The Best Chocolate Brands For A Delectable Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make for any occasion, from a romantic night in to a family get-together. The key to a good fondue is high-quality chocolate. While you can use chocolate chips, not all brands melt well, and they can make the fondue too sweet. It's best to use pure chocolate with as few ingredients as possible, checking for freshness and sheen. Some recommended brands include Ghirardelli, Guittard, Godiva, and Dove.

Chocolate chips vs bars

Chocolate chips and bars can be used for fondue, but there are some differences to note between the two.

Chocolate chips are generally smaller and designed to keep their shape when baked, which means they can be more difficult to melt evenly. It's important to choose a high-quality brand of chocolate chips, as some cheaper options may not melt well and can have an "off" taste. If you're using chocolate chips for fondue, it's recommended to add a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or coconut oil, to help create a smoother consistency and prevent the chocolate from seizing up.

Chocolate bars, on the other hand, are usually larger and easier to chop into smaller pieces for melting. They also tend to have a higher cocoa percentage, resulting in a richer and more intense chocolate flavour. When selecting a chocolate bar for fondue, look for one with a minimum of 35% cocoa for semisweet chocolate or 50% for bittersweet chocolate.

In terms of convenience, chocolate chips are already portioned into small pieces, saving you time on preparation. However, chocolate bars are typically located in the baking aisle of grocery stores, making them easily accessible for fondue-making.

Both options can be used successfully for fondue, but it's essential to choose a good-quality product and follow the proper melting techniques to achieve the best results. Additionally, consider adding a small amount of oil or cream to your melted chocolate to improve its consistency and prevent seizing.

Milk chocolate

Ingredients

When making milk chocolate fondue, it is important to use high-quality chocolate. Look for pure chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips, as the flavour of chocolate chips may not be right, and they tend to harden quickly. You can use a combination of milk chocolate and other types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, to create a richer and deeper flavour. If you want to reduce the sweetness of the fondue, you can add some bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate to the mix.

Technique

To make the fondue, start by combining the chocolate with milk or cream, and butter if desired, in a small bowl. Gently melt the mixture in a barely simmering water bath or microwave on medium power for about 2 minutes. Stir the mixture until it is completely smooth, and add more milk if you want a thinner consistency. Be careful not to overheat the fondue, as it can scorch and become grainy. Once the chocolate is fully melted, stir in a small amount of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.

Dippers

The great thing about chocolate fondue is that you can dip almost anything into it! Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, and clementines, are always a popular choice. You can also dip store-bought or homemade cookies, pound cake, Rice Krispies treats, brownies, or marshmallows. Get creative and experiment with different dippers to find your favourites!

Troubleshooting

If your fondue becomes too thick or starts to harden, you can easily reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until it is smooth and melted again. If the fondue seems too thin or curdled, simply add more liquid to adjust the consistency.

Make-Ahead

Chocolate fondue can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm the fondue in the microwave or on the stove until it is smooth and warm.

Semisweet chocolate

When selecting a semisweet chocolate for your fondue, it is important to choose a high-quality product. Look for pure chocolate with a short ingredient list—three to five ingredients is ideal. Avoid cheaper brands that may use fillers to keep costs down, as these types of chocolates won't work well for fondue. Check the best-before date and packaging to ensure the chocolate is fresh, and inspect the surface for any discolouration, which may indicate that the chocolate has been incorrectly melted.

Some recommended brands of semisweet chocolate include Ghirardelli and Guittard, which offer semisweet chocolate chips that melt well and are perfect for fondue. If you can't find these brands, you can also use semisweet chocolate baking bars, which are typically found in the baking aisle of grocery stores. Another option is to use a combination of semisweet and milk chocolate, which will result in a creamier and lighter fondue.

When making chocolate fondue, it is essential not to overheat the chocolate, as this can affect its texture and taste. Heat the chocolate over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is fully melted and glossy. You can also add a small amount of milk or cream to adjust the consistency to your preference.

With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and memorable semisweet chocolate fondue that your family and friends will love.

Bittersweet chocolate

When it comes to specific brands, Ghirardelli and Guittard are highly recommended for bittersweet chocolate chips. These brands melt well and have a great taste. If you can't get your hands on these, you can also opt for chocolate baking bars, such as the ones from Ghirardelli or Baker's, which are widely available in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.

To make the fondue, simply melt the chocolate in a double boiler or a saucepan on low heat, being careful not to let it simmer or boil as this can affect the texture. Once melted, add in some milk or cream, and vanilla extract to taste. If you prefer your fondue on the thinner side, feel free to add more milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

White chocolate

Ingredients and Brands:

When making white chocolate fondue, it's important to choose high-quality white chocolate. Recommended brands include Ghirardelli, Guittard, and Baker's Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares. These brands melt well and produce a smooth and creamy fondue. If you want to splurge, you can even use high-end chocolate bars such as Godiva or Dove Chocolates. For baking bars, look for options above the chocolate chips in the baking aisle.

Recipe:

To make white chocolate fondue, you'll need the following ingredients:

• White chocolate chips or bars
• Heavy whipping cream
• Light corn syrup (optional)
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

• Combine the white chocolate, cream, corn syrup (if using), butter, and salt in a double boiler or a heavy saucepan.
• Melt the ingredients over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth and glossy. Be careful not to let the mixture come to a simmer or boil, as it can scorch and affect the texture.
• Once melted, remove the fondue from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or slow cooker to keep it warm while serving.

Dippers:

• Fruits: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, blackberries, apples, mangoes, and more.
• Cookies: Sugar cookies, shortbread cookies, gingerbread cookies, and even Oreo cookies.
• Sweet treats: Marshmallows, Rice Krispies treats, brownie squares, and pretzels.
• Cakes: Cubed pound cake or angel food cake.

Customizations:

You can also customize your white chocolate fondue by adding a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff or peanut butter and swirling it through the fondue. For a boozy fondue, you can replace some of the cream with champagne or add a splash of liquor like Bailey's Irish Cream or brandy.

Frequently asked questions