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This Thursday, February 5, is National Chocolate Fondue Day.
If the word "fondue" makes you think of weird 1970s carpet and avocado-green appliances, you aren't wrong.
But there is a reason this retro trend keeps coming back: It is the most fun you can have at a dinner table.
Fondue forces you to slow down. You can't rush it. You have to sit around a communal pot, spear your food, and actually talk to the people sitting next to you while you wait for the chocolate to drip.
It is the original "Interactive Dining."
This Thursday, skip the regular dessert. Here is how to turn your kitchen into a Swiss chalet (without leaving your house).
The Gear: Do You Need a Fondue Pot?
Technically? No. You can use a saucepan.
But if you want the full experience (and you don't want the chocolate to get cold and clumpy halfway through), an electric pot is a game-changer.
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The Upgrade: The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker.
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Why it wins: Unlike the old candle-lit ones that burn the chocolate, this has temperature control. It keeps your ganache silky smooth for hours. Plus, it’s big enough for cheese fondue later (because cheese is life).
Shop Cuisinart Fondue Sets on Amazon -
The Romantic Option: If it’s just date night for two, get a Ceramic Tea-Light Set. It’s small, intimate, and costs less than two lattes.
The Recipe: The 2-Ingredient Ganache
Don't overcomplicate this. Good fondue is just two things: Chocolate and Cream.
The Ratio:
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12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Chips or Chopped Bars).
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3/4 Cup Heavy Cream.
The Method:
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Heat the cream until it just starts to bubble (don't boil it!).
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Pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes.
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Stir gently until smooth and glossy.
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The Adult Twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier (orange liqueur), Baileys, or a pinch of Sea Salt.
The Dippers: Think Beyond the Strawberry
Strawberries are classic, but they are boring.
To make this a real meal, you need the Salty/Sweet contrast.
The "Pro" Dipping Tray:
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The Salty: Thick-cut Potato Chips (ruffled are best for holding chocolate), Pretzel Rods, or—if you are brave—cooked Bacon strips.
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The Sponge: Cubes of Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake (they soak up the chocolate).
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The Fresh: Bananas, Raspberries, or Dried Apricots.
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The texture: Marshmallows (classic).
The Rule: No "Double Dipping" (Unless...)
The Swiss have strict rules about fondue.
If you drop your food into the pot, you have to kiss the person to your left.
(Or, if you are alone, you just have to fish it out with a spoon. We don't judge).
Make Thursday Sweet
You don't need a special occasion to be fancy.
Melt some chocolate, cut up some fruit, and enjoy the simple pleasure of eating with your hands.
Happy Fondue Day!
Show Us Your Dip!
Are you Team Salty (Pretzels) or Team Sweet (Strawberries)?
Post a video of that satisfying chocolate drip on TikTok or Instagram and tag us @OnManyOccasions. The most creative dipping tray wins a shoutout!
The Big Game is Coming!
We are just days away from The Super Bowl (Feb 8)! Do you have your wings and pizza ready?
Make sure you are prepped for the biggest Sunday of the year by downloading our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar.
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