Dig out your old fondue set and dip in! Fondue is more popular than ever these days, and it's so simple to put together a delicious chocolate version of this terrific party food. You can serve chocolate fondue for a scrumptious dessert, or set it out during a party and watch your guests devour the entire pot.
You can flavor your chocolate fondue in a variety of ways. A simple dash of pure vanilla extract heightens the chocolate taste, while a touch of peppermint extract takes the dish in a whole new direction. Liqueurs blend in perfectly as well, from velvety hazlenut to a fruity raspberry, or even a hint of brandy. Or substitute white chocolate for the bittersweet for a white chocolate fondue. Chopped chocolate bars can also be used - Toblerone is a perennial favorite.
For kids, throw in a few mini marshmallows while the chocolate is melting. This results in a thicker, sweeter fondue that sticks to fruit much better and causes fewer drips. A small scoop of peanut butter is also a big hit with the younger crowd.
For dipping, your choices are truly endless. Chunks of pound cake, angel food cake, sliced bananas, apples, berries, pineapple, biscotti, sugar cookies, fresh spears of coconut, melon balls, banana bread, and vanilla wafers are all fabulous dippers. Choose a few different options to offer your guests, but make sure there are plenty to go around! Long-stemmed fresh strawberries are a personal favorite, as they add instant elegance to the dish.
This recipe is intended for a fondue pot, but if you don't have one handy there's no reason to rush out and buy one. You can use a metal pot or bowl on a metal rack, set over a tealight instead. Or use a small crock pot set on low heat to keep your fondue warm. The crock pot option is handy too, because you can let your ingredients melt while you're doing other things. Just remember to stir the fondue mixture every 30 minutes or so.
Chocolate Fondue
- 14 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk or whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons liqueur (optional), or 1 teaspoon vanilla, peppermint, or almond extract (optional)
In a small saucepan, heat cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and add chocolate. Cover and let stand for five minutes; using a whisk, beat the cream and chocolate mixture together until smooth. Stir in liqueur or other flavorings.
Transfer chocolate mixture to a fondue pot and light the flame to keep fondue warm. Serve with your choice of dippers. After serving, stir occasionally and add a bit more cream or milk if the fondue becomes too thick.
Makes about 6 servings.
