Chocolate Fondue Anyone?

Chocolate Fondues have been a wonderful delicacy for generations of chocolate lovers.  The word Fondue comes from the French word "fondre", which means" melt and dates back to 18th century Switzerland.  So, it's understandable that when one hears the sweet words Chocolate Fondue they melt with anticipation. 

There are many who believe that the Swiss enjoyed chocolate fondues long before it came back to life in the 1970's.  Christopher Columbus brought chocolate back from his journeys, so it is possible.  In those early times chocolate was consumed in liquid form just like a fondue.  
 

Fondues are a great way to enjoy a meal, so why not continue the enjoyment to dessert?  You can dip anything you like into the chocolate for a wonderful and decadent treat.
 

Here are some easy ideas to start you off on your journey into the creamy world of Chocolate Fondues:

For the true chocolate lovers these recipes will make delectable additions to any dinner party or special occasion.

Recipe 1 Ingredients

- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz. chopped semi-sweet chocolate
- teaspoon vanilla

Heat the cream for about 2 to 3 minutes in a medium saucepan on medium-low heat until hot . Add the chocolate and stir until the chocolate has melted and the consistency is smooth . Stir in vanilla and transfer to a warm fondue pot.

You're now ready to dip banana pieces, apple slices, cake pieces, strawberries, or anything else you can think of.

Recipe 2 ingredients

- 1 cup sifted premium cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup plus 5 Tbsp heavy cream
- 5oz chopped 62% premium semi-sweet chocolate

Place the water, corn syrup, and sugar into a pot and bring to boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until sugar solution has reduced by about 30%. Sift the cocoa into mixing bowl and pour a little at a time into the mixture and blend with a whisk until consistency is smooth.
 
Return chocolate mixture to the stove and continue cooking over medium heat. Add the heavy cream to the chocolate mixture and bring it to a boil. Allow to simmer for five minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in your chopped chocolate. Pour it all into a fondue pot and keep warm until ready to serve.

This chocolate fondue can be served with fruit or cake pieces for a perfect end to a delicious meal.

For a bit of a twist you can substitute the vanilla with brandy, rum, orange liqueur or kirsch.

Have fun and experiment with different variations on these recipes.

Enjoy.