Chocolate Fondue Party

Most recipes for chocolate fondue call for a cup of heavy whipping cream which makes for a nice and creamy fondue that will cling gloriously to the items you're dipping but if you're trying to lose weight or maintain the weight you're at, 821 calories and 88 grams of fat in whipping cream calories is a high price to pay for a smooth texture you can achieve without it.

Your chocolate may need to be revived in the microwave as it cools, something you wouldn't have to do as often with the addition of whipping cream, but it's a small price to pay for being able to indulge your deep dark chocolate cravings every once in awhile.

Deciding what to dip depends entirely upon the crowd you're serving. I strive for a super healthy spread polka dotted with a few no-no's such as small cookies, fancy pretzels or handmade marshmallows. Portion control the no-no's in advance of the party by putting out only one or two over the top decadent treats per guest.

Deep dip, double dip or dip Jackson Pollock style, the choice is yours. When I serve fondue, I like to have a platter of fruit and cookies already dipped to keep the party moving. If I'm serving a calorie conscious crowd, I dip a few items, covering them halfway with chocolate but most of the items are coated with drizzles of chocolate because a little goes a long way.

Tip: What goes in must be peddled off. Post fondue party cardio blast class is a whole lot more tolerable when you have fond memories of the calories you're working off. Choose the best quality dark chocolate or baking chips you can afford to indulge on.

Tip: All sweetened chocolate: bittersweet, semisweet, milk and white chocolate contains sugar and fat. Ounce for ounce, bittersweet chocolate, as a general rule usually contains the least amount of sugar, fat and overall calories. It really pays to read labels when you're trying to stay on track.

Tip: As the chocolate cools, you may have to zap it in 10 second intervals on high in the microwave. For this reason, be sure the serving dish you choose is microwave proof.

Ingredients:

12	ounces of bittersweet or other chocolate
	Assorted fresh fruit for dipping such as strawberries, sliced apricots, peaches, pears and nectarines, cherries with their stems, pineapple chunks, star fruit and kiwi slices
	Assorted dried fruits and nuts for dipping such as dried apricots, pineapple and pears, whole pecans, walnuts and cashews.

	MELT THE CHOCOLATE: Warm chocolate chips in a heavy bottomed 2 quart sauce pan over lowest possible heat for 12-18 minutes or until completely melted. To microwave place 1 cup chocolate chips in an uncovered microwave safe bowl on high for 1 minute, stir. Place back in microwave and cook for 10 to 20 second intervals, stirring until smooth. To melt 2 cups, microwave a few seconds longer.
	TO SERVE: Place bowl of chocolate in the center of a large platter of dippables. Serve with small skewers or fancy toothpicks. Serve immediately.
	TO DIP AHEAD: Dip items one at a time, placing them on cookie sheets lined with parchment. Cookies and dried fruit will keep overnight but for the most dramatic presentation, dip no earlier than the morning of your gathering.

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