Chocolate Fondue Party: A Sweet And Fun Get-Together

A chocolate fondue party is a fun and interactive way to get your guests involved in creating their desserts. It's a great choice for a celebration, whether that's a romantic evening for two or a larger gathering. The basic premise is simple: guests gather around a fondue pot, melting chocolate, and use skewers to dip various treats into the chocolate. The treats can include fruit, cake, marshmallows, biscuits, and even savoury items like pretzels or potato chips. Fondue parties are a social affair, with guests gathering around a central activity and creating their own unique combinations.

Chocolate fondue history

The exact origin of chocolate fondue is unknown, but there are several theories about its creation. One story credits Chef Konrad Elgi of New York's Chalet Swiss restaurant, who in 1952, created the bourguignon variation of fondue (beef cubes cooked in hot oil) and, in 1964, is said to have subsequently developed the chocolate variation as a dessert fondue. Another theory credits Madison Avenue marketing efforts on behalf of Toblerone Swiss Chocolate in the 1950s. Some even believe that the Mayans could claim credit for inventing chocolate fondue, as chocolate was first served in their pots as a thick, dense drink over 2,500 years ago.

The term "fondue" is derived from the French verb "fondre," which means "to melt" or "to dissolve." The French word is itself derived from the Latin "fundo," meaning "I melt." While the word "fondue" was first attested in French in 1735, it was used to refer to a dish composed of eggs and cheese. The first known recipe for the modern cheese fondue under the name "Käss mit Wein zu kochen" ('to cook cheese with wine') was published in a 1699 book from Zurich. This recipe called for grated or cut-up cheese to be melted with wine, and for bread to be dipped in it.

In the 1930s, the Swiss Cheese Union (Schweizerische Käseunion) promoted fondue as a Swiss national dish to increase cheese consumption. Fondue became popular in North America in the 1950s and 1960s, with Swiss cheese fondue gaining popularity in the United States in the 1950s, leading to "fondue parties" and the sale of fondue pots and utensils. This popularity inspired variations on the basic recipe, including chocolate fondue.

Chocolate fondue is a simple yet impressive dessert that involves melting chocolate and often adding cream to create a smooth and velvety mixture. It is served warm, and guests can dip a variety of foods into the chocolate, such as fruit, cake, cookies, or marshmallows. Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy dessert and is perfect for gatherings, parties, and special occasions.

Fondue pots

Types of Fondue Pots:

There are three main types of fondue pots: metal, ceramic, and electric. Metal fondue pots, usually made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron, are sturdy and can go directly from the stovetop to the table. They are larger and heavier than other options. Ceramic fondue pots are excellent for retaining heat and come in various sizes. Some models, like the Emil Henry Flame ceramic, can be heated on the stovetop. Electric fondue pots are the safest and fastest to heat up, as they don't require a flame. However, they are more expensive and need to be plugged into an outlet.

Factors to Consider:

When choosing a fondue pot, consider the size of your party. Smaller pots are great for couples or appetizers, while larger pots are better for fondue parties or bigger families. Also, think about the heat source. Electric fondue pots need an outlet nearby, while gel fuel or tea light fondue pots can be used anywhere but require careful handling due to the open flame. Additionally, consider the cleaning requirements of different materials and types of fondue pots. Some are dishwasher-safe, while others need to be hand-washed.

Recommendations:

• Best Overall, Electric: Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot. It has a stylish design, easy-to-use temperature control, and a dishwasher-safe nonstick interior.
• Best Overall, Traditional: Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set. This 2-quart enameled cast iron fondue pot has a rustic aesthetic and can be used on the stove or with the included gel fuel stand.
• Best Budget: Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot. This affordable option has variable temperature settings and color-coded fondue forks.
• Best Small: Swissmar Sierra Iron Fondue. This 1.6-quart fondue pot has a gorgeous design, a sturdy base, and excellent heat retention.
• Best for Chocolate: Nostalgia 24-Ounce Chocolate Fondue Fountain. This unique option holds up to two pounds of chocolate and features separate heating and motor switches.

Choosing the right fondue pot for your chocolate fondue party depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the size of your party, the heat source, and the cleaning requirements when making your decision. Metal, ceramic, and electric fondue pots each have their advantages, so select the one that best suits your party plans. By choosing the appropriate fondue pot, you can ensure a delightful and memorable chocolate fondue experience for you and your guests.

Dippers

A chocolate fondue party is a fun and interactive way to serve dessert. It's a great way to get your guests involved, gathering around a central activity. It's also a good way to feed a crowd, as it's easy to prepare and can be made in advance.

