Wednesday, February 10, 2010

I'm in the mood for love...

...and I love chocolate.

So, what's a Swiss miss like me going to lay on my lovies this Valentine's Day...I'm thinking we're gonna have a fondue freak out.

Not that Charlie and the kids are first-time fonduers.

In fact, Carly's last birthday party was a Swiss-themed extravaganza complete with cheese and chocolate fondues, a cake shaped like a dairy cow, Swiss flag decor everywhere(toothpicks, napkin rings, candles, balloons, t-shirts), Edelweiss confetti...and even paper napkins with Heidi's little face emblazoned on them...


Here's the famous cow cake. I tried to make her stand upright but she fall down...go boom. I think I like her this way better...





Why, you ask, would a fourteen-year-old girl yearn for such a celebration (other than her DNA-encoded obsession with cheese and chocolate)? Perhaps it has something to do with the GIANT box of Swiss tchotkes collecting dust on our junk closet shelf. Mind you, this is just the tip of the Matterhorn, so to speak.



We've got pillows, beach towels, calendars, books and fanny packs shoved into drawers all over the house and pounds and pounds of Swiss chocolate that is, let's just say, no longer with us. Check out those Heidi paper napkins in the middle of the box...awesome!




You see, about ten years ago, Mom got a letter from a long-lost Swiss cousin. She had just had a baby girl (my cousin, not my Mom!) and, as an English teacher, was anxious to connect her young family with some real-live American relatives. So, these cousins (we're talking the real deal here...peasant blouses, dirndl skirts, snow-capped mountains, shuttered chalets, yodel music, cows with bells...the works) made the connection and over the years we've gotten to know each other by trading trinkets via airmail.

By now, Mildred (the little Swiss girl) must have the most impressive collection of Barney, Brittany and Hannah Montana t-shirts, tote bags and pencil sharpeners of any girl her side of the Alps. For sure, more than any family that flies the Stars and Stripes, we must hold the record for most wacky items brandishing the Swiss flag. I bet you don't have egg cups like these. In fact, I bet you don't have egg cups, period.




Anyway...back to fondue.


Aside from being one of the most delicious desserts on the planet, it is also one of the fastest and easiest to prepare. And, since we're talking Valentine's Day, what could be more romantic than gazing through the flicker of the fondue flame into each other's eyes over a silken pot of molten chocolate. Or, in our case, what could be more fun than wrestling over that same pot with two sugar-crazed kids and big daddy over the last cube of pound cake (the more likely scenario at our Valentine's table). Whatever your scene...chocolate fondue never disappoints.

Let's get fonduing...

Chop 8 ounces of great-tasting chocolate (I like bittersweet). This is Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet.



Pour 1/2 cup of cream into a heavy saucepan and heat until it begins to steam (don't let it boil). Remove the pot from the heat, add the chopped chocolate and let stand for a minute or so while the chocolate begins to melt.

Stir the mixture until it is smooth and glossy then stir in 1-3 tablespoons of Grand Marnier, or to taste. I think I'll stick with 1 tablespoon this time so flames don't shoot out of my kids' ears ...it's pretty potent stuff but I think it makes the fondue special. Try other liqueur flavors if you're not an orange fan or a little vanilla and grated orange zest if you choose to go booze-free.




Pour the mixture into your fondue pot and place over a low flame to keep warm. Or, if you don't have a fondue pot or are too lazy to get it out of the attic (that would be me), serve it out of the pot or spoon it into a pre-warmed bowl. Reheat it if necessary but it'll probably go so fast you won't need to.




Serve with your favorite dipping stuff. Here are some ideas: cubed firm pound cake, cubed Rice Krispy treats, pineapple, strawberries, bananas, sliced pears, sliced apples, marshmallows, pretzels, dried fruit...




Chocolate Fondue

Heat:
  • 1/2 cup of cream
Stir in until smooth:
  • 8 ounces of chopped chocolate (I use bittersweet).
Add in:
  • 1-3 Tablespoons Grand Marnier

Spoon into fondue pot over low flame and serve with your favorite dipping treats.

Serves: 4-6

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Couldn't resist checking out your site...the mention of warm choc chip cookies did help, I'll admit. Beautiful recipes and stories...can't wait to try some of your dishes. Looks great Donna! Cynthia Kula

Uncle Knuckles said...

