A chocolate fountain usually ends up being a party centerpiece.
Chocolate fountains are a dramatic, eye-catching and delicious addition to any wedding, Bar Mitzvah, birthday party or any other function. They're shaped like a wedding cake with several metal tiers connected to a tower base. Warmed chocolate is moved up the tower and cascades over the tiers, with the motor allowing chocolate that's flowed down to be drawn up over and over again. Guests dip small dessert morsels in the warm chocolate. A chocolate fountain is an impressive and exciting variation on an ordinary chocolate fondue, and can be great fun for your guests.
Instructions
1. Rent, purchase or borrow a chocolate fountain. It's often easier to rent a fountain, since you may not think you'll use one enough to justify buying one; many party supply stores offer them for rent. If you choose to buy one, they're available at most home goods stores and usually priced from $35 on up, depending on the size you choose. And, don't forget to ask around to see if you can borrow a fountain from someone who owns one; you might be surprised to learn that one or more of your friends are chocolate fountain owners.
2. Get the chocolate fountain set up. There usually are five separate pieces: a base, a tower and three metal tiers. The parts are not difficult to assemble, but be sure to read the directions before you get started.
3. Melt the chocolate for the fountain in your microwave or a double boiler over the stove. It's very important that you use couverture chocolate rather than ordinary chocolate. Couverture chocolate has a much higher percentage of cocoa fat or vegetable oil (usually between 33% and 44%) than ordinary chocolate, so it will flow properly when warmed. This chocolate is used to coat truffles, hence the name "couverture" or "covering." You can usually find it at specialty baking stores.
4. Set up the fountain in a well-chosen place. Chocolate fountains tend to work best inside; they need to be on a level surface and close to a power source. If your party is outside, try setting it up near the side of a building or under a canopy to shield it from wind, which will affect the temperature of the chocolate. You'll also need to watch that it doesn't attract too many insects.
5. Pour the melted chocolate into the base of the fountain after you've turned the fountain's heat switch to "on." Fill it almost to the top rim, then turn on the motor (usually a second switch) to start the process of moving the chocolate up the tower and down over the tiers. Some fountain directions suggest that you briefly turn the motor off and then on again a few times to remove air and make the chocolate flow smoother.
6. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are sure to delight party guests.
Prepare the food items that will be dipped in the chocolate fountain. Non-crumbly items are best, since cake or pretzel crumbs dropped into the chocolate will block the flow of the fountain and clog the motor. Good ideas for dipping foods include fruit such as strawberries and pineapple, marshmallows, and non-crumbly cookies.
Tags: chocolate fountain, ordinary chocolate, Chocolate fountains, chocolate will, metal tiers
