Spiced Chocolate Fondue Food

CHOCOLATE FONDUE

Steps:

• Combine the condensed milk, chocolate chips, vanilla and a pinch of salt in a fondue pot with a lighted burner. Stir until the chocolate is just melted and warm. Place offerings such as strawberries, marshmallows, mini pretzels and pound cake cubes on a platter around the fondue pot for guests to choose from. Have fondue forks available for dipping and plates and flatware available for the dipped items (eating right from the fondue fork is bad fondue party etiquette!).

SPICY SWEET CHOCOLATE FONDUE

Steps:

• In a double boiler, melt the chocolate over barely simmering water. Stir together the cream and rice wine, and then gradually stir into the melted chocolate to combine. Stir in the Sichuan peppercorns. Transfer the mixture to a fondue pot to keep warm and serve with fresh fruit.

SPICED CHOCOLATE FONDUE WITH FRESH STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• In a double boiler add chocolate. Melt until smooth and then add the cream. Stir constantly. Once smooth, add the cinnamon and cayenne. Place into a fondue pot.
• Serve with strawberries, pretzels, and marshmallows.

MEXICAN-STYLE CHOCOLATE FONDUE

Steps:

• In small saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream and cinnamon sticks just to boil. Remove from the heat and set aside to steep for 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon and discard.
• Put the chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring the cream to a simmer, pour it over the chocolate, and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir the chocolate mixture until completely melted and smooth. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a fondue pot, and keep warm over a low sterno flame or in a large ramekin wrapped with a cloth napkin to keep it warm. Serve with a selection of the dippers.

SPICED CHOCOLATE FONDUE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream with the milk and all of the spices and heat till it just starts to boil, then quickly remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes.
• Strain the cream into a bowl and wipe out the saucepan. Return the cream to saucepan and bring just to a boil(don't let it boil, just heat till bubbles appear). Remove from heat. Place the chocolate in the bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let stand for about 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Transfer the fondue to a bowl and serve. Enjoy!
• To prepare for gifts:.
• For each gift, measure out the spices above into a small glass jar and give with 1/2 pound of chocolate and this recipe. Or prepare the fondue and pour into a smalll glass jar: It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
• Serve with gingerbread, apples or shortbread for dunking. Enjoy!