Chocolate for Chocolate Fountains: Which One will Tantalize Your Taste Buds?

There are many choices of chocolate for chocolate fountains. It is important to understand the ingredients of each type of chocolate and the chemicals they possess when making your choice. Look over your recipe thoroughly to ensure you are using the correct kind of chocolate before starting. Using the wrong chocolate for a recipe can turn into a disaster. For example, cocoa powder, semi sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate, will all have a different effect on a recipe. Here are some types of chocolate that are ideal for your fountain and some interesting facts.

White chocolate is amongst the most popular choices of chocolate for chocolate fountains. White chocolate is frowned upon by the chocolate elite but many people argue that it should be recognized with other fine chocolates. Real white chocolate has cocoa butter but does not have any chocolate liquor in it, but a lot of the cheaper white chocolate sold in stores do not have any cocoa butter in them at all, making it even more difficult to justify being called chocolate.

Gourmet chocolate fondue is a delicacy in the chocolate department. You can easily make gourmet chocolate fondue by melting one part light cream for every two parts semi- sweet. Put in a dash of vanilla extract and stir the fondue so there are no lumps. You can use different fruits and snacks for dipping.

Kosher chocolate is not just for candy like many people think. This chocolate is produced by the best of the best in the industry and is made in accordance with Jewish law.

Quality Belgian chocolate is the one most recommended by chocolate fountain manufacturers and hire shops. It melts and cascades beautifully and tastes divine. The best Belgian chocolate is still made by hand and the careful creation process ensures a unique flavor and more intense aroma.

Researchers consistently recommend dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and flavanoids that reduce aging and fight disease. Many people that are on a low-calorie diet use dark chocolate because it contains less sugar than milk chocolate. Ensure you buy a good blend that has been specifically designed for chocolate fountains.

Most people are headstrong on the type of chocolate they like and the choices of chocolate for chocolate fountains seem unlimited. With all of the exotic chocolates becoming increasingly available it might be time to experiment a little. You could be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Choosing the right chocolate for chocolate fountain ensures your party runs smoothly and all your guests are suitably impressed and satisfied. Isabel Hart runs a chocolate fountain home business and shares all her tips and tricks on her blog.

How to Use a Chocolate Fountain

It is important to understand how to use a chocolate fountain before you get your party started. This party favorite came roaring back into demand recently but was originally popular in the 1970s. In the 1970s just about every party you went to had a chocolate fondue. Most people cannot resist chocolate and that is what makes this a party favorite throughout the world.

There are a number of ways you could use a chocolate fountain at your own parties. If you want to impress your guests then this could be the answer you are looking for. The preparation is very simple for white chocolate fondue and you can add a twist to the menu. Your white chocolate must be pre-melted, which can be done in the microwave, before you add the chocolate to the fountain. A chocolate fountain is unable to melt the chocolate, but will keep it warm. You can also add a mint or a fruit flavor to bring a unique taste to the chocolate. The preparation time is minimal but the response will be phenomenal.

You may be particularly interested in how to use a chocolate fountain effectively at a wedding reception. This can add that special treat to all that attend. Place a variety of fruits and snacks on the side of the fountain so your guest can get them out of the chocolate flow. The chocolate will be flowing onto the treat and making a generous coating of chocolate for your guest. The beautiful display of chocolate flowing is a masterpiece of its own. This is perfect for this occasion because when you remove the treat from the chocolate it will immediately harden leaving enough chocolate for the perfect treat and minimalizing the potential for chocolate dripping on wedding outfits.

Another eye-catching way to use a chocolate fountain is at a baby shower. Chocolate is an instant hit at baby showers and will guarantee satisfaction for your guests. The centerpiece can be conversational and the trend is becoming more and more popular. The appeal of taking fruit and snacks and putting them into a fountain of chocolate is irresistible. The ability to simplify the menu is a relief when planning your baby shower and you can use foods like strawberries, bananas, pineapples, apple slices, blueberries, orange slices, marshmallows, rice crispy treats, graham crackers, any type of cookies, pretzels, peanut butter treats, biscotti...pretty much anything that does not crumble upon contact. The fruits are healthy for the mom to be and she doesn?t have to give up her chocolate.

There is no argument that chocolate is a party favorite but finding ways to display chocolate can be challenging. A chocolate fountain is a simple way for a host of any gathering to satisfy their guests and leave a sweet taste in their mouth.

Learning how to use a chocolate fountain is essential if you are going to make your party stand out from all the rest. Isabel Hart runs a chocolate fountain home business and shares all her tips and tricks on her blog.

Chocolate Fondue Fountains: A Great Party Centerpiece

If you?ve been to a stylish wedding reception this year, you?ve probably seen everyone excitedly crowded around one table dipping strawberries into a chocolate fondue fountain.

These fountains have become extremely popular. And for good reason! It?s not every day you see a bubbling fountain of pure sweet chocolate, just waiting for you dip all manner of goodies into it. What kind of goodies you ask? How about cool strawberries, bananas, cookies, small chunks of cake, and cookies. And that?s just getting started. If you think something would taste good dipped in chocolate, you?re probably right.

