Valentine's Day Treats: Easy Chocolate Fondue

I think Fondue should be called Fun-due because what's not fun about dipping stuff in melted chocolate? It's simple, romantic, indulgent, and delightful... all on a stick! Well, on a skewer. But the point is that in less than 15 minutes, you can create a quick and elegant party for two (or twenty) that looks as gorgeous as it tastes. 

Prep all of your dippers; almost anything tastes good in chocolate. Suggestions: strawberries, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, cookies, pretzels, apple slices, bananas, biscotti, orange sections, and graham crackers. I like to put some on skewers to create a little sculpture. Then place the remaining ingredients on a platter or in bowls.

Photos: Arden PhotographyEasy Chocolate Fondue

1 cup whipping cream

3 semi-sweet chocolate bars (4 ounces each) chopped (I like to mix in some bittersweet also)

2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur* (I like hazelnut, orange, raspberry, or coffee)

*Substitute 2 tablespoons strong coffee OR simply add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla if you don't want to use liqueur.

Add the chocolate to a heat-proof bowl over a double boiler (a heat-proof bowl placed over a simmering pot of water) Keep the water simmering, not boiling as not to burn the chocolate. As the chocolate begins to melt, stir in the whipping cream, a little at a time. After it is incorporated, stir in the liqueur.

Transfer to a fondue pot if you have one, If you don't use a heat-proof dish (like Pyrex) with a tea light or votive candle under the dish to keep the chocolate melted. A dish that is not heat-proof, such as porcelain or ceramic will crack.

NOTE: The dish will get very hot so make sure the candle is not too close to the dish and take extreme care when handling!!

Update on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 9:11PM by Martie Duncan

Jodie on Facebook asked about white chocolate fondue. Make it the same way. Just sub chopped white chocolate for the dark chocolate.