Marianne Martinez
Fondue is a French word that means to melt. Fruit fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It typically involves melting chocolate and dipping an assortment of fresh fruits and other items into the chocolate. The great thing about fruit fondue is that you can use any type of fruit you like, from strawberries and bananas to more exotic choices like starfruit, kiwi, or mango. You can also get creative with your dippers, using items such as cookies, cake, or even potato chips. In addition to chocolate fondue, there are also other types of fruit fondues to explore, such as cheese fondue or caramel apple fondue. So, whether you're looking for a fun treat for the kids or a unique way to end a romantic meal, fruit fondue is a delicious and entertaining option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Strawberries, Bananas, Apples, Pineapple, Grapes, Blackberries, Melon, Mango, Kiwi, Figs, Pears, Oranges, Cherries, Seedless Grapes, Cantaloupe, Honeydew Melon, Dragon Fruit, Papaya, Coconut Chunks, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Dried Pineapple, Dried Mangoes, Dried Apples |
What You'll Learn
Strawberries, bananas, and pineapple
When preparing strawberries for fondue, it is best to keep them whole with their stems still attached. This provides a natural handle for dipping. If the strawberries are large, you can cut them in half or into quarters to make them more dip-friendly. Strawberries are a versatile fruit that pairs well with both chocolate and cheese fondue.
Bananas are another excellent choice for fondue. They have a creamy texture that goes well with sweet and savoury fondues. When preparing bananas for fondue, cut them into 1/4-inch slices. To prevent browning, you can add a little lemon juice to the banana slices. Bananas are a great addition to any fondue and provide a contrast in texture and flavour.
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your fondue. You can use fresh or canned pineapple, cut into bite-sized pieces or triangles. Pineapple pairs particularly well with cheese fondue and can add a unique flavour to your dipping experience.
When serving fondue with fruit, it is essential to have a variety of dipping options. In addition to strawberries, bananas, and pineapple, you can offer other fruits such as apples, pears, or dried apricots. Providing different types of dippers, such as marshmallows, pound cake, or ladyfingers, will also enhance your fondue experience.
Additionally, you can add some fun toppings to your fruit fondue. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or chocolate-coated sunflower seeds can take your fondue to the next level. Don't forget to provide skewers, toothpicks, or plastic forks for easy dipping!
By following these suggestions, you can create a delightful and interactive dessert experience with strawberries, bananas, and pineapple as your fondue stars. So, go ahead and indulge in the sweet and fruity goodness of a well-prepared fruit fondue!
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Apples, pears, and melons
Apples, especially when paired with caramel, make for a delicious fondue treat. To prepare apples for fondue, slice them into bite-sized pieces, removing the core and seeds. To prevent browning, soak the apple slices in a mixture of water and lemon juice, or even a lemon-lime soft drink like 7-up. This will also add a tangy flavour to the apples.
Pears also make a great addition to fondue. Like apples, they should be cut into bite-sized pieces, and their mild, sweet flavour pairs well with a variety of fondue dips. Melons, with their high water content and refreshing taste, are another excellent choice for fondue. They can be cut into cubes or balls, making them easy to dip and eat.
When preparing apples, pears, and melons for fondue, it is important to ensure that the fruit is ripe but still firm, as this will make it easier to skewer and dip. These fruits can be paired with a variety of dips, including chocolate, caramel, and cheese fondue. For a healthier option, serve them with a fruit dip made from yogurt or light cream cheese sweetened with natural sweeteners.
To elevate your fondue experience, consider adding some fun toppings. Chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and chocolate-coated sunflower seeds can add crunch and extra flavour to your fruit fondue. So, whether you're dipping apples, pears, or melons, get creative and enjoy the sweet delights of fruit fondue!
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Grapes, oranges, and kiwi
Grapes
Grapes are a versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savoury fondue recipes. Smoked grapes, for example, pair well with a simple goat cheese fondue. To make smoked grapes, simply place the grapes in a smoker for 15-20 minutes. You can use a variety of colours of grapes, such as green, red, or black, and they will present beautifully, with the smoke adding a gorgeous bronzed colour to the fruit.