Nicely done... Oprah should know about you... I think Martha Stewart needs a replacement -- or is she still in jail? :)

Colleen said...

I'm a sucker for fresh cookies! I love your posts as well. Keep up the good work! Colleen Donlan

Colleen said...

Keep up the good work on the posts! Please enter me in the contest. I LOVE fresh cookies :)
Colleen Donlan

Mimi said...

Enter me please! And I forwarded it (before I even knew about the contest) to a friend because we always have fondue on our ski week trip!
I love your photos!
Mimi

Anonymous said...

I don't think it posted, so trying again. Enter me please! And I forwarded it to a friend (prior to knowing about the contest) to a fondue loving friend!
Mimi

Kerry Condy Duff said...

Way to get us a yummy recipe just in time for VDay! This is the "year of the Tiger" that day as well so two good reasons to melt some chocolate. Not that I ever need a reason! I believe it is a food group:) Have a great day and thanks for the fun to follow blog!

Judie McDonald said...

Donna, My daughter sent me to your blog--what fun! I am an elementary school computer teacher who bakes, so I appreciate both aspects of your blog. I'll pass it along to several of my friends & colleagues. By the way, I have & use regularly an avocado green electric fondue pot from the 1970's that both my children covet! Happy Valentine's Day, can't wait to hear about it. Judie

danielle salk said...

yummy yummy for my tummy'

is there a 12 step program for donna's desserts?

Unknown said...

i look forward to your blog every month. have oprah or martha heard of your talents. go girl. your biggest fan

donna said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Onnie said...

Don't eat the noodles! It's all I can think of when I think fondue. I love getting your blog. Ah to live vicariously through Ms. Donna de's cooking...

Carly said...

Hey mom! I love you. :D

d said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Hey Donna, It's Onnie's big sister Renee--she sent me your link. i was feeling proud of my plans to try and make my own chocolate chip cookies for Vday lunch at work tomorrow but your blog is so beautiful that I think I'll just try to win your cookies instead. Thanks for the great recipes.
Renee Howard Erle
rerle@comcast.net

Rose O'Leary said...

Love the blog, recipes, swiis stories AND a chance to eat some homemade chocolate cookies yum-yum!

Rose O'Leary

Judy said...

The fondue looks delicious! We'll have to make it this long weekend... Thank you!

Forwarding on to Barbie, Nora, and more!

xo

Unknown said...

love your blob i think this enters me twice

Anonymous said...

did someone say cookies? count me in!
Hilary

Olivia said...

Hi, I am entering!

Stephane said...

Love the story about your family and the traded tchotkes, and how it lead to your daughter's birthday theme--too cute! I love fondue, too.

kingston-koko@gci.net

Angela said...

hi donna-Angela

Louvina said...

Donna,

Sign me up--I want those cookies! Louvina

Lynette said...

Enjoying your blog....
Let's get the gals together this Spring to celebrate 25 years, maybe an anniversary picture can make the Anchora.
DG Love

Ann McGrath said...

Don't thing my comment registered so . . .I will tell you again how wonderful you are! Love the Swiss birthday idea -may have to steal that as I LOVE fondue - cheese, chocolate, or broth (with chicken and steak)! I am extremely impressed by all your skills!
Ann McGrath (daughter of Judie McDonald as well:))

Caroline said...

it's caroline

Mickey said...

Hey Sista...thanks again for being at Lili's 2nd Bday!!! Can't wait for her to have some more of your yummy treats....she just loves your homemade jam on her french toast...and anything else she eats for that matter!:) Love you!

Mickey

Stacey said...

Love your blog...it's always so much fun to read and it always makes my mouth water!

Katie Knopf said...

love your blog! always a yummy read

Anonymous said...

Donna's cookies, count me in! Thanks!
Anna Rascon :)

Monique said...

Don't think my comment posted...Lucq and I are excited to win some cookies...fingers crossed :)
I love your blog!

Jane said...

Hi Donna,
I get very excited when you have a new posting! I have to be sure I'm not too hungry when I visit your website or I'm reaching for the first food item I can get my hands on. Jane Powell

Stacey said...

That is some good fondue! I want cookies I want cookies I want cookies! Blake wants cookies too...