Chocolate Fondue

Even More Chocolate Fondue Dipper Ideas

• Marshmallows
• Cherries
• Pretzels
• Nilla wafers, Oreos, animal crackers, or other cookies
• Mini biscotti
• Graham crackers
• Rice Krispies treats
• Orange or tangerine wedges
• Kiwi fruit slices
• Slices of peaches, plums, apricots
• Dried fruits, like figs, pineapple, or mangos
• Cubes of cake (cut and let sit out a few hours so it sticks on the skewers better)
  

Personalize Your Chocolate Fondue

• Add a 1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate spin.
• A good pinch of espresso powder can do wonders!
• Add orange zest to create a slightly fruity chocolate.
  
• Add peppermint extract for peppermint chocolate fondue. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase according to taste.
• White chocolate is always a nice change, and spiked with a little liquor or citrus zest becomes heavenly.
• Steeping aromatics in the cream for an hour beforehand can add a nice subtle flavor. A bruised lemongrass stalk for white chocolate, or a bag of Earl Grey tea for dark chocolate are particularly stylish and contemporary.

How to Keep Chocolate Fondue Warm

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a tea candle, which produces less heat than canned Sterno fuel.

You can use Sterno, but remember that it can burn very hot, so keep an eye on it. When it gets too hot, turn it off or partially cover the can with the lid. If needed, add a little more cream to the chocolate fondue and put the Sterno back on for a minute or two to warm up again.

Another option is a small crockpot or a clean candle warmer.

Buying a Fondue Pot

There are essentially three types of fondue pots: metal, ceramic, and electric.

• Metal fondue pots usually come in stainless steel or enameled cast iron. They are the sturdiest and can go directly from the stovetop to your table without having to transfer. They are usually a bit heavy and run larger than other options.
• Ceramic fondue pots are great for holding the heat and easy to clean. They run in both smaller and larger sizes. They can be microwave safe. Some models, such as Emil Henry Flame ceramic, can be heated on the stovetop, too.
• Electric fondue pots are safer and heat up the fastest, since they don't require an actual flame. They are easy to adjust, but run more expensive than other options. And keep in mind you'll need an outlet handy to plug the pot in.
• Oh yes! And let us not forget the chocolate fondue fountain which is a fun addition to any party. Don't let the name fool you, since you can use it for nacho cheese as well.

Look for used fondue pots in thrift or vintage stores. We've seen fun fondue pot options (with forks and all!) at reasonable prices at our local Goodwill.

Preparing Chocolate Fondue in Advance

You can make the chocolate fondue up to a day or two ahead. Let the mixture cool, then refrigerate. When you're ready to enjoy it, warm the chocolate mixture gently in the microwave (on medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring after each) until smooth and warm. Or put the chocolate mix in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and warm it that way.

You can re-warm it directly in your fondue pot, but the other options give you more control.

More Impressive Desserts for Parties

• Chocolate Peppermint Swiss Roll
• Berry Tart
• Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake
• Old Fashioned Peach Pie
• Chocolate Layer Cake