This dessert fondue is great fun and easy to make - it's really nothing more than melted chocolate flavored with orange peel and orange brandy; you can make it at home in a flash. What's more, you don't need a fondue set - just a pan and a set of skewers. This recipe serves about 4 but is easily expanded.
Instructions
1. Strip the zest from the orange using a zester, vegetable peeler, grater or sharp knife. Make sure to leave the bitter white pith behind.
2. Place the zest and the cream in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
3. Meanwhile, grate the chocolate and place in a fondue pot or clean metal bowl.
4. Simmer the cream for a minute or so, then shut off the heat and let steep a few more minutes.
5. Strain the hot cream into the chocolate, discarding the zest.
6. Melt the chocolate slowly. If necessary, place the pot or bowl over some slowly simmering water to aid melting. Stir chocolate and cream together.
7. Squeeze a tablespoon or two of orange juice into the chocolate, and add about 1/4 cup of the Grand Marnier.
8. Taste and add more Grand Marnier if desired.
9. Serve the melted chocolate suspended over a double boiler filled with hot water. If possible, don't serve it directly over a candle flame, as this can burn the chocolate and cause the mixture to separate.
10. Surround the chocolate pot with cut fruit, whole berries and pieces of cake to skewer and dip.
Tags: Grand Marnier, into chocolate, melted chocolate
