Choosing The Right Chocolate For A Fondue Fountain

A chocolate fondue fountain is a fun and exciting way to celebrate any occasion and surprise your guests. The flowing tower of velvety chocolate is a stunning sight for any chocolate lover. The best chocolate to use for a chocolate fountain is a combination of different chocolates to create a less sweet, yet more complex, richer flavour. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are very sweet, so a blend of semi-sweet, milk, and a little bittersweet chocolate is ideal. Chocolate wafers or melting chips are also a good option, and oil can be added to thin the chocolate.

Chocolate type: semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips can be used

Chocolate type is an important consideration when it comes to choosing the right chocolate for your fondue fountain. Semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips can be used, and each offers a distinct flavour and sweetness level. Here's a more detailed look at each type:

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are an excellent option for those who prefer a sweeter chocolate experience. They have the highest sugar content among the three types and are commonly used in baking, especially in chocolate chip cookies. While some may find them too sweet, they can be a hit with those who have a sweet tooth, such as children.

Milk Chocolate Chips

Milk chocolate chips offer a more balanced flavour profile. They have a milky taste and are less sweet than semi-sweet chocolate. This variety is a good middle ground for those who want something sweeter than dark chocolate but not as sugary as semi-sweet.

Dark Chocolate Chips

Dark chocolate chips contain the least amount of sugar and have a richer, darker chocolate flavour due to their higher cacao content. They are an excellent choice for those who prefer a more intense chocolate experience without the sweetness overpowering it. Dark chocolate also typically requires more oil or cream to thin it out for the fondue fountain.

When choosing between semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips for your fondue fountain, consider your personal preference for sweetness and flavour. You can even get creative and experiment with different blends of these chocolates to find the perfect combination for your taste. Additionally, remember that the chocolate needs to be melted and combined with oil or cream to achieve the right consistency for a smooth flow in the fountain.

Oil: vegetable or canola oil is needed to thin the chocolate

When preparing chocolate for a fondue fountain, it is important to get the right consistency to ensure a smooth flow. Vegetable or canola oil is needed to thin the chocolate and achieve the right viscosity. The ratio of oil to chocolate is crucial to ensure the chocolate is not too thick or too thin. For every cup of semi-sweet chocolate morsels or chips, one tablespoon of oil is usually sufficient. However, it is important to adjust this ratio depending on the type of chocolate used. White chocolate, for example, often requires additional oil due to its lower fat content.

When melting chocolate with oil, it is best to use a microwave, stovetop double boiler, or an Instant Pot. In a microwave, heat the chocolate and oil in short intervals, stirring between each cycle, until the mixture is completely smooth. On a stovetop, use a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water, ensuring no steam escapes, and stir until well-combined. In an Instant Pot, use the 'Saute' setting on 'Normal' and stir until smooth.

It is important to note that the chocolate should not be melted directly in the fondue fountain. Additionally, water should be avoided at all costs as even a few drops can cause the chocolate to seize. Always clean the fountain promptly after use to prevent the chocolate from hardening, which will make cleaning more difficult.

Dippers: marshmallows, pretzels, strawberries, wafers, and more

When it comes to choosing what to dip into your chocolate fondue fountain, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Marshmallows

Fluffy, soft, and sweet, marshmallows are a classic choice for chocolate fondue fountains. They are easy to skewer and provide a delightful textural contrast with their gooey interior and crispy, caramelised exterior once toasted.

Pretzels

Pretzels provide a savoury, salty contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate. Their crunchy texture makes them ideal for dipping, and their shape is perfect for spearing or stacking on a skewer.

Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are a popular choice for chocolate fondue fountains. Their natural sweetness and juicy texture pair perfectly with chocolate. Leave the stems on for easy dipping, or remove them and use a skewer to create a delicious, healthy treat.

Wafers

Vanilla wafers, in particular, are a great option for dipping into chocolate. Their crisp texture and subtle flavour complement the chocolate without overwhelming it. They also have a convenient size and shape for dipping and can add a touch of elegance to your fondue presentation.

Donut Holes

Small and bite-sized, donut holes are perfect for dipping into a chocolate fondue fountain. They have a similar texture to cake, but their round shape makes them easier to skewer and less messy to eat.

Graham Crackers

Graham crackers are a versatile dipping option. They can be broken into smaller pieces or left whole, providing a crunchy base for your chocolate dip. Their slightly sweet and cinnamon-y flavour pairs well with chocolate.

Angel Food Cake

Light and airy angel food cake is an excellent choice for chocolate fondue fountains. Cut into cubes, it provides a soft and fluffy base for the chocolate. Its subtle sweetness allows the flavour of the chocolate to shine.

