chocolate fondue

If you still haven't figured out how you're going to get your Valentine's Day chocolate fix, grab some chocolate bars and a pint of heavy cream and make chocolate fondue. Seriously, it's quite possibly the easiest dessert ever! All you have to do is melt the two together in a double boiler. Voilà! Serve with an assortment of delicious dippers like sliced bananas, pound cake, or brownies. My favorite chocolate fondue dipper is toasted bread sprinkled with sea salt. It's like a sophisticated take on pain au chocolat! Get the uncomplicated method now.

My girlfriend has just moved into a huge house with friends and is throwing a party this Saturday afternoon to celebrate. She's asked me to help out with the food spread, which she wants to be gourmet yet casual. In addition to a large spread of charcuterie, preserves, pâte, and pickled vegetables, we'll be offering two versions of fondue.

On one side of the table, we'll serve the Swiss crowd-pleaser, made with a mixture of emmentaler, gruyere, and raclette cheeses for a perfect pairing with crusty baguette. On the other side, guests can indulge in a classic chocolate version, served with pound cake and strawberries, made all the more rich with vanilla and heavy cream. Looking for a surefire way to appeal to cravings both sugary and salty? Then keep reading.

If you're celebrating Valentine's Day this year with a romantic night in, consider serving one of the world's sexiest foods: an interactive, dip-and-devour chocolate fondue. Although the Alpine tradition began with melted cheese, the chocolate dessert variation is an easy, affordable, beginner way to start making the fancy stuff at home. Turn pro with chocolate fondue when you keep reading.