Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, reserve 1/4 cup
  • 4 bittersweet chocolate bars, chopped, 3 1/2 ounces each
  • A nip of Grand Marnier
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds, optional
  • 1 to 2 store-bought pound cakes, cut into cubes
  • 1 package shortbread cookie sticks, recommended brand Walkers
  • 1 package pretzel rods
  • 1 pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 pints stem-on strawberries or regular strawberries if stem on is hard to find

Yield

Serves: 10 servings

Preparation

Heat 1/2 cup cream in a heavy, non-reactive saucepot over moderate heat until cream comes to a low boil. Remove from the heat and add chocolate. Let the chocolate stand in hot cream 3-5 minutes to soften, then whisk together. Stir in Grand Marnier and chopped nuts, if using. Transfer to a fondue pot or set the mixing bowl on a rack above a small lit candle.

If fondue becomes too thick, stir in reserved cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, to achieve desired consistency. Serve with the pound cake, pretzels, shortbread cookies, pineapple and strawberries.