Chocolate Cheese Fondue

Swiss Chocolate Cheese Fondue Recipe

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chocolate Cheese Fondue is a decadent and delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cheese in a creamy, indulgent dip. This recipe is perfect for entertaining guests or for a special treat for yourself.

History

The origins of Chocolate Cheese Fondue are a bit unclear, but fondue itself has been enjoyed for centuries in various forms. The combination of chocolate and cheese in a fondue is a modern twist on the classic Swiss dish, which traditionally consists of melted cheese served with bread for dipping.

Ingredients

0.25 cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp cocoa
0.5 cup sifted powdered sugar
0.33 cup shredded american cheese or swiss cheese or cheddar cheese or gruyere
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp nutmeg
0.5 tsp vanilla
0.5 tsp peppermint extract
0.25 tsp almond extract
0.5 cup milk, as needed
1 tbsp brandy

Serve with

ice cream
bite-size pieces of angel food cake
bite-size pieces of chocolate cake
bite-size pieces of cake
graham crackers
ladyfingers
digestive biscuits

How to prepare

In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Gradually add the cocoa and sugar, and blend thoroughly to make a smooth sauce.
Add the cheese, and blend well.
Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, peppermint, and almond extract.
Gradually add the milk until the fondue reaches the desired consistency.
Add the brandy (do NOT stir); immediately ignite the brandy.
Serve over ice cream, or use as a dip.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or bourbon for a boozy twist.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or brie, for a unique flavor.
Top the fondue with chopped nuts or fruit for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality chocolate and cheese for the best flavor.

- Stir the fondue constantly while cooking to prevent burning.

- Adjust the consistency of the fondue by adding more milk as needed.

- Be careful when igniting the brandy, as it can flame up quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chocolate Cheese Fondue with bite-size pieces of angel food cake, chocolate cake, graham crackers, ladyfingers, or digestive biscuits for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Melt the butter and chocolate slowly over low heat to prevent burning.

- Stir constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue.

- Ignite the brandy carefully to avoid accidents.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.

- Substitute almond milk for regular milk for a dairy-free option.

- Omit the brandy for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

The fondue can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chocolate Cheese Fondue in a fondue pot or a heatproof bowl with a platter of dippers for a fun and interactive dessert experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Chocolate Cheese Fondue with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fondue in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 210

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 23g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 20g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 110mg

Iron: 1mg

Alergens

Contains: Milk, Wheat

Summary

Chocolate Cheese Fondue is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Chocolate Cheese Fondue is a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cheese in a creamy, delicious dip. Serve with a variety of dippers for a fun and interactive dessert experience. Enjoy in moderation as a special treat for yourself or for entertaining guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn all I could about cooking. I had always loved spending time in the kitchen with my mother, watching her create delicious meals from scratch. But it wasn't until I stumbled upon a hidden treasure in my grandmother's old recipe box that I truly fell in love with the art of cooking.

I remember that day like it was yesterday. My grandmother had asked me to help her clean out the attic, and as we sifted through old boxes and dusty trinkets, I came across a weathered old recipe box tucked away in a corner. Intrigued, I opened it up and began to leaf through the yellowed index cards inside. Each card held a different recipe, some written in my grandmother's elegant cursive handwriting and others in a more hurried scrawl, presumably from friends or family members who had shared their culinary secrets with her over the years.

And then I found it – the recipe for Chocolate Cheese Fondue. I had never heard of such a thing before, a decadent blend of rich chocolate and creamy cheese, melted together into a sinfully delicious dipping sauce. I knew immediately that I had to learn how to make it.

I took the recipe card to my grandmother and asked her about it. She smiled wistfully and told me that it was a recipe she had learned many years ago, from a dear friend who had spent time traveling through Europe. Apparently, Chocolate Cheese Fondue was a popular dish in Switzerland, where it was often served as a dessert at elegant dinner parties and special occasions.

My grandmother agreed to teach me how to make the fondue, and we spent the afternoon gathering the ingredients and preparing the dish together. We started by grating a block of sharp cheddar cheese and melting it slowly in a double boiler, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the cheese was smooth and creamy, we added in a generous amount of dark chocolate, broken into small pieces, and continued to stir until it had melted and blended seamlessly with the cheese.

The aroma that wafted up from the pot was intoxicating, a heady mix of sharp cheese and rich chocolate that made my mouth water in anticipation. My grandmother handed me a small piece of bread to dip into the fondue, and I took a hesitant bite, savoring the complex flavors dancing on my tongue. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before – sweet and savory, creamy and indulgent all at once.

From that moment on, Chocolate Cheese Fondue became a staple in our household. My grandmother and I would make it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and we would always be sure to invite friends and family over to share in the decadent treat. It became a tradition, a way for us to bond over our shared love of cooking and good food.

As the years went by, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. I discovered that a splash of Kirsch, a cherry-flavored liqueur, added a subtle sweetness to the fondue, while a pinch of cayenne pepper gave it a spicy kick that lingered on the palate. I even tried substituting different types of cheese, like Gruyere or Emmental, to create new and exciting flavor combinations.

But no matter how much I tinkered with the recipe, the memory of that first taste of Chocolate Cheese Fondue with my grandmother will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the beginning of my culinary journey, a journey that would lead me to learn and create countless other recipes over the years. And as I sit here now, writing down the story of how I first learned to make Chocolate Cheese Fondue, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the woman who shared her love of cooking with me, and for the delicious recipe that brought us together in the kitchen.