fondue are also traditional options. A typical cheese fondue is made with shredded cheese, wine or milk, lemon juice, and cornstarch or flour. The cheese is combined with the other ingredients and melted on the stove before being transferred to the fondue pot. A garlic clove can be rubbed on the inside of the pot for extra flavour. The fondue pot is then lit with a fuel source or candle to keep the cheese warm and melted. Cheese fondue is often served with cubed bread, steamed vegetables, or fruit.
Chocolate fondue is a popular choice for dessert, and it can be made by melting chocolate with cream or milk. White chocolate fondue is another option for those with a sweet tooth. Caramel fondue is also a fondue favourite and can be made by boiling a mixture of evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Dessert fondues are typically served with small pieces of fruit, cake, or bread.
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Metal fondue pots are perfect for cheese and chocolate fondue
When shopping for a metal fondue pot, look for one with a thick bottom and a sturdy handle. It is also important to ensure that the stand is sturdy and securely holds the pot in place. Adjustable heat sources and colour-coded forks are additional features that can enhance your fondue experience.
Metal fondue pots are versatile and can be used for both cheese and chocolate fondue. When preparing cheese fondue, traditional Swiss cheeses such as Gruyere and Emmentaler are excellent choices. Softer cheeses like younger Cheddar also melt beautifully and have a mild flavour. To create a smooth and even consistency, add white wine and cornstarch to the cheese mixture.
For chocolate fondue, a combination of heavy cream and semisweet or dark chocolate chips is a classic choice. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract to enhance the flavour. Metal fondue pots are ideal for maintaining the perfect temperature for your cheese and chocolate fondue, ensuring a delightful dining experience for you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
For chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue, you only need to use a small tea light candle to keep the mixture warm. For cheese fondue, you can use either a tea light candle or a gel or alcohol burner.
A 3-ounce fuel burner will burn for approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on the size of the flame.
You will need a fondue pot, a base or stand, and fondue forks.