If you’ve ever enjoyed fondue with family or friends, you’ll know that it’s a social event as well as a delicious treat. Fondue is also excellent for couples who want to enjoy a moment of tranquility in the company of soft lights and something to eat within reach of a skewer. A chocolate fondue is no exception and they are actually quite versatile. Even if you don’t have a fondue pot, you can still use the double boiler method to melt chocolate and keep it warm while you eat it. So the next time you get a fruit bowl, this will be a great way for everyone to enjoy fresh fruit!

 

If you’ve never made chocolate fondue, here’s a recipe that will help you create the perfect chocolate mixture for dipping:

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces of dark chocolate (roughly cut into small pieces)
  • 8 ounces of heavy cream
  • 1 pinch of salt

Directions:

  • Start by warming the cream slowly over a medium heat until you notice that it starts to bubble around the edges. It is usually a lot safer to use a double boiler method (one pot inside another with water) for more even and gentle heat distribution. This helps prevent the cream and chocolate from burning and seizing.
  • Add the pinch of salt and the pieces of chocolate.
  • Whisk them together until completely melted and perfectly combined.
  • You can now transfer the chocolate to a fondue pot or you can serve straight from the pot.

Other suggestions

If you serve it straight from the pot, you may need to reheat it later or simply keep it in hot water to keep it warm. Once the water has cooled, empty it and add more hot water before placing the saucepan with the chocolate back on top. The chocolate will stay warm but not too hot to eat. If you use a fondue pot, the lower flame will continue to heat the chocolate. Keep the heat low and if the chocolate starts to thicken or dry you can add about a tablespoon of cream and mix well. However, you will eventually have to create a new batch.

Dipping options

Now, if you’re wondering what exactly to use in your chocolate fondue, there are literally endless options! It all depends on your personal preferences and tastes. Some popular options include strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and citrus fruits like oranges and clementines. Of course you can always use apples, grapes, kiwis, various types of melon, berries and even dried fruit. In addition to fruit, biscuits, marshmallows and mini cakes can also be offered a bit of variety. The biscuits may not be suitable for skewering, but you can still dip them or enjoy them simply as a side dish. Just like rice, salads and savoury breads are served with savoury fondues.

 

Don’t forget the drinks to serve along with your chocolate fondue! It can be difficult to pair wine with chocolate, but you can get away with it with the right champagne or sparkling wine. Other drinks to consider are various types of tea, maybe some coffee or hot chocolate if you have a real sweet tooth!