Could there be a cozier dessert to make on a snowy day than fondue? It was the final recipe in our “Family Date Night” Raddish Kids kid, so Travis and I cooked up two versions of this classic dip to share with the family on a snowed-in day.
Note: Raddish suggested using coconut milk instead of heavy cream to veganize both versions of the fondue. We used plain non-dairy creamer, instead.
For the chocolate fondue, combine 1 cup non-dairy creamer and 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until the chocolate melts. Travis loved watching our creamer slowly turn from white to brown!
To pass the time while the mixture slowly heated, we took a moment to read the Fondue Funnies included on the recipe card. Travis’s favorite? “What do squirrels say when they’re in love?” “I’m nuts about you!”
Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Voila! Your chocolate fondue is ready.
Before we could move on to the caramel version, we had to wash dishes. This was the featured culinary skill to go with our recipe. As grown-ups, we regard it as drudgery, but Travis was amazed I invited him to hte sink with me – this was big boy stuff! He was an expert rinser while I soaped and sponged the dishes.
And now for the caramel!
In a saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons Earth Balance butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then continue to cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup non-dairy creamer.
Finally, we prepped the dippers: We sliced red apples, and set out strawberries and pretzel rods. The pretzels were far and away Travis’s favorite, and he preferred the chocolate over the caramel.
We talked about some of the recipe card’s other suggested dippers, even though I doubt we’ll ever try them all. Ideas like bananas and gingerbread cookies got a yes, but granola bars and banana bread got a nope. Perhaps we’ll have to try the recipes again and see!