Cookies

A wide variety of cookies can be used for dipping, including Oreos, biscotti, and your personal favourites. Cookies provide a crunchy texture and a range of flavours to complement the chocolate.

Potato Chips

While it may seem unusual, potato chips are a surprisingly tasty option for dipping into chocolate. The salty, crispy chips create a delightful sweet and savoury combination when paired with chocolate.

Dried Fruits

Dried apricots, mangoes, papayas, and other dried fruits are excellent choices for chocolate fondue fountains. Their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture make them a tasty and convenient option for dipping.

Fresh Fruits

In addition to strawberries, other fresh fruits such as bananas, pineapple, pears, apples, oranges, and peaches are perfect for dipping into chocolate. Their natural sweetness and juicy texture pair beautifully with chocolate.

Melting: melt chocolate in the microwave, Instant Pot, or on the stove

Melting chocolate is a key step in creating a fondue fountain, and there are several ways to do this effectively. Here is a detailed guide on how to melt chocolate using a microwave, Instant Pot, or stovetop method.

Microwave Method:

For the microwave method, you will need a silicone or glass bowl. Combine your chocolate and cream in the bowl and heat on high for 1 minute. Remove the bowl from the microwave and give it a gentle stir. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat on high for 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Repeat this process 7-8 times. If the chocolate is heating but not melting, let it sit in the microwave for 30 seconds before removing and stirring again. This entire process should take about 5 minutes.

Instant Pot Method:

The Instant Pot method is simple and convenient. Start by pouring 2 cups of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. Then, place a glass bowl on top, creating a seal so that no steam can escape. Add your chocolate and cream to the bowl. Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' on Normal. The cream will heat, and the chocolate will slowly melt over the next 12-15 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure a smooth consistency. Once everything has melted, give it a final stir and adjust the consistency if needed. You can add more cream if it's too thick.

Stovetop Method:

The stovetop method involves creating a double boiler. You will need a large pot and a large glass bowl that fits comfortably on top of the pot. Heat 2-3 inches of water in the pot on high. Once the water reaches a boil, switch to low heat and place the glass bowl on top. Make sure the bowl fits well to prevent steam from escaping. Add your chocolate and cream to the bowl and stir occasionally as the chocolate melts. This process should take about 10-15 minutes. Be careful to not get any water into the chocolate mixture, as this can cause separation.

By following these detailed instructions for melting chocolate, you can create a delicious and smooth fondue fountain that your guests will surely enjoy!

Fountain size: depends on the number of guests, from 10-15 to 30-40 people

The size of the chocolate fountain you need depends on the number of guests you are expecting. If you are hosting a small gathering of 10-15 people, a mini chocolate fountain should suffice. These typically hold around 24 oz of chocolate and are perfect for a cosy get-together.

For a slightly bigger group of up to 20 people, you can opt for a 16" chocolate fountain. But if you are planning a large party with 30-40 guests, you will need an 18" chocolate fountain to ensure everyone gets a taste.

Chocolate Recommendations for Different Fountain Sizes

When it comes to choosing the right chocolate for your fountain, there are a few options. You can use chocolate chips, but pure chocolate is recommended for the best results. A combination of semi-sweet, milk, and bittersweet chocolate will give you a well-rounded flavour that is not too sweet. If you are serving kids, you might want to stick to semi-sweet chocolate, which is the sweetest option.

For a 10-15 person gathering, you will need around 24 oz of chocolate. A blend of 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips, 11 oz milk chocolate chips, and 1 oz bittersweet chocolate should be enough.

For a larger group of 30-40 people, you will need a lot more chocolate. A good rule of thumb is to have 4-6 pounds of chocolate on hand. You can use a similar blend of chocolates as mentioned above, but in larger quantities: 18 oz semisweet chocolate chips, 16.5 oz milk chocolate chips, and 1.5 oz bittersweet chocolate.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

In addition to the fountain size and chocolate quantity, there are a few other things to consider when planning to use a chocolate fountain:

• Make sure to melt the chocolate before adding it to the fountain. Chocolate fountains only keep the chocolate warm; they don't melt it.
• You will need to add oil to the chocolate to get the right viscosity for it to flow properly. Coconut oil or canola oil are good options.
• Clean up the chocolate fountain immediately after use. If you let the chocolate harden, it will be much harder to clean.
• Use bamboo skewers or toothpicks for dipping to avoid getting fingers in the chocolate.
• Be mindful of the location of your chocolate fountain. Keep it away from wind, heating or air conditioning ducts, high-traffic areas, and small children.

Frequently asked questions