Chocolate Fondue: Melting Pot's Sweet Sensations And Perfect Pairings

The Melting Pot is a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience centered around fondue. They offer a variety of fondue options, including cheese and chocolate fondue, with a range of dippers to choose from. The chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot is made with milk chocolate, heavy cream, and crunchy peanut butter. It is served with a selection of dippers, such as fruits, cakes, and other treats. The exact choices include Oreos, Rice Krispies treats, angel food cake, strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and pretzels. The Melting Pot's chocolate fondue is the perfect dessert for a special occasion and can be easily made at home using a simple copycat recipe.

Oreo-dusted marshmallows, brownies, and blondies

Oreo-Dusted Marshmallows

Cookies and cream marshmallows are a fun twist on the classic treat. To make them, you'll need:

• Water
• Powdered gelatin
• Granulated sugar
• Corn syrup
• Salt
• Vanilla bean paste
• Oreos, crushed
• Canola oil or non-stick cooking spray

Start by lining an 8x8-inch square tin with parchment paper and coating it generously with oil. In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water and set aside. Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and the remaining water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until the syrup reaches 240°F. Carefully pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture and mix until thickened. Add the vanilla bean paste and crushed Oreos, then mix to combine. Scrape the marshmallow mixture into the prepared tin, cover with oiled foil, and let it set for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To finish, remove the cream from some Oreos and crush the cookies into a fine powder. Combine this with dry milk powder and use this mixture to dust the marshmallows. You can cut the marshmallows into squares or use a metal cutter to create fun shapes.

Brownies

Brownies are a classic dessert that pairs perfectly with chocolate fondue. To make them, you'll need:

• Butter
• Light brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, melt the butter and add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture forms a paste. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking to combine. Finally, add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, whisking until just mixed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Blondies

Blondies are similar to brownies but have a rich vanilla flavor instead of chocolate. To make them, you'll need:

• Unsalted butter, melted
• Brown sugar, tightly packed
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt
• White chocolate chips (optional)
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 13x9-inch pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar, stirring well. Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, stirring until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. If desired, fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Now you have a delicious array of treats to dip into your chocolate fondue! Enjoy your sweet feast.

Fresh fruit: strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and pears

Fresh fruit is a fantastic option to serve alongside chocolate fondue. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the rich, indulgent chocolate, creating a delicious and refreshing treat. Here are some ideas for fruits that will complement your chocolate fondue:

Strawberries

Strawberries are a classic choice for chocolate fondue and for good reason. Their bright red colour provides a beautiful contrast to the dark chocolate, and their juicy, sweet flavour is enhanced by the creamy fondue. Strawberries are also a good source of vitamin C, so you can feel a little bit better about indulging in this decadent dessert. Thread strawberries onto skewers or simply serve them whole for an easy, elegant option.

Bananas

Bananas are another popular choice for chocolate fondue. Their soft, creamy texture and natural sweetness make them a perfect match for chocolate. Bananas also offer a good source of potassium and vitamin B6, adding a bit of nutritional value to your dessert. Cut bananas into bite-sized pieces or slices for easy dipping.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a more unique choice for chocolate fondue, but it can add a delicious tropical twist to your dessert. The tangy, sweet flavour of pineapple complements the richness of the chocolate, creating an unexpected but delightful combination. Pineapple also contains vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion. Be sure to cut the pineapple into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping.

Pears

Pears can also be a wonderful choice for chocolate fondue. Their sweet, juicy flavour and soft texture make them ideal for dipping in chocolate. Pears are a good source of dietary fibre and vitamin C, adding some nutritional value to your dessert. Be sure to choose ripe but firm pears for the best dipping experience.

When serving fresh fruit with chocolate fondue, it's important to consider the size and shape of your fruit. You want to make sure the fruit is easy to dip and not too messy to eat. Cutting the fruit into bite-sized pieces or slices is usually the best option. Additionally, consider providing skewers or fondue forks for your guests to use, making it easier for them to enjoy the delicious combination of fresh fruit and melted chocolate.