Chocolate fondue fountains also smell wonderful. Your guests will be following their noses from the moment they get out of their cars until they find the table that you have set up for the fountain.

Another reason why chocolate fondue fountains are such a great party item is because they create a place for everyone to gather around. Kind of like a water cooler. If it was a water cooler of delicious melted chocolate, that is.

So we know that fondue fountains are a great choice for a large, fancy party. But they are actually a great choice for a kids party?or almost any party for that matter.

Less expensive fountains are available for around fifty dollars online or in some department stores. The very large, fancy fountains are more expensive (usually over a hundred dollars), but you might be able to rent one from a local caterer for a reasonable fee.

If you are buying a fountain, make sure it is sturdy, preferably with a stainless steel base. High quality fountains are usually quiet. Low quality fountains may make so much noise that it can even be irritating to stand next to them.

The fountains come with instructions for use. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure that everything works smoothly.

One instruction that you might not want to follow is mixing vegetable oil with the chocolate. This is to thin the chocolate out (which is very necessary), however, there is a better way to do that. And that would be Paramount Crystals. These are what the professionals use for thinning out chocolate. They are easier to get right than an oil mixture and will not affect the taste of the chocolate. Use an 8 oz bag for every 3 lbs of chocolate and you will be all set. You can buy paramount crystals at most stores that sell baking goods.

A quick warning: chocolate fondue fountains don?t do well outside?especially if it is windy. In fact, you may wind up with your guests being showered with chocolate if your not careful.

If this is an adult party, you can flavor the chocolate with some sort of flavored liquor. For example, Grand Marnier will give the chocolate a slightly orange flavor.

Everyone wants to throw a memorable party and chocolate fondue fountain is one of the best ways to make sure that your guests talk about your party for a long time.

Chocolate Fountains - The New Must Have For Parties, Weddings And Events

Do you remember parties and events only a couple of years ago? Parties without chocolate fountains? How did we ever cope without them?!

Chocolate Fountains are now the ‘must have’ feature for any party. Weddings, corporate events, product launches, premieres, Christmas parties, any type of event!

Guests are drawn to them like bees around a honey pot. There are always a handful of people who just cannot stay away! They work their way around each dip. Stop… admit how guilty they feel, then carry on around the fountain again!

Many chocolate fountain bookings are for weddings. With couples choosing them as an alternative wedding cake (let’s face it who likes wedding cake anyway?). Some have it as a unique centrepiece for their reception. Others as an alternative desert or extra buffet desert.

Companies are choosing them for product launches too. There’s nothing like a chocolate fountain to make your clients and potential customers weak at the knees!

The market is growing fast. In the UK thousands of mini chocolate fountains have been sold over the past year for the home. Fondue dip parties of the 70’s are now back in full swing!

Melt Chocolate Fountains was established 6 months ago and has had hundreds of enquiries and bookings. Typically Christmas parties and product launches. The company rents out fountains on a dry hire basis or as a complete package with all glassware, flowers, dipping foods (including marshmallows, strawberries, fudge, mini donuts, profiteroles, kiwi fruit and pineapples).

Melt has also had its own unique neon bases designed and manufactured. The neon bases are much better than the bases some companies have which have LED lights. Neon lights, really light up the fountain making it a feature at the event. LED lights only give off a dull light.

Melt has medium and large fountains. Medium fountains suit up to 300 guests, with large fountains up to 700 guests. The chocolate is melted in a microwave before the event and then poured into the base of the fountain. A central column with an internal corkscrew pushes the chocolate up through the fountain which then cascades down the tiers and back into the base.

If you want to hire a chocolate fountain there are a few things to consider beforehand:

Does the company have food hygiene certificates? This is very important, you don’t want your guests coming down with food poisoning!

Is the company registered with Environmental Health? Also very important. Environmental health will do an inspection to make sure the company’s food premises is up to the job.

Does the company have public liability insurance? An essential! If anything goes wrong you need to be assured that your guests and venue are covered.

What does the service you’re booking include? Some companies rent out the fountain without a base. Some only offer a handful of dipping foods. Some restrict the number of dipping foods per guest. Others will only stay for four hours and charge extra for more hours. There’s nothing worse than a chocolate fountain being dismantled halfway through your party with a messy fountain being whisked across the dance floor past your guests!

Finally, are you confident with the company? Did they get back to you straight away? Was their presentation/quotation professional? If the answers yes, then their fountains will almost definitely be professional too!

Good luck with your fountain!

Joanna Jones is the founder of Melt Chocolate Fountains a company based in London.

Chocolate Fountains Add Sweetness to Wedding Receptions

There's so much that goes in to planning a wedding reception. Choosing the venue, the menu, the music, the cake... it's all enough to make a bride-to-be go crazy.

If you've been toying around with ideas for food but haven't gotten anywhere, why not consider having a chocolate fountain at your reception? Chocolate fountains have grown in popularity over the past few years, and they're showing up at all kinds of events from bridal showers and wedding receptions to corporate events. It's an attractive addition to just about any special event.

