Make Chocolate Gift Baskets With Fondue Pots
Give a Fondue Maker as a Christmas or Home Gift for Couples
Sep 28, 2009
Chocolate gift baskets are a versatile food gift for married couples. Gourmet gifts baskets can be created by starting with a fondue maker and adding accessories to make an all-inclusive gift. Give these baskets as anniversary presents, gifts for Christmas or a home gift.
Select a Fondue Maker
To make chocolate gift baskets, start by selecting a fondue maker. There are three kinds of fondue makers. The least expensive kind uses a ceramic or earthenware pot over a flame (rechaud) from a tea light or alcohol burner. These pots sell from about $9.99 and up, but the fondue needs to be prepared separately as the heat is not always enough to melt the fondue.
Fondue Fountain or Electric Fondue Maker?
A fondue fountain is a great addition for couples who love to entertain and who love chocolate best of all, as it cannot be used to make cheese or meat fondue. Fountains add a classy feel to any gathering and make desert preparation simple. Prices for a fondue fountain can run into the hundreds of dollars, but smaller models like Rival’s® 2-pound chocolate fountain can sell for $39.99 online.
An electric fondue maker is the most versatile as it can be used to make chocolate, cheese or meat fondue. Popular models include the Cuisinart® CFO-3SS and the Rival 3-quart and 3.5-quart fondue makers. Electric fondue makers can be purchased online or at department stores. A fondue fountain and an electric fondue maker can be about the same cost, depending on the make and model.
Make Gourmet Gift Baskets
Add gourmet gift baskets to the fondue pot to make a special anniversary gift, Christmas gift or housewarming gift. To create a gift basket, start with gourmet chocolate like Ghirardelli. Purchase chocolate chips for easy melting instead of chocolate squares. Liquid chocolate is also available.
Next select a bottle of real vanilla extract to add to the basket. Not all fondue recipes use vanilla extract, but it adds a lovely flavor to the fondue. Real vanilla extract is slightly more expensive than imitation vanilla and has other uses in the kitchen so it will not go to waste.
If the married couple likes to entertain frequently, consider adding an additional set of fondue forks in the basket. An electric fondue set will often come with six to eight forks but ceramic sets may only have two. When fondue fountains are used for entertaining, it is best to have extra forks on hand as some guests may mistakenly use the dipping forks for eating.
Add a Food Gift to the Chocolate Gift Basket
One of the best parts about serving chocolate fondue is the multitude of choices of food items to dip in chocolate. To complete the chocolate gift basket, add fresh fruit, frozen pound cake and salty snacks. Fresh fruit choices can include bananas, pears, strawberries, pineapple or apples. Select a frozen pound cake as opposed to an angel cake as a food gift because angel cake tends to break apart in fondue. A bag of gourmet pretzels or ripple chips can help to balance the sweetness of fruit and chocolate. Add a bottle of wine to the food gift and the chocolate gift basket is complete.
Making chocolate gift baskets for married couples is a great gift for anniversaries, Christmas or to celebrate a new home. Start with a fondue maker, add chocolate and fruit, and finish the basket with a bottle of wine and written recipe for chocolate fondue.
Related Articles about Gifts for Couples
- Monogrammed Housewarming Gifts for Married Couples – Looking for a unique new home gift or Christmas present for a married couple? Monogrammed gifts make personalized gifts that couples will love.
- Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Golfers – Men and women who like to golf will love to receive these gifts for golfers.
- Gifts for Couples who Like to Entertain – Make gift baskets as Christmas presents for married couples who like to entertain by using these gift ideas.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