Sponge cake, pretzels, Rice Krispie treats, and caramels

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that allows everyone to choose their favourite treats to dip into a rich, creamy chocolate sauce. The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant, offers a range of dippers to accompany their chocolate fondue, including the ever-popular sponge cake, pretzels, Rice Krispie treats, and caramels.

Sponge cake is a classic fondue dipper, offering a soft and fluffy texture that soaks up the chocolate sauce. It's best to cut the cake into cubes or small pieces to make it easier for dipping. Pretzels, on the other hand, provide a savoury and crunchy contrast to the sweet chocolate. They add a salty twist to the dessert and are a unique alternative to the usual sweet dippers.

Rice Krispie treats are another fun option, offering a crispy and crunchy texture with a hint of sweetness from the marshmallows. These treats are especially enjoyable when dipped in chocolate, creating a delightful combination of flavours and textures. For an extra indulgent treat, consider using chocolate Rice Krispie treats for an ultimate chocolate overload.

Lastly, caramels are a perfect choice for those who love their desserts extra sweet. The creamy texture of the caramel pairs beautifully with the chocolate fondue, creating a rich and indulgent experience. Soft caramels are ideal for dipping, as they can easily be coated in the warm chocolate sauce.

When serving chocolate fondue, it's always a good idea to provide a variety of dippers to cater to different taste preferences. The combination of sponge cake, pretzels, Rice Krispie treats, and caramels offers a well-rounded selection that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures to make your chocolate fondue experience truly memorable.

Cinnamon bears, marshmallows, apple, strawberries, and graham crackers

Cinnamon bears might sound like an unusual choice, but don't knock it until you try it! The warm spice of the cinnamon combined with the sweet, creamy chocolate creates a delightful flavour profile that is simply irresistible. Marshmallows, on the other hand, are a classic fondue choice. Their soft, fluffy texture and sweet taste make them perfect for soaking up the chocolate and creating a mouthful of pure indulgence.

When it comes to fruit, apples and strawberries are excellent options. The tartness of the apple provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate, while the strawberries add a touch of sweetness and a juicy bite. For a unique texture, graham crackers are an excellent choice. Their crisp, crumbly texture pairs beautifully with the smooth chocolate, creating a satisfying bite that will keep your guests coming back for more.

To enhance your chocolate fondue experience, don't be afraid to get creative with your dippers. In addition to the suggestions above, consider adding bananas, pretzels, Rice Krispy treats, caramels, sponge cake, or even cheesecakes bites. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!

Remember, the beauty of a chocolate fondue is in its versatility. So, gather your favourite treats, heat up that pot of chocolate, and get ready to dip, savour, and indulge in a memorable dessert experience.

Cookies, brownies, pound cake, and Rice Krispie squares

Cookies, brownies, pound cake, and Rice Krispie treats are all fantastic options to serve alongside chocolate fondue. These sweet treats are perfect for dipping into the warm, melted chocolate and will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.

Cookies are a classic choice for chocolate fondue, and for good reason. They provide a familiar and comforting taste that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy chocolate. Whether you prefer chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or sugar cookies, the combination of a crispy cookie and warm chocolate is hard to beat.

Brownies, on the other hand, offer a fudgy and indulgent experience. When dipped into chocolate fondue, they become even more decadent and rich, creating a true chocolate lover's dream. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of brownies, such as those with nuts, caramel, or other mix-ins.

Pound cake is another excellent choice, providing a soft and fluffy texture that soaks up the chocolate fondue beautifully. The light and airy cake pairs wonderfully with the thick, creamy chocolate, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Rice Krispie treats bring a crunchy and crispy element to the chocolate fondue experience. The crispy rice cereal coated in melted marshmallow provides a sweet and chewy texture that is perfect for dipping. The combination of the crispy treat and warm chocolate is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

When serving chocolate fondue, it's always a good idea to provide a variety of dipping options to cater to different tastes and preferences. By offering cookies, brownies, pound cake, and Rice Krispie treats, you'll have something for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget to include some fresh fruit on the side as well, such as strawberries, bananas, or pineapple, for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

So, go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth with these delicious treats, and don't be afraid to get creative with your own favourite sweets! The possibilities are endless when it comes to chocolate fondue.

Frequently asked questions