Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340g) good quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) liqueur (optional, such as Grand Marnier, Frangelico, or Kirsch)
  • 1 pint (475ml) strawberries, hulled
  • 1 pint (475ml) raspberries
  • 1 pint (475ml) blueberries
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 apple (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and cubed
  • 1 orange, peeled and segmented
  • 4 ounces (115g) marshmallows
  • 4 ounces (115g) pound cake, cubed
  • 4 ounces (115g) biscotti, broken into pieces
  • 4 ounces (115g) pretzels

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Dippers: Wash and dry all fruit. Cut larger items like apples, bananas, and pound cake into bite-sized pieces. Arrange dippers attractively on plates or platters.
  2. Chop Chocolate: Finely chop the dark chocolate. This ensures even melting.
  3. Heat Cream (Optional): Gently warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Do not boil.
  4. Melt Chocolate: Double boiler method: Fill a saucepan with a couple of inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top. Add the chopped chocolate and butter to the bowl. Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth. Microwave method: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Remove the melted chocolate from the heat. Stir in the warm cream (if using), vanilla extract, salt, and liqueur (if using) until well combined and smooth.
  6. Transfer to Fondue Pot: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the fondue pot. If using a traditional fondue pot with a burner, light the burner according to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the flame to maintain a low, gentle heat. If using an electric fondue pot, set to the lowest setting.
  7. Serve Immediately: Provide fondue forks or skewers for dipping. Encourage guests to dip their chosen items into the chocolate and enjoy!