Now that you have a plan to rent or buy a chocolate fountain, you need to buy some chocolate and some snacks for dipping. We’ll start with the chocolate. It is best to use chocolate with a high cocoa butter content for a nice consistency that will flow smoothly over the tiers. Many chocolate lovers prefer a Belgian chocolate called Couverture in their chocolate fountain.

You can actually use any type of chocolate that you like, but you may have to add some oil to get a good consistency. Some people like to use a more expensive chocolate like Godiva or Ghirardelli, but others prefer to use the less expensive bars that can be purchased at Wal-mart or Target. You can also add some paraffin wax for a little extra shine.

To prepare your chocolate fountain chocolate, melt the bars or chips slowly using a double boiler. A microwave can also be used, but make sure you do not melt the chocolate too quickly or heat it for too long. Your fountain should come with instructions that include how much chocolate you should melt. Pour your melted chocolate into the fountain at least 30 minutes before your guests arrive to get it flowing and to see if you need to adjust the temperature or add a little oil.

Now that the chocolate is flowing, what should we dip? The most popular items for dipping are strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and pretzels. You can really use anything that does not crumble easily. Here are some more ideas: pineapple, apple slices, cherries, pears, crackers, angel food cake, nuts and dried fruits. One fun idea is to put marshmallows on a pretzel stick.

Make sure you provide your guest with small plates and plenty of napkins since dipping can be a little messy, especially if there are kids involved. You will also want to have toothpicks or small skewers for dipping.

When the party is over it is a good idea to pour the chocolate right into a container for later use. You may want to clean the machine right away or at least start it soaking.

Your guests will be thrilled at the sight and aroma of the waterfall of chocolate. Be aware that kids can get a little over excited and start using fingers for dipping. A little adult supervision should keep things under control. Enjoy your new chocolate fountain!

Some couples are looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding cake. A chocolate fountain could be the answer. Instead of cutting the cake together, the wedding couple could be the first ones to dip into the chocolate.

Here are some things to think about and some reasons you may decide not to have a chocolate fountain at your reception. Chocolate fountains work best at indoor receptions. If your wedding is outdoors you would have things like bugs, leaves and wind to deal with that might make the fountain unappealing.

Other couples worry about a possible mess not mixing well with high heels and guest who have been drinking. Still others are concerned that the number of children at the reception might make having a chocolate fountain a bit chaotic. If you do not have any of these concerns, then you may want to consider this wildly popular dessert display.

Many guest do not really ever eat the cake served at a wedding. Although the quality of your average wedding cake is on the rise, it used to be that the wedding cake was made more for looks than for flavor. For this reason and just because the quests have often had a lot to eat and drink, the wedding cake will go uneaten.

The chocolate fountain, on the other hand, smells wonderful and looks amazing. People can choose what they want to dip and how much they want. A chocolate fountain is a conversation starter and a great way for your guests to mingle and interact. And according to a recent poll, 99% or people love chocolate. (just kidding – we are just guessing here).

If having a chocolate fountain appeals to you, go ahead and make it a part of your special day. It will definitely add some pizzazz and some good photo opportunities! Your guests will be happy and you will have some wonderful chocolate memories to look back on.

Once you’ve purchased or rented a chocolate fountain you should waste no time putting it to good use. Invite a few friends over to break it in and test out your skills with flowing chocolate. Following a few of these tips will help you keep the chocolate fountain flowing smoothly at your next party.

One of the most important things is to use the right chocolate. Many different types will work and this is partly a matter of taste. But many people agree that dark or semi-sweet chocolate is the best for dipping sweet foods such as fruit or cake. It is often recommended to buy Couverture chocolate for use in a fountain since it contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter. You can get this chocolate in all different varieties.

The chocolate needs to be melted and then poured into the fountain. You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a microwave. Be careful not to heat the chocolate too quickly or it will scorch and have a burnt taste.

The low temperature heater in the chocolate fountain will keep the melted chocolate at the right consistency to flow through the fountain. If the chocolate cools off too much it will begin to thicken or harden. If it gets too hot it will thin out and flow too quickly over the tiers.

The best foods for dipping into the chocolate are fruits, marshmallows, pretzels and other food that does not crumble. Angel food cake is better that pound cake since it tends to make fewer crumbs that could break off and block up the holes in the fountain. If you want the chocolate to stick to the fruit or snacks better it is helpful to freeze the items before dipping. This helps the warm chocolate harden upon impact.

Provide toothpicks or skewers and small plates for your guests and don’t forget the napkins since this decadent treat can be a little messy. Now sit back and enjoy as you provide your friends with a beautiful and yummy treat!

However, if you think you may want to use a chocolate fountain at more than one party or event, it may make sense to buy one instead of paying the rental fee multiple times. You can get a quality chocolate fountain for home use for around $250. If you are just looking for a low cost alternative for a child’s party, the fountains in the $99 price range should suffice.

Here are a few features to look for when you are buying a good quality chocolate fountain. Quietness is very important. A noisy machine with a loud motor can kill the effect you are going for with the fountain as a lovely display. Also make sure that the unit is easy to set up, take apart and is dishwasher safe. Variable temperature settings are also nice, especially if you plan to use the fountain for other types of fondue.

Look for a fountain that has a removable basin for easy cleaning. This will make your life a lot easier. The models that are made of stainless steel tend to be more durable and are easier to clean than the plastic units. Some of the better fountains will also come with adjustable feet for leveling the fountain. Leveling ensures that the chocolate will flow evenly over the tiers.

The more you spend on a chocolate fountain, the more attractive the unit usually is. If you are going for a beautiful display, you should compare the looks of some of the higher end models to see which ones you like. The customer reviews may also come in handy when you are trying to choose between different fountains.

If you follow these guidelines you will be on your way to owning a beautiful chocolate fountain that will bring joy (and chocolate) to your family and friends for years to come. Read on to find more suggestions for buying chocolate and for ideas on just what to dip into your chocolate!