Directions for Chocolate Fountain Fondue

Any smooth chocolate may be melted for use in a chocolate fondue fountain.

A chocolate fondue fountain serves double duty at parties by providing both an interesting centerpiece and a delicious dessert. Any type of chocolate including chocolate bars or chocolate chips may be used in a chocolate fountain, although the chocolate must be properly prepared to ensure that it flows evenly through the fountain and does not cause clogs or unappetizing lumps in the fondue.

Things You'll Need

• 2 to 5 pounds chocolate
• 2 microwave-safe plastic bags
• Vegetable oil
• Microwave
• Scissors

Instructions

Melting Chocolate

1. Measure 2 to 5 pounds of chocolate into a microwave-safe resealable plastic sealable bag. Check the box of your bags to make sure that they are microwave safe, or the bag may melt along with your chocolate. Each pound of chocolate serves approximately four to six people. Do not overfill your chocolate fondue fountain: If you have a 3-pound capacity fountain for instance, do not use more than 3 pounds of chocolate.

2. Add approximately 1.5 tbsp. of vegetable oil for each pound of chocolate. The oil will ensure that the chocolate is thin enough to flow smoothly through the chocolate fountain.

3. Tightly seal the freezer bag and place it inside a second bag. Seal the second bag as well to prevent the risk of leaking chocolate making a mess in your microwave.

4. Heat the bag in the microwave on high temperature for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the bag and knead it in your hands to mix the partially melted chocolate. Be careful as the bag may be hot.

5. Return the bag to the microwave and heat for another 1 1/2 minutes. Knead the bag to check for any solid pieces of chocolate and return the bag to the microwave for 30-second intervals if necessary until the chocolate is smooth.

Filling the Fountain

1. Turn on the heating element of your chocolate fondue fountain, and allow it to warm up for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not turn the motor on at this time as it could burn out if you run it when the fountain is empty.

2. Snip the corner of the chocolate-filled bag over the bottom bowl of the fountain, and allow the chocolate to pour into the fountain. Twist the top of the bag tightly and continue to twist the bag all the way down the length of the bag to the cut edge to squeeze as much chocolate from the bag as possible.

3. Turn on the motor of the chocolate fondue fountain. The motor will begin pushing the melted chocolate up the fountain, and within a few minutes the fountain should be flowing.

Tips & Warnings

• Serve trays full of fresh fruit, assorted cookies, marshmallows, pretzels and slices of pound cake next to your chocolate fondue fountain. Include wooden skewers or fondue forks so guests can serve themselves without getting sticky fingers.

References

• Chocolate Fondue Fountains: Preparing Chocolate Fondue
• Ziploc: Top FAQ's
• Rival Products: Chocolate Fountain Manual