On February 5 we celebrate National Chocolate Fondue Day a day to enjoy the melting chocolate with love and enjoy the melty, creamy, hot cheese that is dipped into a variety of bread and meat. For a more taster and memorable day we can gather some fruits, marshmallows, and cookies to dip, or even get creative with things like pretzels and cake pieces.
On this day you can try different types of chocolate—dark, milk, or white—and add fun toppings or flavourings like vanilla or liqueurs.
History of National Chocolate Fondue Day
However chocolate is everyone’s favourite all group of people loves chocolate, But did you know the history of chocolate fondue, moreover cheese fondue as it was developed back in Switzerland in the late 1600s? Likewise, Fondue is a dish in which small pieces of food are dipped into a hot sauce or a hot cooking medium such as oil or broth.
For the more interesting facts, the prize should probably go to whoever was the first person to pop a chocolate bar into their fondue pot. Did you know that the invention of the Chocolate Fondue can be credited to a Swiss restaurant owner in the year 1960s in New York City? The person who invented chocolate fondue was Konrad Egli, who was motivated to add a dessert version of the dish to his restaurant menu at Chalet Suisse in New York.
Did you know that, egli’s inaugural version of the dessert included creamy chocolate (of the Swiss Toblerone variety) as well as a German version of cherry brandy (kirsch)? Also, many Swiss people thought Egli was crazy to try to create a dessert version of their favourite cheesy dish, he didn’t care. And after that result was mindblowing and has lived on for more than 50 years now.
Now as of 2024, there is a restaurants throughout the world that are making a name for themselves with fondue and for those who have one in their own cities or towns, it is highly recommended to make time to stop in on this day to honor National Chocolate Fondue Day.
| 1975 (American fondue restaurant The Melting Pot opened) | Americans knew fondue was a hit when a full-blown fondue restaurant opened in 1975. The Melting Pot serves up all types of fondue, including of course, chocolate. |
| 1960s (When chocolate met fondue) | Though fondue had been around for quite some time, it wasn’t until the ’60s that fondue in the form of chocolate came into existence. |
| 1800s (Cheese fondue came first) | You can thank the Swiss for the invention of fondue. Though theirs was primarily cheese, they came up with the concept of fondue in the 1800s — thus paving the way for chocolate fondue to come later. |
Classic Chocolate Fondue Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How to make:
- If you’re using a chocolate bar, chop it into small, even pieces to help it melt more easily.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and gets a smooth texture.
- If desired, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
- Pour the melted chocolate into a fondue pot to keep it warm. If you don’t have a fondue pot, a heatproof bowl will work—just keep it over a low flame or a warm water bath.
- Arrange a variety of dippers on a platter, such as:
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, apple slices, pineapple)
- Marshmallows
- Pretzels
- Pound cake or brownies, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cookies
- Use fondue forks or skewers to dip your favourite treats into melted chocolate.
Additional Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: Experiment by adding a splash of liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Kahlua) or spices (like cinnamon or espresso powder) to the chocolate.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the chocolate in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving again.
Source: Once Upon a Chef
Activities for National Chocolate Fondue Day
Here are some of the Activities for National Chocolate fondue Day,
- Fondue Party: On this day you can host a fondue gathering party and invite your friends or family. Set up a fondue station with different types of chocolate and a variety of dippables like fruits, marshmallows, pretzels, cookies and many more.
- Themed Dippers: Even you can create themed diapers to match different occasions. For example, use strawberries and bananas for a romantic vibe, or colourful gummies and candy for a fun party atmosphere.
- Chocolate Tasting: Organize a chocolate tasting to explore different kinds of chocolate. Compare flavours, textures, and origins, and see which ones pair best with your diapers.
- DIY Chocolate: Even for the extra activities you can make your own chocolate fondue. Experiment with different recipes, adding flavours like peppermint, espresso, or chilli for a unique twist.
- Fondue Games: Also you can host or join games like “Fondue Trivia” where participants answer chocolate-related questions, or “Fondue Bingo” using chocolate-themed items.
- Photo Booth: Set up a fun photo booth with chocolate-themed props like giant marshmallows, fruit hats, or fondue forks. Capture the joy of the occasion!
- Chocolate Fondue Contest: Have a friendly competition where guests create their own unique fondue recipes.
- Movie Marathon: Pair your fondue feast with a movie marathon featuring films that have chocolate as a theme, like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
- Chocolate Fondue Kits: Create fondue kits as party favors. Include a small pot, a pack of chocolate, and a selection of dippables for guests to recreate the fun at home.
- Recipe Sharing: Encourage guests to share their favourite fondue recipes or dipping ideas, creating a fun exchange of culinary inspiration.
4 Most Popular Things To Dip In Chocolate Fondue
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Strawberries- Strawberries and chocolate go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise strawberries won the top spot.
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Rice Krispy treats- Melted marshmallows glued to cereal all blended together and dipped in chocolate? It’s decadence on a budget.
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Marshmallows- Feel free to spice things up a bit by trying coconut marshmallows.
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Bananas- Chocolate-covered bananas are a hit on their own, but when dipped in chocolate fondue, they are even better.
