#MiddleburyCT #ChocolateFondue #ValentinesDay
Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, date night, fun party or just craving a chocolaty escape from the ordinary, I’ve got the perfect treat for you. With this surprisingly easy chocolate fondue, the decadence is unbelievable and the effort is minimal. And here’s the best part – no fancy fondue pot required!
For the richest chocolate fondue, opt for the highest quality chocolate that you can comfortably afford. Choose a variety that you’d happily snack on. Chocolate chips offer a convenient choice, and I recommend semisweet or dark chocolate chips, or a mix of both, for an optimal flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to use chopped chocolate bars if that’s what’s available. Many of them make scrumptious fondue; just give them a quick chop before melting.
When it comes to the velvety base, strike a balance by combining heavy cream and milk, ensuring a luscious fondue that maintains a rich chocolate essence without overwhelming heaviness.
No fondue pot? No worries! Whip up this perfect chocolate fondue in the microwave or a double boiler on the stovetop. This chocolate fondue stays smooth and dippable long enough that it doesn’t need a fondue pot. Just using a warmed ceramic dish works great. Reheat in the microwave if needed. Bamboo skewers stand in nicely for fondue forks.
The Easiest Chocolate Fondue
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Indulge in a pool of velvety chocolate, surrounded by an array of delightful dippers. (www.JasonCoblentz.com)
10 ounces semisweet, dark or milk chocolate chips (about 1 3/4 cups) or a mixture
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole or 2% milk, plus more as needed
Pinch kosher salt
Place the chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup milk into a microwave safe bowl, or in a double boiler over barely simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring often. Add additional milk if needed to thin chocolate to desired consistency. When chocolate is melted, smooth and glossy, pour into a serving bowl and serve with dippers.
With our velvety chocolate fondue prepared, let’s choose dippers. Aim for diverse textures and flavors, organizing them into categories for a delightful variety.
- Cookies and other sweets: rolled wafers, biscotti, meringues, sandwich cookies, shortbread, marshmallows, brownies, Rice Krispie Treats, pound cake, graham crackers, doughnut holes.
- Fresh and dried fruit: strawberries, bananas, apples, pineapple, orange segments, apricots, citrus peel, banana chips, apple chips, figs.
- Savory suggestions: thick-cut salted potato chips, pretzels, peanut-butter pretzels, buttery crackers, cooked thick-cut bacon.
- Garnishes: flaky salt, shredded coconut, chopped toasted nuts, sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried fruit, Pop Rocks!
Here are some chocolate fondue variations that won’t break the bank! Explore extracts like vanilla, orange or peppermint for a unique twist. Elevate the experience by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of liqueur – choose chocolate, hazelnut, amaretto, orange or coffee liqueurs. Spice it up by adding ground cinnamon, a pinch of chili powder and a drop of almond extract for a nod to Mexican chocolate.
Embarking on your first fondue adventure? Here are some etiquette tips to guide your chocolate-covered journey. Encourage a no-double-dip policy to ensure everyone enjoys a clean and germ-free chocolate experience. Drop the dipped delight onto your plate and switch to a separate utensil for eating. Opt for practicality if there are more than four people at the table by setting up two platters of dippers on either side of the pot, ensuring easy access without the need for acrobatics.
Whether it’s a romantic rendezvous or a solo indulgence, join me in chocolate fondue that’s as easy as it is luxurious. Oh, and leftover fondue chocolate makes a fabulous hot chocolate base. Let the fondue festivities begin!
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com
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