Chocolate fountains are large, electrical appliances that require one person’s attention continuously throughout the event to keep it flowing smoothly. They can also be messy if not handled properly.
To ensure the chocolate fountain is functioning correctly, make sure it has enough chocolate for your number of guests and plenty of dipping tools (fondue forks and bamboo skewers work well). Also, don’t let the chocolate harden in any of the parts. If you’re looking to elevate your dessert table, a chocolate fountain sagrainc.com offers is the perfect way to impress your guests.
It’s Fun
A chocolate fountain is a fun way to get guests involved and engaged in the party. Guests can grab a piece of fruit, cookie, pretzel or marshmallow, and then dip it into the flowing chocolate. This allows everyone to create their own unique dessert and have fun doing it. You can also add little bowls of post-dip garnishes, like graham crackers, toasted coconut or chopped peanuts to give the chocolate some extra flavor and texture.
The key to a good chocolate fountain is the quality of the ingredients. Picking gourmet selections that use real cocoa butter makes for smooth and creamy chocolate that is perfect for dipping. You can also try mixing different types of chocolates to add some variety. Milk chocolate is a classic that complements fruit, while dark chocolate adds some richness and elegance.
It’s important to have a wide variety of foods for people to choose from to dip in the chocolate fountain. Keep in mind that some foods don’t work well with the fountain, as they can break down into crumbs and change the consistency of the chocolate. Crumbs can block the flow of chocolate and leave a messy appearance, while liquid items can cause the chocolate to drippy.
For the best experience, it’s a good idea to set up the chocolate fountain on a table that is sturdy enough to support the weight of the machine and is large enough for guests to reach easily. Make sure the fountain is away from heating and air conditioning ducts, pets, children’s toys or other hazards.
A person stationed at the fountain to watch over it and help guests is essential. They need to be able to turn the fountain off in case of an emergency, as well as retrieve sinking pieces of food and other dippers. It’s also a good idea to have plenty of implements for people to use to dip – fondue forks, bamboo skewers and spoons work well. Also, be sure to have a garbage bag handy to put any dripping chocolate in until you can safely dispose of it.
It’s Delicious
Chocolate fountains add a delicious focal point to a dessert table. They also create a fun way for guests to interact with each other and get messy! Whether you’re hosting a large party or a small gathering, a chocolate fountain will be a hit. But before you start dipping, there are some things to consider.
The most obvious thing to think about is the amount of chocolate you’ll need for your fountain. You’ll want to have enough chocolate to serve all of your guests, and then some!
Generally, you’ll need around 4 pounds of chocolate for every 20 guests. However, this is not a strict rule and you can always add more. Just be sure to have plenty of implements on hand for your guests to use for dipping, like extra fondue forks or skewers.
Another important consideration is the type of foods you plan to serve with your chocolate fountain. Crazed foods, like marshmallows, are great for dipping and work well with many different types of chocolate. Also, don’t forget to include savory snacks, like pretzels and cookies, in your menu!
You’ll also want to choose the right type of chocolate for your fountain. While you can use standard supermarket chocolate, it’s best to purchase a high-quality brand that is specifically made for fountains (like Sephra). The more expensive chocolate is specially formulated to flow through the fountain’s tiers without chunking.
If you’re going to have a fountain that’s going to be serving crumbly foods, like cookies and 2 bite brownies, it’s a good idea to set those aside from the other dippables. The crumbs might get into the chocolate and change the texture or color, or block the flow and end up looking messy. It’s also a good idea to offer spoons or ladles for the crumbly foods so people can just spoon the chocolate over them rather than spearing and dipping.
For foods that might drip, like strawberries, make sure they’re dry before placing them near the fountain. Introducing moisture into the chocolate can cause it to seize up and become thick, grainy, and clumpy. If you’re using canned or frozen fruit, drain them well and pat the outsides with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before arranging them on the plate.
It’s Unique
Chocolate fountains are a feast for the eyes and mouth, a culinary centerpiece that can add a wow factor to your party or event. While some critics have dismissed them as vessels for cheap chocolate and excessive oil, a carefully curated combination of quality ingredients can transform this culinary sensation into a thing of beauty and a culinary delight.
A chocolate fountain consists of a basin of warm liquid chocolate that is powered by an Archimedes screw in the centre. As the screw rotates it pushes chocolate up into a tower, then over several tiers in a cascading fashion. The constant flow of the chocolate provides an almost cylindrical curtain over which guests can dip a wide variety of foods, including fresh fruit, meringues and even regular layer cakes.
To ensure a smooth chocolate flow, you’ll want to prepare the dipping items ahead of time. If possible, cut them into small cubes for ease of dipping. You’ll also want to provide plenty of bamboo skewers, about 40 per pound of chocolate to be served. The skewers are crucial for keeping food on the skewer and avoiding double dipping. You’ll also want to avoid any foods that are wet or crumbly, as they will introduce moisture into the flowing chocolate, causing it to seize or run.
The best choice for dipping in a chocolate fountain is fruit, especially berries and apples. You can also serve other bite-size treats, such as cheesecake squares and brownies. Just be sure to provide tongs for any hard or crunchy food items that are difficult to pick up with a skewer.
When setting up your fountain, choose a location that’s away from heating and air conditioning ducts, swinging doors or dance floors. And make sure it’s on a sturdy table, leveled for even chocolate flow. Finally, make sure the electrical cord is out of reach of small children and pets. If you’re hosting an outdoor event, remember that the aroma of chocolate can attract gnats and other insects. Rain may also interfere with the fountain’s operation.
It’s a Host’s Favorite
A chocolate fountain makes a beautiful focal point for your dessert table and is sure to be the star of your party. Guests can gather around the fountain to select their favorite dipping treats and share them with others at the table. This is an engaging way for guests to interact and creates a memorable experience for everyone at the party.
It’s important to clean your chocolate fountain properly after each use to keep it looking and functioning its best. If you don’t do this, it will be difficult to keep the chocolate flowing, and your guests may have a less than ideal experience.
The easiest way to keep your fountain clean is to sanitize it after each use. Sanitizing is a process that decreases microorganisms to safe levels, and it’s important for any surface or equipment that comes into contact with food. Using a solution of equal parts chlorine bleach and water is the best way to sanitize your chocolate fountain. Then, rinse the fountain with hot water and leave it to dry completely before your next use.
Some dipping foods aren’t ideal for chocolate fountains, including wet items and crumby ones like sponge cake, pound cake, or lady fingers. They can cause the chocolate to block or flow unevenly, which will make it look messy and affect the taste of the chocolate. However, you can still give your guests a fun treat by putting out tablespoons for them to use to spoon in a little chocolate over their favorite treats.
Whether you choose standard or flavored chocolate for your fountain, you’ll need to adjust the consistency to achieve the right flow. Mixing the chocolate with vegetable oil helps it to melt and flow better. You can purchase chocolate from a manufacturer like Sephra that has been specially formulated to work with their machines, or you can use your own recipe for melted chocolate.
Once you have the chocolate ready, preheat your fountain on “Keep Warm” or “Very Low” while you’re melting it. Once the chocolate is thoroughly melted and smooth, pour it into your fountain’s base and turn it on. It will begin to flow over the tiers of the fountain’s tower and cascade down the auger.