Chocolate Fondue: Decadent, Delicious, And Fun!

Fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be served at any occasion, from a romantic dinner for two to a family game night or even a solo self-love date. Chocolate fondue, in particular, is a huge favourite for many. It is typically made by melting chocolate and combining it with other ingredients such as cream, milk, or liqueurs. The resulting mixture is then served warm, with a variety of dippers such as fruits, cookies, cakes, and candies.

What is the best chocolate for fondue?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be served at any occasion. The best chocolate for fondue is one that melts smoothly and has a good flavour. It is important to use good-quality chocolate, as not all brands of chocolate chips melt well.

Most chocolate fondue recipes opt for semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. However, a combination of milk, dark and white chocolate can also be used to create a perfect fondue that is shiny, dark, creamy, and silky, with an old-fashioned cocoa flavour. It is important to note that the type of chocolate used will affect the overall taste of the fondue, so it is recommended to use a good-quality chocolate that you enjoy eating plain.

Some recommended brands of chocolate for fondue include:

• Ghirardelli
• Guittard
• Godiva
• Dove
• Hershey
• Baker's
• Lindt
• Cadbury

When making chocolate fondue, it is also important to avoid overheating the chocolate, as it can scorch and turn grainy. The fondue should be heated gently and stirred frequently until it is completely melted and smooth. Additionally, the type of fondue pot or heating method used can also affect the quality of the fondue, so it is important to use a suitable pot and heat source to maintain the desired temperature.

What can you dip in chocolate fondue?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to add a wow factor to any occasion and is especially popular during the winter months. While there are endless possibilities for what to dip in chocolate fondue, here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fresh or dried fruits are a classic choice for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows are the most common options, but you can also try more exotic choices such as tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, kiwi, dragon fruit, and cherries. If you want to add a touch of spice, pair your chocolate fondue with spicy chilli peppers. Or, for a touch of sweetness, go for dried fruits like apricots, figs, dates, or apples.

Cookies and Cakes

Cookies and cakes are also a popular choice for chocolate fondue. Shortbread cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and vanilla wafers are all great options. For a more indulgent option, try dipping cubes of pound cake, angel food cake, sponge cake, or even cheesecake into your chocolate fondue.

Sweet Treats

If you're looking for something a little different, try dipping sweet treats like Rice Krispie treats, pretzels, potato chips, churros, or cinnamon-flavored crackers into your chocolate fondue. These options provide a contrast of textures and flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Cheese

Although it may seem like an unusual combination, certain types of cheese can pair surprisingly well with chocolate fondue. Thin slices of Gruyere go especially well with milk chocolate fondue, while more acidic cheeses should be paired with darker chocolate.

Other Ideas

Other ideas for chocolate fondue dippers include brownies, ladyfingers, Nilla wafers, Oreos, animal crackers, and even slices of peaches, plums, or apricots. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!

How do you make chocolate fondue?

How to Make Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious chocolate fondue at home.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate: You can use chopped chocolate or good-quality chocolate chips. It's important to choose a brand that melts well, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chips. You can also use chocolate baking bars, which are usually found above the chocolate chips in the baking aisle. If you want to get creative, combine milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate for a unique flavour.
• Milk: Preferably not skim milk. You can also use whole milk for a creamier fondue.
• Heavy Cream: This will give your fondue a rich and creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds a subtle flavour to your fondue.
• Salt: A pinch of salt will enhance the flavour of the chocolate.

Optional Flavourings:

• Peppermint extract for peppermint chocolate fondue.
• Cinnamon and chilli for a Mexican-inspired fondue.
• Alcoholic liqueurs such as Amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream for an adult twist.

Dippers:

• Fruit: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple chunks, dried apricots, pears, orange or tangerine wedges, peaches, plums, etc.
• Sweet Treats: Brownies, pound cake, marshmallows, ladyfingers, Rice Krispie treats, cookies, etc.

Instructions:

• Combine the chocolate, milk, and heavy cream in a saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot. You can also use a double boiler for more even heating.
• Heat the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Do not let it come to a simmer or boil, as this can scorch the chocolate and affect its texture.
• Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if desired.
• If the fondue is too thick, whisk in additional heavy cream or milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving. You can also use a tea candle or a small portable burner to keep it warm.
• Serve with your favourite dippers and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular saucepan and keep it warm by placing it on a heating pad or over a bowl of hot water.
• Chocolate fondue can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving.
• If your fondue thickens as it cools, simply add a little more cream or milk to thin it out.
• Get creative with your dippers! Anything that goes well with chocolate is fair game.

What is the history of chocolate fondue?

The exact origin of chocolate fondue is unknown, but it is believed to have been invented in the 1960s by a Swiss restaurateur and owner of New York's Chalet Swiss restaurant, Konrad Elgi (or Egli). Elgi had already been serving Swiss cheese fondue and wanted to add a dessert fondue to the menu. His original recipe consisted of chocolate, heavy cream, and cherry brandy.

However, there are other origin stories for chocolate fondue. Some credit the Madison Avenue marketing efforts on behalf of Toblerone Swiss Chocolate in the 1950s. Others believe that the Mayans could claim credit for the invention, as chocolate was first served in their pots as a thick, dense drink over 2,500 years ago.

Chocolate fondue is a variation on the classic Swiss cheese fondue, which was popularized in the United States in the 1950s and became extremely popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The Swiss Cheese Union promoted it as a Swiss national dish in the 1930s, and it was further popularized at the Swiss Pavilion's Alpine restaurant at the 1964 New York World's Fair. The basic recipe for chocolate fondue consists of melted chocolate combined with heavy cream and sometimes liqueur, and served in a communal pot with fruit, cake, or other foods for dipping.

How do you keep chocolate fondue warm?

Fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be made without a fondue pot. If you're looking to keep your chocolate fondue warm, here are some tips and tricks to help you out:

Use a Slow Cooker or Crockpot

If you're serving fondue for a party or gathering, a slow cooker or crockpot is a great option to keep your fondue warm throughout the entire event. Simply make your fondue as usual, pour it into the slow cooker, and set it to the "keep-warm" setting. This will ensure your fondue stays at the perfect temperature for dipping.

Keep it on the Stove

If you don't have a slow cooker, you can always keep your fondue warm on the stove. Place the pot of fondue on a warm setting and bring it to the table when you're ready to serve. This method will keep your fondue warm for about 20 minutes, which is perfect for a family fondue night.

Use a Portable Burner or Food-Warming Candle

Another option for keeping your fondue warm is to use a small portable burner or a food-warming candle. These can be great for individual fondue dishes, ensuring that everyone has their own warm portion of fondue without the worry of double-dipping!

Fondue Pot

Of course, if you have a fondue pot, you can use that to keep your chocolate warm. Fondue pots can be made of metal, ceramic, or electric, each with its own advantages. Metal fondue pots are sturdy and can go directly from the stovetop to the table. Ceramic fondue pots hold heat well and are easy to clean. Electric fondue pots heat up quickly and are easy to adjust but are more expensive.

Tea Candles or Sterno

If you don't have access to any of the above options, you can use a tea candle or Sterno fuel to keep your fondue warm. Tea candles produce less heat than Sterno, so be careful not to let the Sterno get too hot. If it does, turn it off or partially cover the can with a lid. You can also add a little more cream to the fondue to cool it down and adjust the consistency.

Reheat Fondue

Remember, if your fondue does cool down, you can always reheat it. Leftover fondue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warmed over low heat when you're ready to enjoy it again.

Frequently asked questions