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Chocolate Midnight Fondue

From the book Great Party Fondues by Peggy Fallon

Serves

8 to 10

Introduction

Here’s the “little black dress” of chocolate fondues: basic, elegant, and adaptable. Whether you prefer the intensity of dark bittersweet or the slightly sweeter semisweet, choose a good-quality chocolate you would enjoy eating out of hand.

Cognac is the classic flavoring, but dark rum, bourbon, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, or just about any liqueur works equally well. If you prefer to forgo the alcohol altogether, substitute an equal amount of one of the bottled syrups used for flavoring coffee drinks, or 1 teaspoon vanilla, almond, or orange extract.

Pull out all the stops when it comes to dipping here. Offer a colorful assortment of fresh and dried fruits, keeping in mind that strawberries are usually the hands-down favorite. Also think marshmallows, sugar or nut cookies, donut holes, pretzels, small squares of waffle, frozen bits of cheesecake, and bite-size cubes of angel food or pound cake.

Ingredients

	1	cup heavy cream
	~	Dash of salt
	1	lb. bittersweet and/or semisweet chocolate, chopped
	2	Tbsp. cognac or brandy

Steps

In a medium saucepan, heat the cream and salt over low heat until hot but not boiling. Gradually stir in the chocolate, letting each addition melt before adding more. Stir in the cognac.
Transfer to a ceramic fondue pot and set over a low flame. Regulate the flame under the fondue to keep it as low as possible. If it begins to boil, turn off the heat.

This content is from the book Great Party Fondues by Peggy Fallon.

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Fallen Chocolate Cake

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fondue,
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There are 103 comments on this item

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Average Rating 4.7

29% recommend this recipe

1. by damons on Feb 4, 2009 at 11:32 AM PST

Oh this sounds divine!

2. by rtysons on Feb 4, 2009 at 11:33 AM PST

Now that we have two fondue pots, we can have an all fondue meal without difficult in between courses clean-up! This would be the perfect dessert after a cheese fondue, and it sounds wonderful. Now, just where can I find good fruit...?

3. by shappzero on Feb 4, 2009 at 12:01 PM PST

I love fondue, but I don’t make it enough. Maybe I’ll manage to break my fondue fast to make this recipe...

4. by L on Feb 4, 2009 at 1:34 PM PST

I love chocolate fondue! We had fabulous chocolate fondue nearly every night on a recent trip to Prague, all warmed with with sweet little tea candles.

5. by Amy on Feb 4, 2009 at 1:39 PM PST

Yum! So easy but SO delicious.

6. by ruth_117 on Feb 4, 2009 at 1:42 PM PST

homemade marshmallows are my favorite for dipping!

7. by Richard Yarnell on Feb 4, 2009 at 3:59 PM PST

As with a rich, smooth pudding, it would be a shame to spoil the fondue with too stark a texture contrast. An angel food cake with less than the normal amount of sugar would be terrific. Paired with berries, especially if you can find some that have any flavor at all, the presentation would be the envy of almost any 50’s hus wyf.

Above all, one must have respect for the chocolate.

8. by anonymous on Feb 5, 2009 at 4:31 AM PST

Quick and chocolate--my kind of dessert! Yum!

9. by candrese on Feb 5, 2009 at 11:29 AM PST

Looks delicious. After spending a fortune recently on chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot, this looks like a fun, less expensive alternative when we have a fondue craving.

10. by tmartin on Feb 5, 2009 at 9:00 PM PST

I like the idea of adding alcohol to the chocolate but my issue is always getting a balance between the chocolate and alcohol flavor.

11. by mlcottingham on Feb 5, 2009 at 11:51 PM PST

This would be a great treat to go with the fondue pot I won in another contest. I thought I was going to have sell my soul to the take-home section at the Melting Pot.

12. by rebeccainpdx on Feb 6, 2009 at 6:28 AM PST

Chunks of fresh coconut are one of my favorites with dark chocolate fondue. You have to open up a coconut, but it’s worth it.

13. by Brave Sir Robin on Feb 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM PST

So easy, so, so, so good.

14. by anonymous on Feb 6, 2009 at 12:00 PM PST

Try going low cal!

15. by Kasey Proctor on Feb 6, 2009 at 1:14 PM PST

This sounds like it’s absolutely devine. You could use this for a special evening for yourself and your husband or it would make a great dessert if you were having a small get together with friends as something different for dessert.

16. by lritz on Feb 6, 2009 at 1:35 PM PST

This looks delicious! I don’t think I could eat it every day (though I might want to). For special occasions or entertaining?!? I think it would be perfection!!!

