Chocolate fondue... too good to be true!

Think that preparing a chocolate fondue is daunting? Are you not too sure about what to do and what not to do? Don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds and tastes delicious!

One thing that you don't have to worry about is that chocolate appeals to both young and old people from all over the world. So no matter where you are, where you go, or who you meet, a chocolate fondue will always be welcomed!

Not only will this kind of fondue impress those who attend, it is simple to prepare and has a sophisticated air. It can also be prepared quickly and can sometimes be a real life saver when something goes awry in your food preparation and the guests are about to arrive.

And don't think that this delicious fondue is only limited to parties and friend gatherings. Treat your family with one on a "at home" movie night, a rainy day, during board games, etc. This fondue is fun to share with everyone and can make things even more fun during a tête-à-tête...

Which kind of chocolate to use and how to melt it:

Which kind of chocolate you use really depends on your taste and those that may be attending to your party, get together, etc. Any of the following chocolates can be used, just make sure that you have an idea what your friends tastes might be like.

Dark Chocolate: If you are not sure of your friends' tastes and what they will like best. Dark chocolate is your best option.

Milk Chocolate: You can use milk chocolate to accompany dark chocolate fondues or white chocolate fondues. This way, your friends or family have more choice and who doesn't like a bit of milk chocolate?

White Chocolate: First, make sure you have tasted the chocolate as not all white chocolates taste the same. Using white chocolate is best for weddings and very special occasions such as a christening, even a baby shower!

Do be careful when melting the white chocolate as it is very heat sensitive, much more heat sensitive than dark chocolate. Should you use a microwave to melt the chocolate of your choice, remember that you need to stir it often to make sure that it melts evenly and does not burn. (burnt chocolate does not taste good! Take it from someone who has experienced it once too many!)

Using a pot for fondues, put the chocolate in there and make sure that the chocolate stays warm so that it does not harden. Make sure you use good quality chocolate, otherwise, you are running the risk of having a chocolate that is too thick for easy dipping.

A classic chocolate fondue recipe:
Servings: 8

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa
3/4 cup skim milk
1 tablespoon of butter
1 teaspoon orange extract
Fruit slices or pieces

Preparation.

1) In a small saucepan, whisk sugar and cocoa.

2) Whisk in milk until well blended. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens.

3) Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and extract.

4) Transfer to a heated fondue pot, slow cooker or small casserole with a warming unit.

5) Serve with fruit. (And don't forget to enjoy it!)

Suggested dippings for a delicious chocolate fondue:

Cream puffs. (One of my favorites!)
Whole fruit--such as strawberries and cherries. (yum!)
Sliced fruits--such as apple, peach, bananas, orange sections, pineapple, etc. (do be careful as you don't want a fruit that will drip juice into the fountain such as melon because the chocolate will not be able to stick to the fruit very well.)
Marshmallows.
Turkish delight.
Cake that does not crumble easily. (Pound cake pieces, shortbread cookies, etc.)
Pretzels.
Kiwi fruit.
Star fruit.
Crusty French bread! (oui-oui!)

You can be very creative with fondues. You could even add a hint of mint, or other flavors and surprise your guests! Unlike with the chocolate fountain, you can add nuts in the fondue. (Which makes it even more interesting!)

Happy eating!

Changed your mind to using a chocolate fountain?

Need some party tips?

footer for chocolate fondue page