With a spread of fruit and other dipping foods to go with it, it would be a place for your guests to gather other than the bar, and it would be a nice contrast to other finger foods. When they're running, chocolate fountains look like liquid chocolate sculptures, which make them like edible centerpieces. Plus, they're fun, relatively easy, and will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

If you like the idea of having a chocolate fountain at your reception, here are a few ideas of what you can do with it.

Guess what: you can do it yourself

You may be looking at your wedding budget and wincing at the cost of hiring a chocolate fountain company for your reception. Fear not. Like most things with weddings, you can save yourself a lot of money if you do it yourself instead of farming it out.

You can find chocolate fondue fountains for sale online at sites like LiquidationConnect.com, and you can find the chocolate to melt inside them the same way. Look for chocolate with a minimum of 34 percent cocoa butter to make sure that it will run smoothly in the fountain.

If you're worried about spills and such, ask a friend to watch the fountain for you. That way you'll have somebody you trust over there, and you'll be able to enjoy your receptions without worries.

Appetizer or dessert?

Chocolate fountains can work as an appetizer or a dessert, so your decision on when to do it depends on what kind of food you're having at your reception. If you have lots of heavy hors d'oeuvres at the beginning of your reception, you might want to save the fountain for the end. If you've got relatively light finger foods, then you can use your fountain at the same time.

What to dip?

The wonderful thing about chocolate is that you can dip just about anything in it. Well, you may want to avoid tortilla chips, but anything that typically tastes good with chocolate, you can serve with your chocolate fountain.

Fruits like strawberries, bananas, pineapples and kiwi, or snacks like cookies, pretzels and marshmallows are all good ideas. Steer clear of juicy fruits like watermelon, or soft things like cake, which may crumble when dipped and ruin the flow of the fountain.

Get thee to a chocolate fountain!

You don't have to break the bank to have an elegant, tasty chocolate fountain at your wedding reception. With a little planning ahead, you can do it yourself and have that little extra sweetness on your special day. No doubt, friends and family will be gushing over it for months and years afterward.

The author is Darin Brin of http://LiquidationConnect.com, which provides consumers with fun, unique, affordable gift items. If you want a chocolate fountain at your reception, we have a wide selection to fit just what you need. To see our complete line of chocolate fondue fountains, visit http://www.LiquidationConnect.com today.

The Wonder of Chocolate Fountains

A fashionable party is not complete without its chocolate fountain. Gone are the days of the ice sculpture, now, it’s all about the chocolate fountain. Imagine what looks to be a three or four tiered chocolate wedding cake but is in actual fact warm smooth chocolate. Used at weddings, parties and even corporate events, a chocolate fountain is guaranteed to make a lasting impression on even the most diet conscious.

The fountain comprises two units, the heater base and the holding basin and the auger (which is a large corkscrew). The heater must be turned on 15-20 minutes before the use and the solid chocolate put into the basin. The unit melts the solid chocolate which takes around 30-45 minutes to begin to flow. If you are new to chocolate fountain use it is recommended that you melt the chocolate prior to putting it in the basin. Chocolate fountains do not pump the chocolate to the top; instead they use a corkscrew motion which brings the chocolate to the top. This means that the life expectancy of the unit is increased and cuts down on unnecessary repair costs.

Any type of chocolate can be used in a chocolate fountain however chocolate with around 30% or more cocoa is preferred. This creates a silkier look and smoother taste; any other type of chocolate used will need a small amount of vegetable oil added.

If the unit is to be used on and off on a regular basis melted chocolate can be stored in the heated part at the bottom of the unit and the corkscrew/auger turned off when not in use. It is a good idea for hygiene reasons to cover any melted chocolate with a mesh of some sort which allows heat to escape but prevents anything contaminating the chocolate.

Written by Justin Khalid. Find the latest information on Chocolate fountains

Chocolate Fountains - Your Complete Guide

Chocolate Fountains are modern and unique offering an interactive and indulgent form of entertainment for your guests and really are the 'Ultimate Chocolate Fantasy'. They are becoming increasingly popular at many events and demand is always high so we would recommend that you book with your local chocolate fountain provider as soon as possible. They are a new and fun way to serve chocolate.

They can be the perfect centre-piece for your wedding; standing at 44" high, the fountain has 5 tiers of warm delicious Belgian chocolate flowing down on to the dips of your choice including marshmallows, fudge, strawberries, grapes, bananas and profiteroles. Its a talking point as well as a great provider of dessert.

A chocolate fountain is usually made of stainless steel and serves melted chocolate. Some of the cheaper chocolate fountains are capable of melting chocolate directly in the basin, so chocolate is typically melted in a microwave or pan before pouring it into the fountain. They are great fun and we enjoy our chocolate fountains and are enjoyed by guests old and young. Whether christening or corporate event a this is the perfect addition to add the finishing touch.

A flowing tower of chocolate is just about every child (and adult's) Willy Wonka fantasy. Constructed of stainless steel, it looks amazing before it has even started.

When choosing a company to hire you should always try and go with experience. There are many startup companies out there and whilst we all have to start somewhere, it would be better if it was not at your wedding!

Anthony Foster is the SEO Consultant for http://www.belgianchocolatefountains.com who are one of the UK's leading chocolate fountain hire companies.