17. by starsmom on Feb 6, 2009 at 1:42 PM PST

the bittersweet chocolate and the cognac would be my choice........how luscious!!

18. by Linda White on Feb 6, 2009 at 1:45 PM PST

Sounds really good to me, Ive never done fondue but have always wanted to! Very romantic dessert!

19. by fangirl on Feb 6, 2009 at 1:47 PM PST

That sounds soooo easy. I have a fondue pot, but I am always a bit wary of breaking it out, as it seems complicated.

20. by cdziuba on Feb 6, 2009 at 2:20 PM PST

Chocolate is my life.

21. by dusksunset on Feb 6, 2009 at 2:57 PM PST

This is my kind of recipe - easy and delicious.

22. by LOVESTOBAKEJUSTLAZY on Feb 6, 2009 at 3:59 PM PST

yummy

23. by idahomom on Feb 6, 2009 at 4:20 PM PST

I bought a fondue set but have yet to use it. Help

24. by slefever on Feb 6, 2009 at 5:27 PM PST

This fondue looks like pudding. Yum!

25. by pancak on Feb 6, 2009 at 6:05 PM PST

Yum! I like fondue but am afraid I’ll mess up the dips. Might have to give this one a try.

26. by agordon10 on Feb 6, 2009 at 6:44 PM PST

sounds awesome.

27. by anonymous on Feb 6, 2009 at 7:24 PM PST

We really love fondue and would love to try new recipes!!

28. by anonymous on Feb 6, 2009 at 9:40 PM PST

This sounds delicious nad perfect for any chocolate lover! I love all kinds of fondue. It is perfect for a romantic date night, but also fun for small get togethers with friends. Kids would be sure to love the chocolate fondue!! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

arbrashears(at)msn(dot)com

29. by clc408 on Feb 7, 2009 at 3:18 AM PST

I love fondue because it’s so interactive. Keeps the conversation going deliciously.

30. by anonymous on Feb 7, 2009 at 4:01 AM PST

My best friend got me a fondue pot last year for Christmas and I have yet to use it because I don’t have any good recipes. This one looks so easy and the addition of cognac sound sophisticated.

31. by anonymous on Feb 7, 2009 at 4:29 AM PST

I can’t wait to try! I remember my parents having fondue parties.
Diane Baum
dianesmb@aol.com

32. by Deborah Wellenstein on Feb 7, 2009 at 4:37 AM PST

This would be great for all the fondue pots I got for my wedding! (1971) Thanks!

33. by mickeyfan on Feb 7, 2009 at 6:10 AM PST

I appreciate the substitutions list and you expanded my thoughts regarding dippers too.

34. by AsTheNight on Feb 7, 2009 at 6:18 AM PST

Would it be wrong if I dipped potato chips in the chocolate fondue?

35. by Bandbabe on Feb 7, 2009 at 6:42 AM PST

Used to love to fondue, I am going to have to try this recipe.

36. by Vivian Deliz on Feb 7, 2009 at 6:44 AM PST

I love chocolate. This recipe sounds delicious. I would use rum (my personal favorite for taste) and some of the suggestions for fruits, nuts and cakes listed in the recipe.

37. by Renee Concolino on Feb 7, 2009 at 7:11 AM PST

When we fondue we use everything from pound cake and strawberries to pretzels and chips. This fondue sounds a bit more high-brow but I think I’d like to try it

38. by Richard Vestal on Feb 7, 2009 at 7:44 AM PST

Oh wow! This recipe was amazing! And very easy to follow.

39. by craig varney on Feb 7, 2009 at 7:51 AM PST

sounds very tasty and easy to prepare

40. by anonymous on Feb 7, 2009 at 8:06 AM PST

This would be great for a party, I’d love to try it!

41. by danosor on Feb 7, 2009 at 9:49 AM PST

I love chocolate and these recipes are devine for a chocolate lover.

42. by Mary Beth McCormick on Feb 7, 2009 at 10:31 AM PST

Any type of fondue nurtures my soul but this recipe helps my spirit soar. What a wonderful gift! Please give us more recipes like this!

43. by Christina B on Feb 7, 2009 at 10:41 AM PST

I would love to have this.

Thanks

44. by Eva Daniell on Feb 7, 2009 at 12:34 PM PST

OMG! This sounds heavenly! It is definitely on my list for my next party (get together)

45. by redron on Feb 7, 2009 at 2:50 PM PST

want to win this this recipe sounds great.

46. by ky2here on Feb 7, 2009 at 5:08 PM PST

I have never served a fondue. This looks doable and I think I might try it.

