I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
*every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.

Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?

Seems like a good way to waste a bunch of chocolate, although Hershey's
must be pretty happy about them. Noka, too, I'm sure.

Bob

yetanotherBob wrote:
> I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
> *every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
> to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
> two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>
> Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
> must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
> to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?

That's what I think...i don't' see actually using it.



--
"All of those faeries and duels and mad queens and so on, and no one
quoted old Billy Shakespeare. Not even once.'"
- The Dresden Files

Probably something that will only be used once or twice.

Somewhere I heard you could also fill it with bbq sauce and dip your
ribs or whatever in it. That sounded more appealing to me than
chocolate.

marcella

In article >,
yetanotherBob > wrote:

> I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
> *every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
> to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
> two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>
> Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
> must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
> to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
> Seems like a good way to waste a bunch of chocolate, although Hershey's
> must be pretty happy about them. Noka, too, I'm sure.
>
> Bob

yetanotherBob wrote:
>
> I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
> *every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
> to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
> two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>
> Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
> must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
> to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
> Seems like a good way to waste a bunch of chocolate, although Hershey's
> must be pretty happy about them. Noka, too, I'm sure


I must lead a sheltered life. I have only seen one, and that was
at a wedding reception. I have never seen one for sale anywhere.
I would consider that as a gift for the man or woman who had
everything, and lots of extra storage space. Anyone who is
thinking of one should hold off for a while. Pretty soon they
will be able to pick one up on a yard sale along with all the
unused bread machines, ice cream makers and waffle irons.

yetanotherBob wrote:
> I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
> *every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
> to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
> two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>
> Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
> must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
> to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?

We went through this last Christmas here, if I recall? I think they're
one of the tackier, stupidier gifts I've ever seen.

Marcella Peek wrote:
> Probably something that will only be used once or twice.
>
> Somewhere I heard you could also fill it with bbq sauce and dip your
> ribs or whatever in it. That sounded more appealing to me than
> chocolate.

<annoying top posting corrected>
But why waste a complicated to wash gadget for something a simple pot on
the stove would work for too?

On 2006-12-22, yetanotherBob > wrote:

> Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
> must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
> to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?

All the above.

A friend's wife has a nice chocolate fountain, but she's a
professional caterer and chocolatier. Even then, I've yet to actually
see it in action. Yet, go to any large dept store and there's usually
2 or 3 models/brands for sale. Like you say, the next big garage sale
item. Wait for this summer.

nb

In article >,
says...
> On 2006-12-22, yetanotherBob > wrote:
>
> > Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
> > must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
> > to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
> All the above.
>
> A friend's wife has a nice chocolate fountain, but she's a
> professional caterer and chocolatier. Even then, I've yet to actually
> see it in action. Yet, go to any large dept store and there's usually
> 2 or 3 models/brands for sale. Like you say, the next big garage sale
> item. Wait for this summer.
>
> nb
>
There's *got* to be a use for these things.

I'm guessing that if you strapped a couple hundred or so of the larger
models together, they'd make a fairly respectable sludge aeration
machine for a small sewage treatment plant. You could use captured
methane to supply the electricity, and a rural village somewhere in some
"emerging economy" would have a nasty sanitation problem solved *and*
probably have electricity left over so they could watch QVC on TV!

Bob

yetanotherBob wrote:
> I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
> *every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
> to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
> two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>
> Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
> must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
> to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
> Seems like a good way to waste a bunch of chocolate, although Hershey's
> must be pretty happy about them. Noka, too, I'm sure.
>
> Bob

Out here in the Boonies these fountains seem to be all the rage. Have
attended several functions lately where they were featured - always
surrounded by a gaggle of small children busily poking their grubby
little fingers into the chocolate waterfall and licking them with great
relish. Beyond disgusting.
Nancy T

In article om>,
says...
>
> Out here in the Boonies these fountains seem to be all the rage. Have
> attended several functions lately where they were featured - always
> surrounded by a gaggle of small children busily poking their grubby
> little fingers into the chocolate waterfall and licking them with great
> relish. Beyond disgusting.
> Nancy T
>
Ugh. I'd go along with that assessment. Now that you mention it, it
DOES seem like something for the kids (of any age).

Same for those "beverage fountains" I also saw. Not in every store, but
in enough to make me wonder.

Bob [next neighborhood yard sale, I'm gonna get me a big chocolate
fountain, a kool-aid fountain, and a hot dog machine - cheap]

Goomba38 wrote:
> yetanotherBob wrote:
>> I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
>> *every* department and variety store of any size that I went into
>> seemed to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A
>> couple had two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>> Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
>> must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted
>> off to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
> We went through this last Christmas here, if I recall? I think they're
> one of the tackier, stupidier gifts I've ever seen.

right up there with the quesadilla maker.

--
"All of those faeries and duels and mad queens and so on, and no one
quoted old Billy Shakespeare. Not even once.'"
- The Dresden Files

"yetanotherBob" > wrote in message
...

