Fondue Chocolate: Perfect Temperature For Melting?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and decadent dessert that is perfect for parties or romantic meals at home. It is easy to make and can be customised with different dippers and flavourings. The ideal temperature range for chocolate fondue is 104-113ºF (approximately 40-45ºC) to ensure it stays creamy and dippable. If it gets too cold, it will thicken and solidify, and if it gets too hot, it can separate or become grainy.

What chocolate is best for fondue?

The best chocolate to use for fondue is one that melts well and has a good flavour. Chocolate chips are a popular choice, but not all brands are suitable. For example, Nestle chips don't melt well and can affect the taste. Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chips are recommended, as are chocolate baking bars.

One source suggests that combining three types of chocolate (milk, dark, and white) creates a fondue that's "shiny, dark, creamy, and silky" and not too bitter or sweet.

When melting chocolate, it's important to do so gently and slowly to avoid scorching. A double boiler is a good method for this. You can also use a saucepan or a fondue pot. If using a saucepan, place it on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water to keep the fondue warm.

How to make chocolate fondue

Making chocolate fondue is a simple process, but it's important to monitor the temperature to ensure the fondue doesn't burn. The ideal temperature for chocolate fondue is around 115-120°F (46-49°C). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chocolate fondue:

Ingredients:

• Chocolate: Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate is commonly used, but you can also combine milk, dark, and white chocolate for a creamier flavour.
• Milk: Preferably not skim milk.
• Cream: Heavy/whipping cream is often used, but alternatives such as half-and-half or milk with butter can be used.
• Vanilla extract: This is optional but adds flavour.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavour.

Optional Dippers:

• Fruit: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apricots, pears, orange wedges, etc.
• Sweets: Marshmallows, brownies, pound cake, Rice Krispie treats, cookies, etc.

Instructions:

• Combine the chocolate, milk, and cream in a saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot. If you're using vanilla extract, leave this out for now.
• Place the pot over low heat and stir occasionally. You can also use a double boiler to heat the ingredients.
• Heat the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the fondue is glossy and smooth. Do not let it come to a simmer or boil, as this can scorch the chocolate and affect the texture.
• Once melted, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
• At this point, you can adjust the consistency of the fondue. If it's too thick, simply whisk in additional cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
• Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving.
• Serve with your chosen dippers and enjoy!

Tips:

• The quality of the chocolate is important. Not all chocolate chips melt well, so it's best to use good-quality chocolate or chocolate bars.
• If you want to add extra flavour, you can include extracts such as peppermint, orange, or liquor.
• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot placed on an oven mitt to keep the chocolate warm. Alternatively, use a small slow cooker, crockpot, or tea candle to keep the fondue warm.
• Chocolate fondue can be made in advance and reheated when needed. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What to dip in chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be served at parties or enjoyed as a romantic treat for two. The best temperature for chocolate fondue is when the chocolate is fully melted and the fondue is glossy, thick, and smooth. It's important not to let the fondue come to a simmer or boil as this can ruin the texture.

Now, let's get to the fun part—what to dip in your chocolate fondue! Here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fresh fruit is a classic and popular choice for chocolate fondue. Strawberries are often considered the most romantic option, but feel free to think outside the box. Here are some fruit ideas to get you started:

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Apples
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Orange segments
• Dried apricots
• Pears
• Grapes
• Kiwi

Baked Goods

Chocolate fondue is also delicious with various baked goods. Here are some ideas:

• Pound cake
• Brownies
• Cheesecake
• Shortbread cookies
• Biscotti
• Pretzels
• Marshmallows
• Rice Krispie treats
• Oreos
• Graham crackers
• Waffles
• Mini donuts
• Angel food cake
• Croissant
• Ladyfingers
• Vanilla wafers
• Animal crackers
• Nilla wafers

Savoury Options

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even dip savoury items in your chocolate fondue. Here are some unique savoury options:

• Potato chips
• Candied bacon
• Ruffles chips
• Baguette
• Gouda cheese
• French bread
• Peanut butter-filled pretzels

The options for chocolate fondue dippers are endless, and you can get creative by combining different flavours and textures. Enjoy your chocolate fondue feast!

How to keep fondue warm

To keep fondue warm, you'll need to keep it at a simmer, but be careful not to let it boil. There are several ways to achieve this.

Firstly, you can use a fondue set, which usually consists of a small stove with a burner, a small copper or stainless steel pot, and a set of forks. If you don't have a fondue set, you can use a small tabletop stove or hotplate that can be safely placed on a dining table and turned down to a very low heat. Another option is to use a tea light candle to keep the fondue warm. Place the candle in a small saucer and then balance the fondue pot on two bricks placed on either side of the saucer to ensure the pan is not touching the table.

If you don't have a suitable heat source on your table, you can preheat the fondue on your kitchen stove before serving. However, this method is not ideal as you will need to keep returning the fondue to the stove to keep it warm.

If you're making chocolate fondue, you can also use a small slow cooker or keep the fondue in the same saucepan you made it in, placed on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water.

What to do with leftover fondue

The average temperature for chocolate fondue is around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect temperature to melt the chocolate without letting it get too hot and spoil the fondue.

Now, what to do with any leftover fondue?

Leftover chocolate fondue can be saved and reused, and it is a great way to ensure you don't waste food. It is best to use it in recipes where the chocolate will be heated again, such as baked goods or stovetop custard. It can also be used in ice cream bases or puddings, but these may need to be strained to remove any crumbs or contaminants.

Leftover fondue can be stored in the fridge, in a sheet of parchment paper, and will last for a few months. It can be chopped into bite-size pieces and stored in a zipper-lock bag. However, it is important not to let the chocolate harden in the bowl, as it will be difficult to remove. It should also not be stored in plastic, as it will be hard to remove once solid.

Fondue is usually made with chocolate, milk or cream, and sometimes butter, vanilla, or other flavourings. These ingredients mean that leftover fondue can be used as a tasty ice cream topping, or as a sauce for pancakes or waffles. It can also be used as a cake filling or to make chocolate truffles.

For those with a sweet tooth, leftover fondue can be used as a dip for fresh fruit or dried fruit, or even as a spread on toast. It can also be used to make chocolate milk or hot chocolate, by heating it gently with milk and stirring until combined.

So, there are plenty of ways to use up leftover fondue and ensure nothing goes to waste!

Frequently asked questions