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How to Use a Chocolate Fondue Fountain
by Brittany Michaels
Are you planning a once-in-a-lifetime event? Perhaps a wedding, 50th anniversary party, college graduation, retirement or other very special event? For events like these, you're probably looking for ideas that will make your party stand out, ones that your honorees and guests will remember. Here's one terrific idea that you may never have thought of, until now. A chocolate fondue fountain, which literally flows with chocolate. It makes a spectacular decoration of edible contents!
You can rent or purchase a chocolate fondue fountain. Given that this device is rather pricey, for a one-event use, it's probably a good idea to rent. But if you have great parties at least twice a year, you may want to purchase one so that you have it whenever you need it. I like having one in my cabinet at all times because I never know when guests will pop up from out of town. Starting up the chocolate fountain gets me in the party mode, makes my guests feel important and it is a great way to create a memorable get-together. Oh, by the way, I usually serve fresh fruit like strawberries with it, or dried peaches.
A chocolate fondue fountain is shaped somewhat like a tall vase, and is actually a simple appliance. Usually, there are just two controls required to operate the machine, one to start the heater in the lower portion of the unit and another which controls the flow basin at the top.
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Although you may use what's known as "compound" chocolate, the higher quality "couverture" or coating chocolate is recommended. Couverture chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter, producing a wonderfully velvety texture with a taste that's simply divine. Your chocolate fondue fountain dealer can steer you to a good source if he does not sell this chocolate himself.
On the day of your party, you'll need to melt the chocolate before pouring it in to the unit. The best way to do this is using a double boiler on the stove top, which does a better job of tempering the chocolate than, say, using a microwave. Heat the chocolate slowly and stir frequently until the chocolate is smooth with a satiny sheen. When it's ready, turn on the fountain's heater and pour the chocolate into the chocolate fondue fountain. Next, turn on the flow unit, known as the yager. The yager is similar to a corkscrew, pulling the chocolate into the upper basin, filling it and producing the fountain. The chocolate flows out of the upper basin and recirculates into the lower basin.
Your chocolate fondue may be served with trays surrounding the fountain filled with anything that is good dipped in chocolate. Some ideas are naturals, such as Italian biscotti cookies, strawberries, mandarin orange slices or bananas. (Banana slices may be brushed with lemon juice to avoid discoloration.) Let your imagination be your guide in choosing accompaniments. After all, there are so many foods that are good with chocolate.
Chocolate fondue fountains come in various sizes, depending on the number of guests you'll be serving. Smaller ones serve anywhere from 100 to 200 people, while larger units serve as many as 800 people.
One last word: these fountains should only be used indoors. Outdoor use means insects can get into the chocolate! Not very appetizing! Cool breezes can also affect the flow of chocolate, causing deviations in temperature.
Use a chocolate fountain at your next party and see the great response you receive from the guests.
About the Author:
Brittany Michaels has thrown over 150 parties in her lifetime and now writes as a freelance writer on the subject.