> Seems like a good way to waste a bunch of chocolate, although Hershey's
> must be pretty happy about them. Noka, too, I'm sure.
>
> Bob

I was at a party a few months ago, and a small one was present to be used to
dip fruit into...it got my hands sticky. I wasn't impressed.

Harriet & critters

To me, it's a fad. Fruit dipped in chocolate doesn't taste too good, IME.
I'd rather eat them separately.

But the fountains doe make parties more festive.

Jke wrote:
> To me, it's a fad. Fruit dipped in chocolate doesn't taste too good, IME.
> I'd rather eat them separately.
>
> But the fountains doe make parties more festive.
>
>

The only fruit I like in it is strawberries...and I can make my own
chocolate sauce for that. I don't enjoy cleaning a 2000 part
contraption each time I use it. If it doesn't go in the dishwasher it
sucks.

--
"All of those faeries and duels and mad queens and so on, and no one
quoted old Billy Shakespeare. Not even once.'"
- The Dresden Files

Ravenlynne wrote:
> Jke wrote:
> > To me, it's a fad. Fruit dipped in chocolate doesn't taste too good, IME.
> > I'd rather eat them separately.
> >
> > But the fountains doe make parties more festive.
> >
> >
>
> The only fruit I like in it is strawberries...and I can make my own
> chocolate sauce for that. I don't enjoy cleaning a 2000 part
> contraption each time I use it. If it doesn't go in the dishwasher it
> sucks.
>

To each thier own, but you can count me in the group where I find
these useful (or fun). I originally bought a small one for my DS#1's
4th bday (and future parties) & it didn't work so people 'dipped' the
fruit/cookies/marshmallows etc... I supplied skewers for the fruit &
marshmallows & I had pretty good luck with kiddies keeping thier
fingers out of the chocolate.

Since then I took the small one back where I bought it & a couple
months later I cound a bigger one at Costco & bought it. Ihaven't used
it yet, but I'm going to use it for several parties. The nice thing
about the big one I bought is it can also be used for fondue as the
bowl is really big & I believe the bowl is removable too. I can't wait
to use it!

P.S. Pineapple dipped in chocolate is sublime!

denise~* wrote:

> Since then I took the small one back where I bought it & a couple
> months later I cound a bigger one at Costco & bought it. Ihaven't used
> it yet, but I'm going to use it for several parties. The nice thing
> about the big one I bought is it can also be used for fondue as the
> bowl is really big & I believe the bowl is removable too. I can't wait
> to use it!
>
> P.S. Pineapple dipped in chocolate is sublime!
>

But a fondue pot works equally well and is MUCH easier to care for, as
well as having more uses. Probably more hygienic also, not to mention a
bit classier than some Ronco looking fountain.

Ravenlynne wrote:
> Jke wrote:
>> To me, it's a fad. Fruit dipped in chocolate doesn't taste too good,
>> IME. I'd rather eat them separately.
>>
>> But the fountains doe make parties more festive.
>>
> The only fruit I like in it is strawberries...and I can make my own
> chocolate sauce for that. I don't enjoy cleaning a 2000 part
> contraption each time I use it. If it doesn't go in the dishwasher it
> sucks.

It's just a new version of chocolate fondue. BTW, pineapple chunks in
chocolate are delightful (and I'm not all that fond of chocolate). Hmmm,
there's a chocolate kaluah (sp?) fondue recipe floating around here
somewhere. But I'm with you on the fountain gadget... totally unnecessary.
A fondue pot is also unnecessary; you can accomplish the same thing on the
stove top.

> Are people actually using these things?

You know I've been in the group that totally poo poos this contraptions.
Last year my daughter's friend got one for Christmas. We had a get together
and they said they'd bring it over for dessert. I have to say having a
contraption spewing chocolate to dip things in was quite wonderful. By the
end of the night broccoli and carrots were being dipped into it as we had
run out of fruit and cake. We really enjoy when the chocolate fountain
comes to visit. Would I buy one for myself... probably not... never would
be too strong of a word.

Lynne

On Fri, 22 Dec 2006 12:49:23 -0500, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>I must lead a sheltered life. I have only seen one, and that was
>at a wedding reception.

Chocolate fountain story:

Three years ago, my son married a spoiled brat EyeTalian Princess.
Their wedding reception was held at a frou-frou expensive hall north
of Toronto. In addition to the usual food you would expect at this
type of wedding reception, there was a dessert buffet at midnight,
featuring the chocolate fountain. Everyone on our side of the family
thought this was totally weird.

Fast forward one year. You guessed it: son and EyeTalian Princess
split up. *Very* messy.

And now they are selling those chocolate fountains everywhere,
including Canadian Tire, of all places.. Every time we see one, my
husband and I say we should buy the son one for Christmas, and we
crack up about it.

Jo Anne

Jo Anne Slaven wrote:
>
> Chocolate fountain story:
>
> Three years ago, my son married a spoiled brat EyeTalian Princess.
> Their wedding reception was held at a frou-frou expensive hall north
> of Toronto. In addition to the usual food you would expect at this
> type of wedding reception, there was a dessert buffet at midnight,
> featuring the chocolate fountain. Everyone on our side of the family
> thought this was totally weird.
>
> Fast forward one year. You guessed it: son and EyeTalian Princess
> split up. *Very* messy.'


