Tillie Doyle
A chocolate fondue fountain is a fun and exciting way to celebrate any occasion, be it a birthday, Valentine's Day, or simply a fun night in with the family. The visual appeal of a flowing tower of chocolate is sure to impress any chocolate lover, and it's a great way to bring people together.
When setting up a chocolate fondue fountain, it is important to choose the right location, ensuring it is away from any wind, rain, or direct sunlight. The fountain should also be placed on a level surface to ensure stable flow. In addition to the chocolate, various dipping options can be offered, such as fresh fruit, cookies, marshmallows, pretzels, and more.
When choosing chocolate for the fountain, it is recommended to use high-quality chocolate, such as Guittard or Valrhona. The chocolate can be melted using a microwave, stovetop, or Instant Pot, and it is important to ensure it is fully melted and smooth before pouring it into the fountain.
A chocolate fondue fountain is a unique and enjoyable way to create a memorable celebration, providing an interactive and delicious experience for guests of all ages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Foods to dip | Strawberries, bananas, small rice krispie squares, vanilla cookies, marshmallows, brownies, Oreos, pretzel sticks, pound cake, pineapple chunks, cherries on the stem, gummy bears, coconut chunks, apples, crackers, bread, carrots, celery, broccoli, tortilla chips, pita chips, chicken fingers, wings, meatballs, potatoes |
| Type of chocolate | Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, bittersweet chocolate |
| Other types of fondue | Cheese, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch salad dressing |
What You'll Learn
Fresh fruit: strawberries, blackberries, bananas, raspberries, clementines, etc
Fresh fruit is a fantastic option to serve alongside a chocolate fondue fountain. Strawberries, blackberries, bananas, raspberries, and clementines are all excellent choices. These fruits provide a delightful contrast of flavours and textures when paired with the rich, sweet chocolate.
When preparing fruit for dipping, it is best to cut them into bite-sized pieces. For strawberries, remove the stems and leaves, and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Blackberries and raspberries can be left whole, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly. Bananas should be peeled and sliced into coins or spears. Clementines can be peeled and separated into segments, making them easy to dip.
It is also important to consider the presentation of the fruit. Arranging the fruit on a large platter or in small individual bowls can make for an appealing display. If you want to get creative, you can even make fruit skewers by threading the fruit pieces onto wooden skewers or cocktail sticks. This makes dipping easier for your guests and adds a fun element to the overall experience.
In addition to the fruit mentioned above, other types of fruit can also be served with a chocolate fondue fountain. Pineapple, apples, and grapes are all great options. You can even offer dried fruits such as apricots, mango, or cranberries for a unique twist. The key is to provide a variety of colours, textures, and flavours to enhance the chocolate dipping experience.
When serving fresh fruit with a chocolate fondue fountain, it is essential to ensure the fruit is ripe and of good quality. Overly ripe fruit may become mushy or discoloured, while unripe fruit can be tart or difficult to bite into. Therefore, it is best to purchase the fruit close to the event and inspect it to ensure it is ready for dipping.
Lastly, it is a good idea to have some napkins or wet wipes available for your guests. Dipping fruit into a chocolate fondue fountain can be a messy endeavour, and providing these items will help keep your guests' hands clean and prevent any unwanted stains.
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Cookies: Oreos, pirouette cookies, Milanos, nutter butters, etc
Cookies are a great option to serve alongside a chocolate fondue fountain. Here are some ideas:
Oreos
Oreos are a classic chocolate sandwich cookie with a sweet, creamy filling. They are a great option for dipping into a chocolate fondue fountain as they are already coated in chocolate, creating a delicious double chocolate treat.
Pirouette Cookies
Pirouette cookies are thin, crisp cookies rolled into a tube shape. They are often filled with a sweet cream and have a delicate texture. Their shape makes them ideal for dipping, and their sweet flavour pairs well with chocolate.
Milanos
Milanos are a type of cookie sandwich with a thin layer of chocolate between two delicate cookies. They are often described as elegant and sophisticated, making them a perfect choice for a more upscale fondue gathering.
Nutter Butters
Nutter Butters are peanut butter sandwich cookies. The peanut butter flavour pairs well with chocolate, creating a tasty combination. These cookies are a fun and unique option for a fondue fountain.
Other Cookie Ideas
In addition to the cookies mentioned above, there are many other types of cookies that would be delicious with a chocolate fondue fountain. Here are some more ideas:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Sugar cookies
- Gingerbread cookies
- Shortbread cookies
- Biscotti
- Macaroons
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Marshmallows, pretzel sticks, Rice Krispie treats, brownies, etc
Marshmallows, pretzel sticks, Rice Krispie treats, and brownies are all fantastic options to serve alongside a chocolate fondue fountain. Here are some ideas for how to prepare and present these treats for dipping:
Marshmallows
Large, firm marshmallows are ideal for dipping into a chocolate fondue fountain. You can also experiment with different flavours of marshmallows, such as cinnamon or peppermint, to pair with the chocolate.
