In the 50’s and 60s, you wouldn’t be able to visit any self respecting cocktail party without a chocolate fondue adorning the table. It was absolutely ‘the’ in thing back then – the nation’s favourite fancy dessert. Over the years, fondues went a little bit out of fashion; but guess what? This super retro dessert is back! And this time, the desserts are that little bit classier.
Have you ever wondered where the humble chocolate fondue came from? Well, to satisfy your curiousity, let’s dive into the history of this most chocolicious of chocolate dishes found its way to our parties. Before we get into that though, here’s a quick tip. If you want to set up a chocolate fondue at your next house party, I would definitely recommend hiring a chocolate fondue rather than buying one. There’s a great company in Australia called Cocktail King. They deliver all over the country and have great service.
How did it all start?
Fondue derived from a French word that meant, “to melt”. Interestingly, this was first used as a method in Switzerland to use soften hardened cheese to make it more spreadable. However, over the years, people cottoned onto the idea of dipping where, skewered pieces of exotic bread were dipped in a blend of wine and melted cheese. This was the dish which was originally known as fondue.
Over the years, various countries came up with their own versions of fondue. Where meat fondue became a thing in France, Chinese brought Broth fondue onto the food map. It was only in the mid 1900s that chocolate fondue was invented in America.
This special type of fondue was invented in Manhattan, in the late 1940s, at a restaurant called Chalet Suisse. This place was known for making the finest and most authentic Swiss dishes. It’s owner Konrad Egli was actually the brain behind the invention of chocolate fondue.
The original recipe for this luscious dessert consisted of only three main ingredients. Melted Toblerone, Double Cream and a special Swiss wine, Kirsch, were mixed together and served with cubes of angel food cake, sponge cakes, wild berries, strawberries, banana slices, orange slices, tiny puff-pastries and meringues.
And to the present
Nowadays, people love indulging in a bowl of fondue along with favourites like cakes, cookies and marshmallows. They make a delightful attraction (distraction?) for guests at parties and kids love them. I’ll say that again; Kids love them.
Chocolate fondue is a brilliant choice of dessert for hosting a gathering. Nowadays, there are various fondue pots and utensils, readily available at cookware and departmental stores. If you’re expecting a larger number of guest sat your party, a chocolate fountain set up instead of a fondue is what you should go for.
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