Chocolate Fondue Fountain: Essential Supplies For A Small Setup

A chocolate fondue fountain is a fun and engaging way to serve dessert. It is also a great way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, Valentine's Day, or weddings. To set up a small chocolate fondue fountain, you will need the following:

- A fondue fountain machine: Look for a small-sized fountain that can hold around 24 oz. of chocolate and serve about 10-15 people. You can find these at most online retailers or party supply stores.

- Chocolate: Use a high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cacao. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, or a combination of these. Chop the chocolate into small pieces or use chocolate chips.

- Oil or cream: To thin out the chocolate and help it flow smoothly, you will need to add oil or cream. For a small fountain, you will need about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of oil or cream.

- Dipping items: Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, and pineapple, are classic choices. You can also offer baked goods like brownies, cookies, or cake, as well as marshmallows, pretzels, or candy.

- Fondue forks or skewers: These are used to skewer the dipping items and make it easier for guests to dip them into the chocolate.

Once you have all your supplies, follow the instructions that come with your chocolate fondue fountain for set-up and usage. Enjoy!

Fountain type and size

Fountain Type

There are two main types of chocolate fondue fountains: tiered and cascading. Tiered fountains have multiple levels that create a cascading effect as the chocolate flows down, while cascading fountains have a single, smooth flow of chocolate. Tiered fountains are more common and often considered more visually appealing. However, cascading fountains can be a good option if you want a more elegant and sophisticated look.

Fountain Size

The size of the fountain you choose will depend on the number of guests you are expecting and the amount of space you have available. Small fountains typically hold around 24 ounces of chocolate and are suitable for up to 15 people. Medium-sized fountains can hold up to 36 ounces and are ideal for up to 20 people. Large fountains can accommodate 40 ounces or more and can serve 30-40 people or more. When choosing a fountain size, it is important to consider not only the number of guests but also the duration of the event. If your event will last for several hours, you may need a larger fountain or plan to refill the fountain during the event.

In addition to the capacity of the fountain, you should also consider the physical size of the fountain itself. Make sure you have enough table space to accommodate the fountain, as well as room for guests to gather around and dip their treats.

It is also important to note that some fountains may be noisier than others, so if you are looking for a quiet option, be sure to read reviews or look for recommendations before purchasing.

Chocolate type and quantity

The type and quantity of chocolate you'll need for your small chocolate fondue fountain will depend on the number of guests you're serving and their appetites!

A 24-ounce chocolate fondue fountain can serve about 10-15 people. For this size of the fountain, you'll need about 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips and 11 ounces of milk chocolate chips. If you prefer a darker chocolate fondue, you can use a mix of semisweet, milk, and bittersweet chocolate. You can also add a little oil or cream to thin out the chocolate and help it flow better in the fountain.

If you're using a chocolate fountain that requires melted chocolate, you'll need to melt the chocolate before adding it to the fountain. You can do this in a microwave, on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot. It's important to melt the chocolate gently and slowly to avoid overheating or burning it.

For a small chocolate fondue fountain, you'll also want to choose the right type of chocolate. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they may not melt well and can harden quickly. Instead, opt for high-quality chocolate bars or baking chocolate, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chocolate.

Overall, the amount of chocolate you'll need for your small chocolate fondue fountain will depend on the size of the fountain and the number of guests you're serving. Be sure to have enough chocolate on hand to refill the fountain as needed, and enjoy your delicious treat!

Dippers

When it comes to dippers, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, bananas, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, clementines, pineapple, mango, papaya, apples, pears, grapes, dried apricots
• Cookies: Oreos, Nutter Butters, Pirouettes, Milanos, Girl Scout Cookies, Ginger Snaps, Pizzelle, Graham Crackers, Red Velvet Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies
• Other treats: Pound cake, Rice Krispie Treats, Brownie bites, Large marshmallows, Cinnamon bears, Candy, Pretzels, Coconut chunks, Gummy bears
• Crunchy: Toasted coconut, slivered almonds, crushed hazelnuts

Heating method

Heating the chocolate is an important step in preparing a chocolate fondue fountain. The chocolate needs to be heated and melted before it is added to the fountain, and there are several methods that can be used to do this. Here is a detailed guide on how to heat the chocolate for your chocolate fondue fountain:

Microwave Method:

Place the chocolate and cream/oil in a microwave-safe bowl, such as a silicone or glass bowl. Heat the mixture on high power for 1 minute, then remove and stir the contents. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Repeat this process 7-8 times, or until the chocolate is completely melted. It should take around 5 minutes in total.

Stovetop Method:

This method involves using a double boiler setup. Heat water in a large pot over high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Place a large glass bowl on top of the pot, ensuring that it fits snugly to prevent steam from escaping. Add the chocolate and cream/oil to the bowl and stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and smooth, without any lumps. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to get any water into the chocolate mixture, as this can cause it to seize.

Instant Pot Method:

The Instant Pot can also be used as a double boiler. Pour water into the inner liner of the Instant Pot. Place a glass bowl on top, ensuring that it is large enough to create a seal and prevent steam from escaping. Add the chocolate and cream/oil to the bowl. Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' on Normal heat. The cream will heat up, and the chocolate will slowly melt. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure it is well combined and there are no air bubbles. Once everything is melted, turn on the 'Keep Warm' function until you are ready to add the chocolate to the fountain.

General Tips for Heating Chocolate:

• It is important to heat the chocolate gently and slowly to ensure it melts evenly and smoothly.
• Do not let the chocolate come to a simmer or boil, as this can affect the texture and cause it to become grainy.
• Always use high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content, such as Guittard or Valrhona. Chocolate chips may not work well and can harden quickly, so it is recommended to use chocolate bars instead.
• If using white chocolate, you may need to add extra oil or cream, as it has a lower fat percentage than other types of chocolate.
• If your chocolate starts to bead up or clump, check for any liquid or food particles in the chocolate fountain reservoir or bowl, as this can cause clogging.

Clean-up

The most important thing to remember about cleaning a chocolate fondue fountain is that you must do it immediately after use. If you leave the chocolate to harden, it will be much harder to clean.

Turn off the machine and allow it to cool to a comfortable temperature. Use a silicone spatula to scrape as much chocolate as possible into the bowl. Remove the auger and tower and use the spatula to scrape off any remaining chocolate. Place the auger and tower on a plate while you scrape the remaining chocolate from the bowl into an airtight container. This chocolate can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to a year.

Wash the auger and tower gently with warm water, then take the tower apart and wash each piece with soap and water. The base and bowl should be gently washed with a damp, soapy cloth. Do not submerge the bowl/base in water unless explicitly stated in the owner's manual.

The whole process should take around 10 minutes, after which everything can be dried and stored away for next time.

Frequently asked questions