Non-cake recipes from the Cake Boss? You heard right. Buddy Valastro may be known for his extravagant desserts, but in Family Celebrations with the Cake Boss, this iconic New Jersey-based baker shows he knows how to serve up a good holiday time in more ways than one. This sweet-yet-simple fondue recipe is a fun way to brighten up any party. So get dipping!

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is something my family only used to eat at restaurants, but we loved it so much that we invested in a fondue set and began making it at home. Fondue is something that most people think of as a great way to eat cheese (and it is), but we Valastros love using it as a changeup come dessert time: You make the fondue, and dip chocolate-friendly foods such as fruit, pretzels, and cubes of pound cake into it. Kids love it, and it brings out the kid in any adult, which is the perfect way to end a Christmas Eve dinner.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp cognac or brandy (optional)
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
One 4-ounce bar bittersweet chocolate, chopped
One 4-ounce bar semisweet chocolate, chopped
Pinch kosher salt

FOR DIPPING

Chopped cantaloupe
Fresh strawberries
Bite-sized Rice Krispies Treats
Cookies
Pretzel rods
Pound cake, cut into bite-sized pieces

Method
1. Put the cream, butter, cognac (if using), and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until simmering.
2. Turn off the heat and add the chocolate and a pinch of salt; stir with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. (Place back on the heat briefly as needed.) Transfer to a fondue pot to keep warm. Serve with your favourite dippers and fondue forks for dipping.

Serves 4-6

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