Chocolate fondue is one of the three main fondue dishes prepared, the other two being meat and cheese. It is a rich and creamy dessert mostly served with sliced fruits.
A fondue is basically a Swiss and French dish prepared with melted cheese. The preparation is eaten by dipping breads, on the end of long-stemmed forks, into the melted cheese. It is made in a traditional bowl placed over a burner. In the 1930s, the Swiss Cheese Union promoted the fondue as a Swiss national dish which made it popular almost everywhere in the world.
Over the years, the term 'fondue' has become very generalized and today, it is used to describe other dishes where the food is dipped into a hot liquid and consumed. Fondue made from chocolate is arguably the most popular and widely prepared variation of the original Swiss fondue dish. It is essentially served as a dessert. The flavor of chocolate fondue depends on the chocolate and fruits used and recipe followed. Overall, however, this is a sweet-dish.
History of Chocolate Fondue Recipe
Although the exact origin of chocolate fondue is not known, New York-based chef Konrad Elgi of the Charlet Swiss restaurant is often credited as the inventor of the dessert. In 1952, the chef created the meat version of he fondue and in 1964, he developed the chocolate variation. It is believed that the dessert was invented as a part of a promotion for the Toblerone chocolate. According to this story, the fondue made from chocolate is a fairly recent invention.
There is, however, one theory which links the dessert's invention to the Mayans. Over 2500 years ago, the Mayans invented a chocolate dessert which was made in a special pot. It was a thick and dense drink which was entirely made from chocolate.
In today's times, there are various versions of the fondue made from chocolate. While the basil recipe almost always remains the same, the ingredients and accompaniments differ based on individual preferences and the region in which the dessert is prepared.
Chocolate Fondue: Common Ingredients Used
In its most basic and traditional form, the dessert is made from only two ingredients - milk chocolate and heavy cream. There are, however, more elaborate recipes which call for the use of other ingredients, brandy or a liqueur of choice being the most common. The chocolate used can also vary from milk, to lint to bitter-sweet. White, dark or flavored chocolate can be used, as per preference. Sometimes, the chocolate is prepared fresh before making the fondue.
Chocolate Fondue Recipe: Preparation Overview
Making chocolate fondue is fairly easy and the preparation time is about 15 to 20 minutes. The ingredients are all prepared as required and then, mixed together. Melting the chocolate, with additional ingredients if being used, is the only main step involved in preparation. This can be done on a heating surface (in a pan or bowl) or in the microwave. It is important to ensure that there is no burning of the chocolate.
Sliced bananas, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, pineapples, pears and apples, to name a few, are common fruits dipped in the fondue. The fruits are sometimes grilled and caramelized. Cakes, marshmallows, brownies, meringues and biscotti are some other sweet foods which are dipped and consumed.
Chocolate Fondue: Serving and Eating
The preparation is generally served as a dessert with a choice of fruits and sweet foods which are to be dipped in the chocolate. The chocolate is generally served in a bowl, with fruits and foods around it. In large gatherings, where serving individual bowls or a placing a medium bowl in the center is not possible, a fondue fountain is generally placed in the center of the table. This serves as the center-piece and also makes it easier for large groups to enjoy the preparation.
Chocolate Fondue Recipe: Health and Nutrition Facts
The dessert is not considered a very healthy consumption as chocolates are generally high in fat, sugar and calorie contents. As the fondue is mostly made with sweet milk chocolate, it is an unsuitable consumption for those suffering from health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity, to name a few.
Although the calorie and sugar contents can be somewhat reduced by using dark chocolate and low-fat milk and cream, the dessert should be consumed in controlled quantities.
Chocolate Fondue: Trivia
The meat variant of the dish is known as 'fondue bourguignonne.' The pieces of meat are cooked in hot oil and consumed.
Although the dish is traditionally prepared in a special fondue pot, it is not necessary to use one.