Chocolate fountains have alternate uses
Chocolate fountains are a great addition to any party, wedding or sweet shop. They are fairly cheap to buy at around $20, though industrial ones can be rented for bigger gatherings. The fountain itself usually works in tiers. At the bottom, the chocolate is melted and then spills over the top, allowing people to dip fruit or sweets into the flowing chocolate. However, there are several other uses for a chocolate fountain.
Caramel
Buy liquid caramel from any supermarket or food store and mix in a pan at a ratio of 5 parts liquid caramel and 1 part water (these quantities can be as large or small as you like). Heat the pan at about 50 degrees Celsius, then transfer the contents to the fountain. The caramel will naturally start to thicken in the fountain because the heat will be higher. Throughout your event, add more caramel and water (in the same ratio of 5 to 1) approximately every hour. You should also try and stir the caramel once an hour, in the basin, to help prevent lumps and air bubbles from forming and causing a blockage. Try serving with fruit such as apples and pears. This will make a good taste combination.
Any Sauces or Condiments
If you are hosting a football party or a gathering that involves lots of men, it is sometimes a nice addition to add condiments to a chocolate fountain that they can dip chips, pizza or crisps into. You can use any of the following separately in the fountain, just remember not to turn on the heat. Try ketchup, mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce (without bits) or barbecue sauce. Party goers can even try dipping in buffalo wings, ribs or chicken strips.
Cocktails
Add your favourite cocktail mix to a chocolate fountain, but again, remember not to turn on the heat. Start by measuring out the cocktail in a jug and mix. Make sure there is no ice, fruit or mint leaves (as common in mojitos) in the mix as these will block the fountain. Pour the mix into the fountain and switch on. Partygoers can then be given glasses to help themselves. At the side of the fountain, have a bucket of ice, straws and any other additional extras that you would normally put into cocktails.
Nacho Cheese
Buy canned, liquid nacho cheese from any supermarket or food store and mix the following ration of 5 parts canned nacho cheese and 1 part water together in a pan (these quantities can be as big or small as you like). Heat the mix to approximately 70 decrees celsius, stirring continuously. Pour into the fountain when the mix has thinned a little. Turn the heat of the fountain to its maximum and the mix will thin even more. Keep topping the fountain up, throughout the night with the same ratio of mix and add more water if needed. Try serving with tortilla chips, mini tacos, breadsticks or cocktail sausages.
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