Chocolate fountains help give that extra touch to a party or event. In fact, they allow you to serve food in a nice way to delight guests. Different types of fruit and snacks can be dipped in melted chocolate, so you can offer a variety of foods at the event. Learning how to use it is easy: just choose the model wisely, assemble it well and serve.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Assemble the Fountain
Step 1. Wash the parts that make up the fountain
Remove all dirt and dust that has accumulated in the box using soapy water. Let all elements air dry.
Step 2. Attach the center column to the base
The model you have chosen will have specific instructions in this regard. In principle, the central column should be fixed vertically on the base. If it consists of several parts, you must first hook them together.
Some parts may have already been assembled, it all depends on the brand of the fountain
Step 3. If applicable, attach the various floors to the center column
To get started, slide the larger top into the column, then pin it down. Move on to the second, third, and so on.
- Tuck the tops face down, so they don't trap and obstruct the melted chocolate as it drips.
- Some fountains already have floors attached to the central column.
Step 4. Install the pump
The pump resembles a corkscrew and has the function of pushing the chocolate upwards. Insert it in the center of the central column and turn it clockwise inside the base until there is a slight resistance: this means that the pump is firm and ready to use.
Step 5. Install the crown
The crown secures the pump to the top of the fountain and will give the finishing touch.
Step 6. Test the fountain
Plug it into the power outlet and turn it on without chocolate to make sure it works well. Don't turn up the temperature.
Step 7. Buy the chocolate
You can use whatever you like, but the couverture chocolate, which is higher quality and contains 32-39% cocoa butter, generally tastes better and guarantees a smoother cast.
If you decide to use another type of chocolate, add 1 cup of vegetable oil for every 2.5 pounds of chocolate to soften it
Step 8. Melt the chocolate in the microwave (for at least 3 minutes) or in a double boiler
Once melted, pour it into one or more tubs. Place them in a thermal plastic or styrofoam container to isolate the chocolate from the outside, then keep it warm and liquid.
Melt the chocolate just a couple of hours before the event, so that it stays warm and liquid
Step 9. Pour the melted chocolate into the tub at the base of the fountain and turn it on
The chocolate will go up the central column and run on the sides up to the basin at the base of the fountain. At this point, it will be pushed onto the center column once more and the cycle will repeat.
Follow the instructions in the fountain manual to find out exactly how much chocolate you need
Part 2 of 3: Using the Fountain at an Event
Step 1. Place the fountain
Chocolate fountains are often one of the main attractions at a party, so place it in the center of the main table for a nice visual effect. The table should be sturdy and placed near a wall with a power outlet.
- Secure the wire to the ground with electrical tape to prevent guests from tripping over.
- Set the table away from the dance floor, swing doors, and air conditioning ducts. If possible, avoid using the fountain outdoors. The chocolate must stay warm and not splash.
Step 2. Place a tablecloth under the fountain
Dipping food into the chocolate fountain will easily mess up the table as the liquid will drip and splash. Prevent possible accidents by using a dark colored tablecloth so that the stains are not visible.
Step 3. Choose tasty foods for the fountain, including pretzels, pound cake bits And meringues.
Make sure the snacks are small, easy to serve and easy to eat
Step 4. Serve some fruit
Bananas, strawberries, dried apricots, maraschino cherries, grapes and pineapple are all perfect for melted chocolate.
- You can also serve more exotic fruits such as carambola, dragon fruit, or pieces of coconut. It is just as tasty when paired with melted chocolate.
- Dry the fruit you washed so that the chocolate adheres more easily.
Step 5. Provide skewers, toothpicks, plastic plates, and napkins
Calculate enough for all guests. Place them next to snacks and fruit so diners can serve themselves hygienically.
Place a garbage can next to the table for guests to throw away the dirty dishes and used skewers
Step 6. Dip snacks or fruit in chocolate
Skewer a snack or piece of fruit with a skewer or toothpick and place it under the dripping chocolate. Coat the food only, not the toothpick or skewer. Rotate the stick to fully cover the snack or fruit.
The chocolate will drain, so place a plate under the skewer to avoid staining your clothes
Step 7. Check the fountain during the event
Food can fall into the bowl at the base of the fountain, where it is heated, and block the gears. If this happens, turn off the fountain immediately and unplug it from the power outlet. Remove the snack or piece of fruit and plug it back in.
Ask a volunteer to keep an eye on her. He can instruct guests not to dip the snack or fruit more than once and to turn it off if something falls into the main tub
Part 3 of 3: Clean the Fountain
Step 1. Clear the chocolate from the fountain at the end of the event
You can do this with a tea towel or napkin. Pour the excess chocolate into the trash.
If it cools, it will harden, so it will be difficult to clean up the fountain. In this case, turn it back on and reheat the chocolate. Accelerate the fusion with a hair dryer by aiming the jet of hot air towards the floors and the central column
Step 2. Place the fountain in a large plastic bag
If possible, use two bags. The fountain will still have some chocolate inside, so take it home this way to avoid getting dirty.
Step 3. Disassemble and clean the fountain
If it has parts that you can wash in the dishwasher, remove them, rinse them in hot soapy water and put them in the machine. Wash the other pieces with a soft sponge and soapy water.
- The motor and pump should never be put in the dishwasher, remember they are electric.
- Read the manual for specific instructions on washing the fountain.
Advice
- Read the instruction manual, so you know how long to keep the fountain on before the chocolate starts to burn.
- Do not arbitrarily turn the fountain off and on again, otherwise the chocolate will cool and harden, plus the machine will clog. Do this only if it has already jammed.
