Chocolate Fondue Fountains: A Decadent, Interactive Dessert Experience

A chocolate fondue fountain is a device for serving chocolate fondue. They typically resemble a stepped cone, standing 2-4 feet tall, with a crown at the top and stacked tiers over a basin at the bottom. The basin is heated to keep the chocolate in a liquid state, allowing it to be pulled into a centre cylinder and transported to the top of the fountain by an Archimedes screw. The chocolate then flows over the tiers, creating a chocolate waterfall in which food items like strawberries or marshmallows can be dipped.

What type of chocolate to use

Chocolate fondue fountains are a fun and exciting way to celebrate and surprise your loved ones. They are perfect for birthdays, Valentine's Day, or any special occasion.

When it comes to choosing the right chocolate for your fondue fountain, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to use high-quality chocolate. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they don't melt well and can harden quickly. Instead, opt for real, high-quality chocolate bars. You can use a combination of different chocolates to create a richer and deeper final flavour. Semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate are popular choices. If you want a less sweet option, go for bittersweet chocolate, which has the least amount of sugar. If you want something sweeter, opt for semi-sweet or milk chocolate. You can also add a touch of white chocolate for a creamier flavour.

Additionally, when melting the chocolate, it is crucial to avoid any contact with water, as even a few drops can cause the chocolate to seize. You can melt the chocolate using a microwave, a stovetop, or a double boiler. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short intervals and stir after each interval until it is completely smooth. For a stovetop, use a pot with simmering water and a heat-safe bowl on top. Stir the chocolate occasionally until it is completely melted. A double boiler is a great option for gently melting the chocolate without overheating it.

Furthermore, to get the right consistency for your fondue fountain, you may need to add oil or additional milk/cream. A ratio of one tablespoon of coconut oil per cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips works well and enhances the flavour. You can also use other neutral-tasting oils like canola or vegetable oil. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply whisk in additional milk, cream, or oil until you achieve the desired consistency.

In summary, choosing the right chocolate and preparing it correctly are crucial steps in creating a delicious and successful chocolate fondue fountain. With the right ingredients, melting techniques, and consistency adjustments, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

How to set up a chocolate fondue fountain

Setting up a chocolate fondue fountain is a great way to impress your guests at your next party or event. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Fountain

First, make sure you have all the parts of your chocolate fountain and wash them with warm soapy water to remove any dust or dirt. Then, follow the instructions provided with your fountain to assemble it. This typically involves attaching the auger tube to the base, installing the auger (the corkscrew-shaped rod that drives the chocolate up), and locking the crown in place. Once assembled, test the fountain by plugging it into an electrical outlet and running it without chocolate to ensure it's functioning properly.

Step 2: Choose and Melt the Chocolate

You can use any type of chocolate in your fountain, but a higher-quality chocolate with a higher cocoa butter content, such as couverture chocolate, will taste better and flow more smoothly. If using a lower-quality chocolate, you may need to add vegetable or canola oil (about 1 tablespoon per 500 grams of chocolate) to achieve the correct consistency. Melt the chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler until it reaches a smooth, liquid consistency.

Step 3: Set Up the Fountain

Place your chocolate fountain on a sturdy table close to an electrical outlet. Cover the table with a tablecloth, preferably in a dark color, to catch any chocolate drips or splashes. Then, pour the melted chocolate into the base of the fountain and turn it on. The chocolate will travel up the central column and flow down the sides.

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Items

Chocolate fountains go well with a variety of dipping items such as fruits, snacks, and treats. Popular choices include strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pretzels, pieces of cake or brownies, and cookies. Cut up any larger items into bite-sized pieces to make dipping easier. Dry any washed fruit to ensure the chocolate adheres well. Provide skewers, toothpicks, paper plates, and napkins for your guests to use.

Step 5: Maintain and Clean the Fountain

Throughout your event, keep an eye on the fountain and add more melted chocolate if needed. If any food falls into the basin and jams the fountain, turn it off and unplug it immediately before removing the item. After the event, remove any remaining chocolate from the fountain and disassemble and clean the parts with warm soapy water. Do not place any electrical parts, such as the motor and pump, in the dishwasher.

What foods to dip into the chocolate

A chocolate fondue fountain is a fun and creative way to enjoy chocolate with various treats. The key to a successful fondue experience is to ensure that the treats can withstand being dipped in chocolate without falling apart, and that they complement the chocolate's flavour. Here are some ideas for foods to dip into a chocolate fondue fountain:

Fruits

Fresh or dried fruits are classic choices for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, mango, and coconut chunks are all excellent options. Cherries with stems, drained pineapple slices, firm cubed watermelon, honeydew melon chunks, and fresh figs are also tasty choices. If using dried fruit, opt for dried apricots, figs, dates, or apples. Avoid fruits that are too wet or crumbly, such as watermelon and most cakes.