Oranges
Oranges are commonly used in chocolate fondue, where the fruit is dipped into melted chocolate. Oranges provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, making them a refreshing option for fondue. They also add a pop of colour to the fondue spread.
Kiwis
Kiwis are a small, sweet, and nutritious fruit that can be used in fondue. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and powerful plant compounds, making them a healthy option for dipping. Kiwis have a fuzzy brown skin and green flesh, with tiny black seeds. While most varieties of kiwi need to be peeled before eating, some types, like the Zespri SunGold kiwi, can be eaten whole. Kiwis can be used in both sweet and savoury fondue recipes and can be added to dishes like fruit salads or salsa.
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Dried fruit
Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are a classic choice for fondue. Their tangy sweetness pairs beautifully with chocolate, and their soft texture makes them easy to skewer and dip. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin A and E, and fibre.
Dried Figs
Figs are another delicious option for fondue. Their sweet, sticky texture is a perfect match for chocolate, and they add an elegant touch to any fondue spread. Dried figs are also packed with nutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium.
Dried Mangoes
Tropical dried mangoes add a burst of sunshine to your fondue party. Their bright colour and sweet, tangy flavour will delight your guests. Mango is also a good source of vitamin C and fibre. Just be sure to choose softer varieties that can easily be skewered and dipped.
Dried Pineapples
Dried pineapples are a sweet and tangy treat that will transport you to the tropics. Their golden colour and chewy texture make them a fun and tasty addition to your fondue spread. Like their fresh counterpart, dried pineapples are rich in vitamin C and various antioxidants.
Other Dried Fruit Options
In addition to the options above, you can experiment with other dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, apples, bananas, and more. Get creative and explore different combinations of dried fruits to find your favourite pairings with chocolate or cheese fondue.
Remember to cut or tear larger pieces of dried fruit into smaller, bite-sized portions to make them easier to dip and eat. You can also pair dried fruit with fresh fruit, cookies, and other treats to create a delightful and varied fondue experience for your guests.
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Cake and cookies
Cake
Pound cake, angel food cake, and vanilla pound cake are all excellent choices for dipping into fondue. Cut the cake into 2-inch cubes, and spear the pieces onto fondue forks or skewers. The cake will soak up the delicious fondue while providing a soft and fluffy texture.
Cookies
Shortbread cookies, buttery and crumbly, are a delightful addition to fondue. You can find them in stores or bake them yourself. Often, the store-bought versions are already dipped in semisweet chocolate, but dipping them yourself is much more fun! Graham crackers, honey-flavoured, chocolate-flavoured, or cinnamon-flavoured, are another excellent option for dipping. Break them into smaller pieces to create bite-sized treats.
Creative Combinations
For a unique twist, try combining cake and cookies in your fondue. Use crushed cookies as a topping for your cake fondue cubes, or dip cookies in fondue and then roll them in cake crumbs for a unique texture and flavour.
Presentation Ideas
For a beautiful and elegant presentation, arrange cake cubes and cookies on a platter, surrounding a bowl of fondue in the centre. Alternatively, create individual servings by placing a small amount of fondue in tumblers or bowls, and providing a selection of cake and cookies for dipping.
Fondue is a versatile and enjoyable way to indulge your sweet tooth. With these ideas, you can elevate the experience and create memorable treats for yourself and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Almost any fruit can be used for fondue. Popular options include strawberries, bananas, apples, pineapple, peaches, melons, kiwi, grapes, and dried fruits.
Fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and bananas tend to brown quickly. To prevent this, sprinkle some lemon juice over them. You can also cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces to make dipping easier.
There are various dips you can use for fruit fondue, including chocolate, cream, caramel, butterscotch, and liqueurs.
Besides fruit, you can dip pound cake, angel food cake, brownies, marshmallows, pretzels, cookies, and biscotti.
Using a fondue pot is ideal for keeping the chocolate warm. If you don't have one, you can use a regular pot placed on an oven mitt, or a small crockpot or candle warmer.
