Delicious Fondue Fountain: Creative Ideas For Your Next Party

A fondue fountain is a fun and interactive way to serve food at a party, and it can be used with a variety of sweet and savoury dips. The most popular type of fondue fountain is a chocolate fountain, which can be used with a variety of chocolates, including semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate. To get the right consistency for the chocolate to flow, it needs to be mixed with oil, such as coconut oil or canola oil. The chocolate can then be served with a variety of dipping foods, including fresh fruit, cookies, marshmallows, pretzels, and Rice Krispie treats.

Fondue fountains can also be used with cheese to create a savoury fondue. Sephra's Classic Home Chocolate Fountain is one example of a fondue fountain that can successfully flow cheese fondue. Some ideas for cheese fondue dips include nacho cheese, bleu cheese or ranch dressing, and Swiss and cheddar cheese.

Fresh fruit

• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Clementines
• Apples
• Pears
• Mango
• Papaya
• Apricots
• Oranges
• Tangerines
• Grapefruit
• Peaches
• Plums
• Figs
• Pineapple
• Mangos

When preparing fruit for a fondue fountain, it is important to cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces that can easily be skewered and dipped into the chocolate. It is also a good idea to have a variety of fruits available to provide a range of flavours and textures for your guests to enjoy.

Cookies

Store-bought Cookies

Oreos, nutter butters, pirouettes, Milanos, and girl scout cookies are all excellent choices for dipping into chocolate fondue. These cookies provide a delicious contrast of textures and flavours when covered in warm, dripping chocolate.

Homemade Cookies

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own cookies specifically for the fondue fountain. Toffee pecan cookies, for example, pair wonderfully with chocolate. Get creative and experiment with different types of cookies to find your favourites!

Tips for Using Cookies with a Fondue Fountain

When using cookies with a fondue fountain, consider the following:

• Choose cookies that are firm enough to withstand the weight of the chocolate without breaking. Softer cookies may fall apart when coated in chocolate.
• Longer cookies, such as pirouette cookies, are ideal because they can be easily dipped without the need for additional skewers or toothpicks.
• Prepare your cookies in advance and have them ready before starting the fondue fountain. This will ensure that you can enjoy the chocolate while it is warm and flowing smoothly.
• If you have any leftover cookies after the fondue, you can dip them in chocolate and enjoy them as a tasty treat later!

Marshmallows

Choosing the Right Marshmallows

The best marshmallows for a fondue fountain are large, firm marshmallows. These will hold up better to dipping and will create a more substantial treat. Mini marshmallows can also be used, but they may not be as easy to dip. For a fun twist, you can use heart-shaped marshmallows or even coat the marshmallows in chocolate or graham cracker crumbs before dipping.

Preparing the Marshmallows

To prepare marshmallows for dipping, it is best to thread them onto skewers or toothpicks. This makes it easier to dip them in the chocolate and prevents people from touching the chocolate with their hands. If you are using wooden skewers, it is a good idea to soak them in water for a few hours beforehand to prevent them from burning if you are toasting the marshmallows.

Dipping the Marshmallows

When dipping marshmallows in a fondue fountain, it is important to work quickly. The warm chocolate will cause the marshmallows to melt, so it is best to take only a few marshmallows at a time and dip them one by one. This will help to prevent a sticky mess.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover marshmallows, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will start to dry out and get sticky after a few days, so it is best to enjoy them within a day or two.

Other Dipping Options

While marshmallows are a great option for fondue fountains, there are also many other treats that can be dipped in chocolate. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, and raspberries, is always a popular choice. Cookies, pretzel sticks, and rice krispy treats are also excellent options. Get creative and experiment with different dipping options to find your favourites!

Pretzels

If you're looking for a savoury option, you can also use a fondue fountain for cheese or another dipping sauce such as barbecue. Pretzel rods are a great choice for dipping into cheese fondue, and you can even add salsa to the cheese to make a queso dip.

If you're using a chocolate fondue fountain, it's important to note that you must melt the chocolate before adding it to the fountain. Chocolate fountains are designed only to keep the chocolate warm, not to melt it. You can melt chocolate in an Instant Pot, a pot over the stove, or in the microwave. Once melted, pour the chocolate into the base of the fountain and turn on the motor.

If you're using a cheese or other savoury fondue, simply heat the cheese or sauce in a pot on the stove before transferring it to the fondue fountain.

Rice Krispie treats

Ingredients:

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Heavy cream
• Miniature marshmallows
• Pre-packaged Rice Krispie Treats
• Plain M&M's
• Peanut Butter M&M's

Instructions:

• Start by cutting each Rice Krispie Treat into six squares and placing them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
• Place the M&M's in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a mallet. Transfer the crushed M&M pieces onto a small plate and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to avoid scorching the ingredients. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth, then add the marshmallows. Keep stirring until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from the heat.
• Dip each small square of Rice Krispie Treat into the fondue mixture, coating the top half of each square.
• Immediately dip the chocolate-coated side of the treat into the crushed M&M's until well coated. Repeat this process with the remaining Rice Krispie Treat pieces.
• Place each piece back on the parchment paper and let the treats cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Rice Krispie Treats:

• Use fresh, recently purchased marshmallows.
• Do not overcook the marshmallows. Heat them until they are soft and beginning to lose their shape.
• Do not omit the butter, as it helps keep the treats soft and chewy.
• Do not chill the treats in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out.
• Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Frequently asked questions