Chocolate fondue is a sweet treat for any event, whether it be a small party, a shower, a big reception, or even just for two after a romantic dinner. This fun treat was created by a Swiss chef in the 1960’s and is a great way to have dessert at a relaxed pace. While today, fondue is often enjoyed in a chocolate fountain, many people still like the method of cooking it in a fondue pot for smaller gatherings.

Although it may seem like you need special gourmet skills for this, fondue is actually quite easy to make. First, you need to use good quality chocolate as this will help it melt evenly and, of course, taste better! Melt the chocolate in a double boiler on the stove beforehand. Be very careful not to expose it to direct heat or it will burn and be quite useless and probably ruin your pan. Some people like to add some type of liqueur or brandy to the melted chocolate but that is up to you. You can also add a bit of cream and vanilla. If the chocolate is too clumpy, try adding a little oil or butter - but be careful here as this can change the taste - so not too much.

Once your chocolate is melted, transfer it to the fondue pot so the mixture will stay heated and liquid for leisurely dipping. Be careful not to turn the heat up too high since you don’t want to burn the chocolate.

Here are some ideas for things you can dip in your chocolate fondue:

Strawberries
Banana
Kiwi
Apple
Orange
Cherries
Pineapple
Toffee
Cubes of pound cake
Cookies
Marshmallows
Caramels
Pretzels
Rice cakes
Nuts

Chocolate fondue can be a great way to add interest to a party and is a great conversation starter in itself. Plus it allows the host to relax with the guests and enjoy a sweet treat.