What beloved food grows on a tree that a scientist affectionately named theobroma or “food of the Gods” in 1753?
It’s chocolate!
And it’s time to unleash your inner chocoholic and your childlike enjoyment for whimsy and fun at the table with a chocolate fondue.
Brief History of Fondue
First let’s talk fondue.
The word “fondue” is derived from a French verb which means to melt.
Fondue’s roots trace back to Switzerland in the 18th century. Originally it was a way for farm families to use aged, hard cheese and hardened breads during the winter months when food was scarce.
It was a practical and delicious transformation of food.
Enter modern times when fondue was all the craze during the 1970s. A Swiss restaurateur added a dessert course to his menu – voila! Chocolate fondue was born.
A Bit of Chocolate History
Let’s take a moment to consider that chocolate has a long and ancient history.
It was so revered by the ancient Mayan culture, that they used cacao beans as currency. Talk about a rich economy.
And thousands of years before it evolved into the sweet treat we swoon over today, chocolate started as a bitter brew which they praised as the drink of Gods.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that chocolate was transformed into solid form which paved the way for the creation of all forms of chocolatey goodness since then, including chocolate fondue.
The Chocolate Fondue Experience
Imagine a bowl filled with smooth, melted chocolate; this luscious chocolate pool is the centerpiece of a shared communal culinary experience that you will share with your friends and family.
Accompanying the pot of melted chocolate is an assortment of dipper – various items that you skewer on a stick or long fork to dip into the chocolate.
Think strawberries, bananas, apple slices, pound cake, marshmallows, pretzels, even bacon. Yes, the salty and sweet combination absolutely works.
This experience is simple happiness at its best.
Tips for Enjoying Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate fondue is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make.
Gently melt a combination of milk and dark chocolate on the stovetop with the cream and the butter, and add a pinch of salt.
Done.
Arrange your dipping items on a platter.
Enjoy.
Want to keep your chocolate fondue warm? Set it on an electric warming tray. Just be careful not to get it too hot. Chocolate scorches easily.
You can always gently reheat your chocolate fondue in the microwave if it firms up. Store any unused fondue in the refrigerator and reheat it slowly.
But, honestly, why would a bowl of the food of the gods last that long?
Invite your friends and family over for a chocolate fondue experience today.
Check out these additional chocolate recipes:
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
A Hot Chocolate Recipe To Warm The Soul
Want to learn how to make chocolate chip cookies? Check out this virtual class:
Chocolate Fondue
Enjoy this simple chocolate fondue as a centerpiece for a game night or a sweet ending to a communal meal with friends and family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- pinch of kosher salt (optional)
- Variety of “dippers”, strawberries, banana, pineapple, toasted nuts, pound cake, even bacon 🙂
Instructions
- Gently heat the heavy cream over low heat in a heavy-bottomed pot until it begins to bubble around the edges of the pot.
- Add all of the chocolate chips and stir together until melted; once the chips have begun to melt, you can remove the pot from the heat. The chips will continue to melt. If needed, you can add the pot back to the heat source for some added heat.
- Add a small pinch of kosher salt to enhance the chocolate flavor of the fondue, if desired.
- Enjoy with the dippers.
Notes
- Arrange the dippers on a platter or skewer them for a fun experience.
- Anything that can be paired with chocolate makes a great dipper for a chocolate fondue.
- Ideas for additions to the chocolate: cayenne, cinnamon, Grand Marnier, etc.
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