The key to a successful chocolate fondue party is to have a variety of "dippers" for your guests to choose from. Here are some detailed suggestions for "dippers" to accompany your chocolate fondue:

Fresh Fruit

Fruit is a classic and popular choice for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, pears, oranges, kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, mango, and melon all work well. You could also use dried fruit, such as dried apricots, figs, dates, or apples.

Cookies and Biscuits

Small cookies or biscuits are perfect for dipping into chocolate fondue. Oreos, shortbread, ginger bread biscuits, custard creams, biscotti, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and vanilla wafers are all great options.

Cake

Cake and chocolate are a decadent combination. Pound cake, angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, and cheesecake cubes are all delicious options.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Larger marshmallows are easier to dip and are a perfect choice for fondue.

Brownies and Donuts

Cut brownies and donuts into small pieces for dipping. They are rich, so smaller pieces will be easier to handle and provide a balanced bite.

Waffles and Pancakes

Waffles and mini pancakes are popular choices for chocolate fondue. They provide a nice contrast in texture and are a fun alternative to the traditional dippers.

Remember to cut your dippers into bite-sized pieces ahead of time, so your guests can easily dip and pop them into their mouths. Also, ensure that your chosen dippers will hold their shape after becoming moist from the chocolate.

Flavours

Chocolate fondue is a versatile dessert with a variety of flavour options. The type of chocolate used is the primary flavour determinant, with common choices including milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate. The chocolate can be further customised by adding different extracts or liqueurs. For instance, peppermint extract can be added for a peppermint chocolate fondue, while cinnamon and chilli can be used for a Mexican-inspired twist. For adult parties, a splash of liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto can be a nice touch.

Another way to enhance the flavour of chocolate fondue is by steeping aromatics in the cream before mixing it with the chocolate. For instance, steeping a bruised lemongrass stalk in the cream can add a subtle flavour to white chocolate fondue, while a bag of Earl Grey tea can enhance dark chocolate fondue.

Additionally, the dippers chosen can also complement and enhance the flavour of the chocolate fondue. Fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, and oranges are popular choices. Tropical fruits such as kiwi, dragon fruit, and mango can also be used. Dried fruits, especially dried apricots, work well too. For a unique combination, consider adding salty pretzels or potato chips for a sweet and savoury contrast.

Baked goods such as brownies, pound cake, angel food cake, and cookies are also excellent dippers. For a crunchy texture, consider sprinkling toasted coconut, slivered almonds, or crushed hazelnuts on the dipped items. Marshmallows are another classic choice, and candy options like peanut butter cups or caramel can add a sweet and sticky element to the fondue experience.

Party tips

Chocolate fondue parties are a fun, interactive way to get your guests involved in the food preparation. They are a great choice for a celebration and are perfect for a crowd. Here are some tips to make your chocolate fondue party a success:

Preparation

Fondue parties can be prepared in advance. The chocolate fondue can be made up to a couple of days ahead and stored in the fridge. You can also cut up your chosen dippers and have them ready on platters with some small tongs. If you are making cheese fondue as well, you can melt the cheese in advance and pour it into a ceramic dish to make space for the next batch.

Equipment

You will need a fondue pot to keep the chocolate warm while your guests dip into it. If you don't have one, you can use a regular pot on a very low heat, or a small crockpot or candle warmer. You will also need fondue forks, or bamboo skewers, for dipping.

Food and drink

Chocolate fondue is a great dessert option, but you can also serve cheese fondue as a main course. Provide a variety of dippers in an array of colours for your guests. Good choices include:

• Fruit: strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, pears, orange segments, kiwi, dragon fruit, dried apricots
• Cake: pound cake, brownies, angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, wedding cake
• Cookies: shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, biscotti, ginger snaps, graham crackers
• Other: marshmallows, pretzels, brownies, Rice Krispie treats, potato chips, candy bars, licorice, jelly beans

You can also add extra flavours to your chocolate fondue, such as peppermint extract, cinnamon and chilli, or a liqueur like Amaretto or Baileys.

Presentation

Fondue parties can get messy! Use a tablecloth or other covering to protect your table. You can keep the decorations simple, with a nice table runner and some flowers or fairy lights.

Guest involvement

Part of the fun of a fondue party is making the fondue itself. You can melt the chocolate or cheese at the table while your guests watch, and they can then dip their chosen foods into the fondue as it stays warm in the fondue pot.

Frequently asked questions