47. by myntric on Feb 7, 2009 at 5:09 PM PST

I’d love to win!

48. by Renee C on Feb 7, 2009 at 6:40 PM PST

Mmm sounds delicious! Hubby and I love fondue!

49. by steadier572 on Feb 7, 2009 at 7:11 PM PST

This is a very easy recipe and sounds delicious

50. by Gary Osborn on Feb 7, 2009 at 7:53 PM PST

Sounds good to me...

51. by venus m. on Feb 7, 2009 at 8:05 PM PST

Yummy! Would love to try this receipe with my honey!

52. by Susan Ledet on Feb 7, 2009 at 8:50 PM PST

Looks so easy to make and it certainly would be great at a party.
Thanks for the nice giveaway.

53. by anonymous on Feb 7, 2009 at 9:35 PM PST

I love having fondue for any party and bought a fondue display for them! I had this out for our latest superbowl party and am going to try out this recipe for my next party! Thanks.

54. by toowylde on Feb 7, 2009 at 9:47 PM PST

Simple recipe that looks great... I could eat this myself, why save it for a party?

55. by anonymous on Feb 7, 2009 at 10:24 PM PST

I have never prepared Fondue because I always thought it was difficult, I guess not.

56. by anonymous on Feb 7, 2009 at 10:25 PM PST

Thanks for the giveaway!

57. by carogonza on Feb 7, 2009 at 10:49 PM PST

What a great book. I love to fondue

58. by jayfr on Feb 7, 2009 at 11:45 PM PST

This looks like it’ll give a lot of good ideas.

59. by Sharon Jones on Feb 8, 2009 at 1:23 AM PST

YUM...looks wonderful...will try this week. THANKS

60. by anonymous on Feb 8, 2009 at 1:24 AM PST

Sounds really good easy to make too

61. by jjampm on Feb 8, 2009 at 1:44 AM PST

Simple and delicious! The cookbook sounds fabulous! Recently I’ve been rediscovering fondue and my kids love it. They’ll even dip veggies... and eat them!!

62. by Lauren on Feb 8, 2009 at 5:40 AM PST

Would love to have chocolate fondue on one of the high table at the store, have to talk to the boss man, maybe the recipes in this book will pique his interest.

63. by PJ on Feb 8, 2009 at 7:43 AM PST

This sounds decadent, but wonderful!!

64. by Tina12312 on Feb 8, 2009 at 7:58 AM PST

I love chocolate fondues and this one sounds so delicious! Thank you!

65. by anonymous on Feb 8, 2009 at 8:52 AM PST

My family and I love to experiment with fondues. A family favourite is chocolate and various fruit. So yummy. Amyinkamloops@gmail.com

66. by Annulla on Feb 8, 2009 at 11:45 AM PST

Haven’t had fondue in years, but that looks delicious!

67. by Rich Beatty on Feb 8, 2009 at 11:47 AM PST

Can’t wait to try the Chocolate Midnight Fondue.
I think I’ll surprise my wife with it when she returns next weekend.
Thanks for the great contest!

68. by asketcher2 on Feb 8, 2009 at 12:07 PM PST

I got a fondue pot/thing a few years ago and have no recipes and no idea what to do with it. This would be perfect for me to win! I need ideas!

Thanks for this recipe. :)

69. by Deh on Feb 8, 2009 at 12:37 PM PST

Mmmm. Sounds so good and is easy too. Can’t beat that. This would be great for our next party.

70. by Sonya on Feb 8, 2009 at 12:44 PM PST

This sounds delicious, and my husband and I were just planning on doing fondue with the kids on Valentine’s Day!

71. by chromiumman on Feb 8, 2009 at 1:59 PM PST

would love this

72. by elangomatt on Feb 8, 2009 at 2:43 PM PST

My family has had fondue for as long as I can remember on New Years Day. This would be great for a new twist.

73. by LIDARKSIDE on Feb 8, 2009 at 2:58 PM PST

We just bought a fondue set.

74. by anonymous on Feb 8, 2009 at 3:41 PM PST

Fondueing is fun!

75. by Richard Yarnell on Feb 8, 2009 at 5:05 PM PST

I just served a batch to some friends. For dipping I used finger sized (well, thumb sized) meringues that were as light on the sugar as I could managed. Added a little cinnamon to the meringue and chocolate that had very little sugar in it. The textures were nicely complimentary.

76. by mariana on Feb 8, 2009 at 5:09 PM PST

I have never served fondues so maybe this book would give me the inspiration!