Pretzel Sticks
Pretzel sticks are a great option as they are easy to dip and don't require a skewer. You can use regular pretzel sticks or butter-flavoured pretzels ("butter snaps") for a delicate crunch and a creamy note.
Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a fun and easy treat to make and dip into chocolate. You can make traditional Rice Krispie treats or get creative with add-ins like chocolate, pretzels, or peanut butter. Cut them into squares or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
Brownies
Fudgy brownies are a perfect match for a chocolate fondue fountain. You can make them even more indulgent by adding a layer of marshmallow cream and a crispy topping, such as crushed Rice Krispies mixed with melted chocolate and peanut butter. Cut the brownies into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping.
When preparing these treats for a fondue fountain, consider using skewers or toothpicks for items that are not already on a stick, such as brownies and Rice Krispie treats. This will make it easier for your guests to dip and enjoy the treats.
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Cakes: pound cake, brownies, etc
Cakes are a great option to serve alongside a chocolate fondue fountain. Here are some ideas and tips:
Pound Cake
Pound cake is a fantastic option for dipping into a chocolate fondue fountain. Its dense and moist texture makes it ideal for soaking up the chocolate, resulting in a delicious, indulgent treat. You can either buy a store-bought pound cake or make one from scratch. If you're feeling creative, you can even bake the cake in a shape that complements the theme of your event. For example, a heart-shaped pound cake would be perfect for a Valentine's Day celebration.
Brownies
Brownies are another excellent choice for your chocolate fondue fountain. They provide a rich, fudgy texture that pairs beautifully with the flowing chocolate. Consider baking a batch of homemade brownies or, if you're short on time, opt for store-bought ones. For extra decadence, you can top the brownies with nuts, sprinkles, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Other Cake Ideas
In addition to pound cake and brownies, there are numerous other cake options that will delight your guests:
- Angel food cake: This light and airy cake is a perfect contrast to the rich chocolate. Cut it into bite-sized cubes for easy dipping.
- Red velvet cake: The vibrant red colour will add a touch of drama to your dessert table.
- Lemon cake: The tangy flavour of lemon cake creates a delightful flavour combination when paired with chocolate.
- Funfetti cake: Sprinkles add a touch of whimsy and make the cake even more appealing, especially for kids.
- Cheesecake: The creamy texture of cheesecake pairs wonderfully with the chocolate, and you can offer different toppings or flavours to create a variety of options.
Tips for Serving Cakes with a Chocolate Fondue Fountain
- Cut the cakes into bite-sized pieces or cubes. This ensures that your guests can easily pick them up and dip them into the flowing chocolate.
- Provide a variety of cakes to cater to different tastes and create a visually appealing display.
- If you're making the cakes from scratch, consider adding a touch of liqueur to the batter for an extra flavour boost. Options like orange liqueur or coffee liqueur can enhance the overall experience.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cakes. For example, you could offer a gluten-free or vegan option to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
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Other treats: caramel candies, large marshmallows, etc
Caramel candies and large marshmallows are classic treats to serve alongside a chocolate fondue fountain. The marshmallows can be toasted before dipping for an extra indulgent touch.
If you're looking for other treats to serve alongside the caramel candies and marshmallows, there are plenty of options. Fresh fruit is always a good choice, with strawberries, bananas, blackberries, raspberries, and clementines all pairing well with chocolate. If you want to offer a variety of textures, you could also provide dried fruit, such as dried apricots, mango, or pineapple.
For those who prefer something more savoury, pretzel sticks, crackers, and bread are all good options. You could also offer a selection of cookies, such as Oreos, Nutter Butters, Pirouettes, or Milanos. If you're feeling creative, you could even make your own homemade cookies to serve with the fondue. Brownie bites are another tasty treat that pairs well with chocolate.
For a truly decadent experience, you could also serve other types of fondue alongside the chocolate. A caramel fondue with fruit, cookies, or pound cake for dipping would be a sweet treat. Alternatively, a cheese fondue made with nacho cheese or processed cheese would be a savoury option. Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and broccoli would be excellent dippers for a cheese fondue, but you could also offer bread, crackers, pretzel rods, or apples.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh fruit, especially strawberries, bananas, blackberries, and raspberries, are great options. You can also use cookies, pretzel sticks, marshmallows, and Rice Krispie treats.
It is recommended to use high-quality chocolate, such as Guittard or Valrhona. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, but avoid using chocolate chips as they may not melt well.
Yes, you can add up to 1/4 cup of liquor or other liquids to your chocolate fondue fountain. Just make sure everything is well-blended and warm enough to flow steadily.
It depends on the size of your fountain and the number of people you are serving. Home fountains typically need at least 3 pounds of chocolate, and can usually hold up to 5 pounds.
It is important to clean your chocolate fondue fountain right after using it. Scrape down the tower with a silicone spatula and remove the auger and tower, scraping off as much chocolate as possible. Wash all the parts with warm, soapy water and dry them with a clean towel.
