Most people don't put much effort into buying chocolate for a chocolate fondue fountain. Perhaps they have a few bags of chocolate chips on hand or they'll even buy some of those brick sized chocolate bars. Sure this will work fine and the whole fountain concept will still impress your party guests. But true chocolate aficionados use gourmet chocolate in their fountains and you can definitely taste the difference.
Melting regular supermarket chocolate chips is not an option in the most popular home versions of the chocolate fondue fountain. The chocolate will be too thick and if it can actually be pumped to the top of the fountain, you wont get that cascading waterfall effect that these machines are famous for. Plain chocolate will just drip if youre lucky. If youre unlucky, it will clog your fountain, leaving you with a few pounds of chocolate that needs to be melted with hot water before you can use your fountain again. When using regular chocolate, you will need to add a significant amount of vegetable oil in order for the chocolate to be fluid enough for the fountain to work.
The best way to melt supermarket chocolate is with a double boiler. For every two pounds of chocolate, you should slowly add one cup of vegetable oil while stirring. If you can handle your double boiler and an electric mixer at once, then the mixing wont be too hard. You probably wont need the entire cup of oil so add it slowly and stop when you think the chocolate looks right. But dont forget that you cant add more oil when the chocolate is already in the fountain. So if you are in doubt, add more oil.
The easiest way to set up your chocolate fondue fountain is to use couverture chocolate. Couverture is a French word that means to cover. Courverture chocolate is usually used for making candies or for dipping so its perfect for a chocolate fountain. Its made with a higher percentage of cocoa butter than normal chocolate and melts to a smoother texture. Couverture chocolate will give you that elegant looking waterfall effect without any additional oil or mixing required. The only drawback is that its very expensive when compared to supermarket chocolate.
Melting couverture chocolate is the same as regular chocolate. Either use a double boiler or a microwave. Since you wont be adding any additional oil or using the electric mixer, the microwave can work great. Set the microwave for a minute at a time and stir in between.
Whoever decided that turning a chocolate fondue fountain into a home appliance should be given a medal. Why save the chocolate fountain for weddings and other large parties when you can now set it up every weekend. If you are having a birthday party or a barbeque, why not add some pizzazz to the event with a chocolate fondue fountain. Whether you choose expensive couverture chocolate or regular supermarket chocolate chips, its sure to taste delicious.
Now, most of you already know the answer and may have even used one. But for those of you who dont know: A chocolate fondue fountain is a stainless steel 2 or 3 (or more) tiered fountain that melts chocolate and produces a continuous flow of chocolate film over the tiers. At a party, there is a variety of 'dippers' which are used to dip into the chocolate film, cover your item with the desired amount of chocolate and eat it, savoring every moment. That last part is important!
Why are Chocolate Fountains Becoming so Popular?
Baby shower chocolate fondue fountains are becoming popular because it is a novel and interactive experience. There is just something fascinating about dipping food into a waterfall of melted chocolate. Plus, everything tastes better with chocolate! Right?
A chocolate fountain is also an elegant and impressive baby shower centerpiece. Not very many parties feature a chocolate fountain, so it is a classy and unique baby shower centerpiece to have.
Also, a chocolate fountain is a popular baby shower food idea because it simplifies your menu. You serve chocolate and dippers. Thats it! Minimal preparation is required. And with so many other things to plan for at the baby shower, it is nice not to have to worry about the baby shower food.
What type of Dippers should You Use?
Here are some popular Baby Shower Chocolate Fountain Dippers:
* Apple Slices * Strawberries* Bananas * Pineapple * Grapes * Blueberries * Orange Slices * Maraschino Cherries* Marshmellows * Rice Krispie Treats * All Types of Cookies* Graham Crackers * Pretzels * Wafer Cookies * Animal Crackers * Peanut Butter Treats * Biscotti * Frozen Eclairs
Should You Use a Chocolate Fountain as Your Baby Shower Centerpiece?
If you love chocolate, then Of Course! Actually, there are plenty of other ways to feed your chocolate craving other than a chocolate fountain. It depends on how big you want the baby shower to be. If you have the budget and want a sure way to WOW the guests then a chocolate fondue fountain would be a perfect touch to your baby shower.
They are somewhat expensive, so they are more of a luxury than a 'must have.' You can rent one at a party rental store - but be sure to rent one in your price range! There are several 'types' and some are much more expensive than others. Some baby shower chocolate fountains are very big and there are smaller ones as well, which are less expensive, so shop around at a few different places to get the best price.
Bottom line: It all comes down to chocolate. As long as that is part of the baby shower, everyone is happy! And having a chocolate fountain there is one way to heighten the experience.