In the 1970s I lived in Westport, Connecticut and my best friend’s aunt owned a fondue restaurant. It was the hot spot in town for people to go on dates and it all seemed terribly sophisticated and romantic to my 13 year old self. I have to admit I’m a little disappointed to have missed the era when everyone got a fondue pot, or two, as a wedding gift. By the time I got married in the 90s, chocolate fondue seemed dated and reminded us too much of our parents. Luckily, most things that are worthwhile enjoy a comeback and I predict that fondue is on its way. Traditionally, fondue was nothing more than melted chocolate that was kept warm in a pot called a Caquelon, which was set over a sterno or other source of fire. My version is a ganache, which is thick enough to cling to the variety of treats dipped into it, but thin enough to stay liquid without the fire. I poured the ganache into individual ramekins so each person has their own “pot” of chocolate to dip into. You can set out an assortment of cakes, cookies, meringues, fresh and dried fruits for a larger party or a romantic Valentine’s Day with someone special.
8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons brandy, coffee or flavored simple syrup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat to a gently simmer. Remove from heat and add the brandy and chopped chocolate. Swirl the cream so that the chocolate is covered. Allow to sit for 2 minutes.
Gently stir until completely smooth and serve immediately.
For a larger party, set out a variety of treats to dip into the chocolate. I used 3-inch cocktail skewers to do the dipping. Fill 4 or 6-ounce ramekins with the warm ganache.
If it is just a party of two, then set up a smaller selection of dip-able treats with one larger pot of chocolate in the middle.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I pinned this on Pinterest; you need a Pinterest Board!
http://pinterest.com/pin/33495590950618437/
Who knew? My family moved to Weston in 1989! 🙂 I missed the fondue too…you’re definitely making me want to bring it back!
Anything dipped in chocolate is a good idea, right?
Great idea! love the last photo.
I love chocolate fondue! Surprisingly, it’s only been a couple of years since there’s a big htpe around it in France.
Fondue is so great. I’m pretty sure we got at least two fondue pots for our wedding in the early 2000’s. Maybe our friends missed the message that it was dated…
My husband was a teen in Westport in the seventies too!
Such a gorgeous spread and wide variety of treats to dip into the chocolate! (And I love coming across recipes that read ‘No special kitchenwares needed’!)
What a great idea, and beautiful post! I am loving this….and I know my kids will as well.
What do we do with the unsalted butter? you mentioned it in the ingredients but you say anything about it in the method…