77. by Tonya B on Feb 8, 2009 at 5:37 PM PST

Who DOESN’T do fondue??

78. by nesta67 on Feb 8, 2009 at 6:03 PM PST

Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!

79. by trishden on Feb 8, 2009 at 6:52 PM PST

Oh this would taste great on cubes of pound cake, bananas, strawberries and brownie bits. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks!

80. by anonymous on Feb 8, 2009 at 7:04 PM PST

This sounds amazing. I’d probably prefer the brandy and serve it with pineapple and bananas (both are my favorites for chocolate fondue). Thanks!

ihchicky AT gmail DOT com

81. by Kryss on Feb 8, 2009 at 7:21 PM PST

Me love me fondue! bananas and strawberries

krysiscreed@aol.com

82. by mistyriver2009 on Feb 8, 2009 at 8:53 PM PST

This sounds and looks delicious. I will try it soon. Thanks!

83. by MissEmma on Feb 8, 2009 at 9:04 PM PST

Ohhhhhhh,fondue. Mmmm...cheese and chocolate, my two most favorite food groups! I’ve always thought Switzerland must be fantastic since it’s known for cheese and chocoalte! I’d LOVE to win this. If I don’t, I may have to buy it!

84. by artmarcia on Feb 8, 2009 at 10:09 PM PST

Yummy--Just in time for Valentine’s Day! You defintely know the way to a man’s--or woman’s--heart....CHOCOLATE!

85. by kohndr on Feb 9, 2009 at 3:26 AM PST

Yummy!! My mom used to make chocolate and cheese fondue all the time when I was growing up

86. by dddiva on Feb 9, 2009 at 5:21 AM PST

Oh yum, this looks right up our alley.

87. by Jessica L on Feb 9, 2009 at 6:22 AM PST

I love fondue, this sounds great!! I’m going to attempt a fondue dinner for Valentine’s Day.Thank you for the opportunity.

88. by garrettsambo on Feb 9, 2009 at 6:54 AM PST

IThis fondue recipe sound delicious. I think I am going to make it for Valentine’s for my husband. garrettsambo@aol.com

89. by jill randall on Feb 9, 2009 at 7:44 AM PST

I’m so glad fondues have made a comeback. They are a much more intimate and classy version of chips and dip. This recipe is super easy and requires few ingredients, which makes it a keeper in my book. I think I’ll try it for Valentine’s Day with strawberries, instead of making chocolate covered strawberries as I originally intended.

90. by lilyk on Feb 9, 2009 at 8:07 AM PST

This recipe looks very tasty! I will definitely try it out.

91. by SHELL32467 on Feb 9, 2009 at 9:03 AM PST

My girlfriends and I play BUNCO once a month and this would be great for some different snacks

92. by anonymous on Feb 9, 2009 at 9:09 AM PST

This will make a really tasty Valentines Day fondue for an at-home celebration. Thanks!

93. by K.H. on Feb 9, 2009 at 9:44 AM PST

Sounds delicious. I’d also use small wedges of fresh pineapple.

94. by Marcy Strahan on Feb 9, 2009 at 9:56 AM PST

I love fondue! It’s so fun to do & yummy to eat!

I am waiting on Ups to bring me on that I ordered. This would sure rock to win & have all these yummy recipes.

95. by Ingrid Jackson on Feb 9, 2009 at 10:13 AM PST

This recipe sounds delicious. I’ve never made a fondue before but I think it’s time I did. Thanks.

96. by Jen on Feb 9, 2009 at 10:50 AM PST

I love fondue, this recipe looks great!

97. by choochoo on Feb 9, 2009 at 11:45 AM PST

My sister throws a FUN-due party each year for her birthday, and she’s looking for some awesome new recipes. This would be a great early-present for her. Thanks!

98. by anonymous on Feb 9, 2009 at 11:50 AM PST

this sounds great, I love chocolate

99. by kathleenyohanna on Feb 9, 2009 at 12:29 PM PST

I am not so big on chocolate but I bet that book has some fondues that I would just love. Thanks for the contest.

100. by OpusOne on Feb 9, 2009 at 12:43 PM PST

Drawing is now closed, we will announce winners soon.

101. by OpusOne on Feb 9, 2009 at 1:13 PM PST

Congrats to Cynthia, Aaron, and Sharon who won this drawing for a copy of Great Party Fondues.

102. by Mark W on Feb 9, 2009 at 2:45 PM PST

fondue is cool...

ammodawg2u@gmail.com

103. by kristina e on Feb 9, 2009 at 10:38 PM PST

this is great

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