Chocolate Fondue Vs. Fountains: A Sweet Comparison

Chocolate fondue and chocolate fountains are both methods of presenting melted chocolate for dipping. However, there are some key differences between the two. A chocolate fondue is typically prepared and served in a fondue pot, which is a small pot that sits on top of a heat source such as a candle or a stove. The chocolate is melted in the pot and then kept warm, and guests can dip various foods into the chocolate using skewers or toothpicks. Fondue pots are usually smaller and more suitable for intimate gatherings or families. On the other hand, a chocolate fountain is a larger, more impressive presentation. It consists of a tower with an internal auger that draws the chocolate to the top, where it cascades down in a continuous flow. Chocolate fountains are typically used for larger events such as weddings or parties and can serve a larger number of people. In terms of the chocolate used, fondue chocolate is usually a combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate, resulting in a sweeter taste. Fountain chocolate, on the other hand, can be a blend of semi-sweet, milk, and bittersweet chocolate, creating a less sweet and more complex flavor. Additionally, fountain chocolate often needs to be mixed with oil to achieve the right viscosity for a smooth flow.

Fondue can be made without a fondue pot

A fondue is a delightful dish, perfect for a cold winter's evening. The good news is that you don't need a fondue pot to make one—a heavy-bottomed pan will do. The key to a good fondue is gentle heat, so a flame that's too strong will burn the cheese or chocolate, or cause it to seize up.

For a cheese fondue, the traditional choice is Swiss cheese, such as Emmental, Gruyère, or a mix of both. You'll also need wine (or beer) and cornstarch. First, rub the inside of your pan with a garlic clove. You can then discard the garlic or leave it in the pan. Next, add the wine and gently heat it—don't let it boil, as the alcohol will evaporate. Then, add the grated cheese and stir until melted. To finish, add the cornstarch and cook over a low heat until the mixture is thick and glossy.

For a chocolate fondue, you'll need chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips, although these don't always melt as well) and milk or cream. Combine the ingredients in your pan and place over low heat, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is melted. Don't let the fondue come to a simmer or boil, as it may scorch and become grainy. Once melted, stir in some vanilla extract and serve with your chosen dippers.

Chocolate fountain chocolate is designed to stay liquid

If you are using a fondue pot, it is important to use real, high-quality chocolate bars, as chocolate chips do not work as well in fondue—the flavour isn't quite right, and they tend to harden quickly. Additionally, chocolate chips include stabilising ingredients designed to help them maintain their shape, which can affect the texture of your fondue.

When melting chocolate, it is important to do so slowly and gently to avoid burning or affecting the texture. A double boiler is a good option, or you can use a microwave, heating the chocolate in short intervals and stirring in between. If using a microwave, add the oil after the chocolate is fully melted, and stir until fully combined.

Chocolate fountains, on the other hand, are designed only to keep the chocolate warm, not to melt it. Therefore, it is important to melt the chocolate before adding it to the fountain.

Fondue pots include dipping sticks

Fondue is a dish where pieces of food are dipped into warm chocolate. Fondue pots are used to keep the chocolate warm and melted. Most fondue pots include a set of dipping sticks, but you can also use toothpicks or lollipop sticks for dipping. Fondue pots are usually heated by a small tealight candle at the base.

Fondue pots are an essential part of the fondue experience, as they allow the chocolate to stay warm and melted throughout the dipping process. The warm chocolate is perfect for dipping a variety of foods, such as fruit, cookies, and marshmallows.

While fondue pots are traditionally heated by a tealight candle, there are also electric fondue pots available that can be set to a low temperature to keep the chocolate warm. Additionally, if you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a small slow cooker or a saucepan placed on a heating pad to keep the fondue warm.

The type of chocolate you use for fondue is important. It is recommended to use high-quality chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips, as the chips can harden quickly and affect the flavour. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white, milk, or dark chocolate, to find your preferred taste and consistency.

When preparing chocolate fondue, it is crucial to avoid any contact with water, as even a few drops can cause the chocolate to seize. Additionally, make sure that the fondue fountain and any dishes that come in contact with the chocolate are completely dry to prevent the chocolate from seizing.

Fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can bring people together. It is a great way to enjoy a variety of treats with warm, melted chocolate. By following these tips and using the right equipment, you can create a delicious and memorable fondue experience.

Fondue fountains must be levelled

To ensure your fondue fountain works correctly, it must be levelled. This is because melted chocolate is all about the laws of physics. If your fondue fountain is not level, the chocolate will not flow evenly.

Fondue fountains have built-in levelers at the feet, but it may take some practice to get the hang of levelling it. Give yourself some time to figure out how to level it, especially if it is your first time.

If one side is not flowing as well, lower the adjustment foot under that side. If the adjustment foot is at its lowest point, then try raising the other side. This process may take a while, and the chocolate fountain should flow evenly with a continuous sheet of chocolate on all sides.

If the chocolate seems too thick and doesn't flow like water, add oil, a little at a time, and let it run. If it is still too thick after a few minutes, add a little more oil again.

Fondue chocolate must be melted before adding to the fountain

Fondue chocolate must be melted before adding it to the fountain. This is because chocolate fountains are designed to keep the chocolate warm, not to melt it.

Melting chocolate is not difficult, but it is an extra step to think about when preparing your chocolate fountain. There are several ways to melt chocolate, but something to keep in mind is that for chocolate fountains, you will melt chocolate with oil. This is to ensure the chocolate reaches the right viscosity for a good flow.

When melting chocolate, you need to use a double boiler, unless you use a microwave. A double boiler is simply a pot on top of another pot, meant for gently cooking delicate foods like chocolate. You can use an Instant Pot or a pot on the stove as a DIY double boiler.

To melt chocolate in an Instant Pot, first, add a cup of water to the pot. Press the Saute button and set it to Less mode. When the water starts to simmer, place a metal bowl over the Instant Pot. Pour in the chocolate and use a heat-safe spatula to stir it, holding the bowl with an oven mitt. Keep stirring until the lumps dissolve, then slowly pour in the oil and stir until fully combined.

To melt chocolate in a pot on the stove, pour in water until it's one or two inches deep inside the pot. Bring the water to a simmer. Put the chocolate into a heat-safe bowl that is larger than the pot, so it can sit on top. Place the bowl over the pot and hold it with an oven mitt while you stir the melting chocolate with a spatula or heat-safe utensil. Again, once the lumps have dissolved, slowly pour in the oil and stir until fully combined.

You can also melt chocolate in a microwave, but this is not the preferred method as it is harder to control. Place the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time. Keep heating and stirring until no lumps remain, then pour in the oil and mix until fully combined.

Once your chocolate is melted, simply pour it into your preheated and levelled chocolate fountain and enjoy!

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