Cookies and Biscuits

Cookies provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavours when paired with chocolate. Shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, vanilla wafers, oatmeal raisin cookies, snickerdoodles, and ginger snaps are all great choices. For a unique twist, try dipping pirouette cookies, biscotti, or fortune cookies.

Sweet Treats

There are endless sweet treats that can be dipped into a chocolate fondue fountain. Pound cake, angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, fruit cake, and even cheesecake cubes are all delicious options. Other treats to consider include Rice Krispies treats, brownies, marshmallows, cream puffs, granola bars, and donut holes.

Savoury Options

While sweet treats are the most popular choice for chocolate fondue, don't be afraid to experiment with savoury options. Pretzels, pretzel rods, and potato chips provide a nice contrast of salty and sweet. Candied bacon dipped in chocolate is a unique and indulgent option.

Nuts

Large nuts, such as whole almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts, can be dipped into the chocolate fondue. For an extra touch of decadence, roll the chocolate-covered nuts in sprinkles or chopped nuts.

How to clean a chocolate fondue fountain

A chocolate fondue fountain is a device used to circulate and serve melted chocolate, creating a visually appealing and delicious dessert experience. It is perfect for parties or special occasions, adding an element of fun and interactivity to your event. The fountain features a tiered tower structure with a auger-style conveyor system that moves the chocolate upwards, allowing it to flow back down in a mesmerizing cascade. Now, let's delve into the steps for cleaning this delightful device:

• Unplug the Chocolate Fondue Fountain: Before you begin cleaning, ensure that the chocolate fondue fountain is unplugged from the power source and completely cooled down. It is important that the chocolate is no longer melted, as you don't want it to clog the fountain during the cleaning process.
• Disassemble the Fountain: Refer to your chocolate fondue fountain's user manual for instructions specific to your model. Typically, you'll need to disassemble the fountain by removing the tiers, the auger (the spiral conveyor), and any other removable parts. Some fountains may have a heating element that needs to be detached as well. Place all removable parts in a sink or large basin.
• Fill the Sink or Basin with Warm, Soapy Water: Prepare a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water in your sink or a large basin. Avoid using hot water, as it can melt the chocolate and make the cleaning process more difficult. Ensure the water is soapy but not overly foamy.
• Soak the Removable Parts: Place all the removable parts of the chocolate fondue fountain in the warm, soapy water. Allow them to soak for several minutes to loosen any remaining chocolate or residue. This will make it easier to wipe away the chocolate without needing to scrub aggressively.
• Use a Soft Cloth or Sponge to Wipe Down the Parts: Gently wipe each removable part with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies, paying extra attention to the auger, which typically has the most chocolate buildup. Rinse the parts with clean, warm water and ensure that all chocolate residue has been removed.
• Reassemble and Dry the Fountain: Once all the parts are clean and rinsed, use a dry, soft cloth to thoroughly dry each component. This is important to prevent any water spots or residue from forming on the fountain. Reassemble the chocolate fondue fountain according to the user manual's instructions.
• Optional: Use Cotton Swabs for Hard-to-Reach Areas: If there are small crevices or hard-to-reach areas with chocolate buildup, use cotton swabs lightly dampened with warm, soapy water to gently clean those spots. Ensure that the cotton swabs are only slightly damp to prevent water from entering sensitive areas of the fountain.

With these steps, your chocolate fondue fountain will be thoroughly cleaned and ready for your next dessert adventure! Remember to always refer to your specific model's user manual for any additional instructions or precautions.

The history of chocolate fondue fountains

The chocolate fondue fountain was invented by Ben Brisman and was popularized in 1991 by a Canadian company called Design & Realisation. They began displaying these fountains at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago in the early 1990s.

Jay Harlan, an entrepreneur and former Marriott catering executive, collaborated with Design & Realisation to introduce the chocolate fountain to the U.S. hotel and resort industry. In 2001, Harlan's company, Buffet Enhancements International, began distributing the Design & Realisation fountain in the U.S. Buffet Enhancements later copied and improved the Design & Realisation fountain idea and began manufacturing their own American-made version.

Chocolate fountains became increasingly popular, and by the end of 2004, the Hellmann Group began marketing the Nostalgia Chocolate Fountain for personal use. This expansion into the retail market caused demand to peak drastically, and the catering industry saw more requests for chocolate fountains at events.

Chocolate fondue itself is thought to have been created by Chef Konrad Elgi of New York's Chalet Swiss restaurant in 1964, as a dessert fondue. However, the exact origin of chocolate fondue is not known. Credit has also been given to Madison Avenue marketing efforts on behalf of Toblerone Swiss Chocolate in the 1950s, and even the Mayans, who served chocolate in pots as a thick, dense drink over 2,500 years ago.

Frequently asked questions