My one and only exposure to a chocolate fountain was at a wedding
reception at a Niagara winery restaurant. I remember the groom
being excited about the prospect of the chocolate shower
There was a dessert buffet following the after dinner reception
line. I think the idea was for people to have *a* dessert, since
they were full size servings of pies and cakes, plus fruit
platters and the chocolate fountain. I saw some people taking
several desserts and then going over and showering the entire
plate with chocolate. It was gross.

On Fri, 22 Dec 2006 12:28:03 -0500, yetanotherBob
> wrote:

>I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
>*every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
>to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
>two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>
>Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
>must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
>to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
>Seems like a good way to waste a bunch of chocolate, although Hershey's
>must be pretty happy about them. Noka, too, I'm sure.
>
It's one of those things that if a friend has one... BORROW it.
Really! They are a lot of fun, but not worth the storage space (they
don't cost a lot - so no complaint there).

--
See return address to reply by email

Goomba38 > wrote in
:

> But why waste a complicated to wash gadget for something a simple pot on
the stove would work for too?

There were only three washable pieces in the one I saw. The hardest part
to wash would either be the worm gear or the tube that holds the gear.

As for "why?" Why layer sliced produce on a crystal platter when you can
dump it in to a bowl? Why break out the good china instead of using
plastic? Presentation.



.................................................. ...............
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yetanotherBob wrote:
> I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
> *every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
> to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
> two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>
> Are people actually using these things?

Not me.

>Or are they just this year's
> must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
> to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
> Seems like a good way to waste a bunch of chocolate, although Hershey's
> must be pretty happy about them. Noka, too, I'm sure.

They are incredibly stupid AFAIC.

-L.

Ravenlynne wrote:
>
> right up there with the quesadilla maker.

I have never seen one but I'd get good use out of it. I'd like an
alternative to the non-stick skillet and spatula because I burn myself
nearly every damn time. And we eat a lot of quesadillas.

-L.

mrorwell wrote:
> Goomba38 > wrote in
> :
>
>> But why waste a complicated to wash gadget for something a simple pot on
> the stove would work for too?
>
> There were only three washable pieces in the one I saw. The hardest part
> to wash would either be the worm gear or the tube that holds the gear.
>
> As for "why?" Why layer sliced produce on a crystal platter when you can
> dump it in to a bowl? Why break out the good china instead of using
> plastic? Presentation.

Yes, and the presentation would suffer (IMO) if one used one of those
cheesy looking fountains. They *look* cheap and gimmicky.

notbob wrote:
> On 2006-12-22, yetanotherBob > wrote:
>
>> Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this
>> year's must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's
>> carted off to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
> All the above.
>
> A friend's wife has a nice chocolate fountain, but she's a
> professional caterer and chocolatier.

She's a chocolatier and she has a chocolate fountain? I'm surprised. They
use crappy chocolate. It's pretty much akin to pouring Hershey's syrup over
stuff. (Of course, if her market demands it...)

Goomba38 > wrote in
:

> Yes, and the presentation would suffer (IMO) if one used one of those
cheesy looking fountains. They *look* cheap and gimmicky.

::shrug:: Gimmicks sell in presentation.

In their way, the presentation of a chocolate fountain is no more gimmicky
than three drops of a squid ink, saffron and truffle reduction placed
strategically on a hand crafted, seven sided white plate to accent a one
ounce almond crusted patty of ground salmon and shredded tofu on a bed of
microgreens and hummus.



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"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
>
> It's just a new version of chocolate fondue. BTW, pineapple chunks in
> chocolate are delightful (and I'm not all that fond of chocolate). Hmmm,
> there's a chocolate kaluah (sp?) fondue recipe floating around here
> somewhere. But I'm with you on the fountain gadget... totally
> unnecessary.
> A fondue pot is also unnecessary; you can accomplish the same thing on the
> stove top.

How festive to all gather around a pot on the stove! You should be able to
get at least three people in front of the stove!


Ms P

mrorwell wrote:

> In their way, the presentation of a chocolate fountain is no more gimmicky
> than three drops of a squid ink, saffron and truffle reduction placed
> strategically on a hand crafted, seven sided white plate to accent a one
> ounce almond crusted patty of ground salmon and shredded tofu on a bed of
> microgreens and hummus.

except the above doesn't require an electric cord.

ms_peacock wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> It's just a new version of chocolate fondue. BTW, pineapple chunks
>> in chocolate are delightful (and I'm not all that fond of
>> chocolate). Hmmm, there's a chocolate kaluah (sp?) fondue recipe
>> floating around here somewhere. But I'm with you on the fountain
>> gadget... totally unnecessary.
>> A fondue pot is also unnecessary; you can accomplish the same thing
>> on the stove top.
>
> How festive to all gather around a pot on the stove! You should be
> able to get at least three people in front of the stove!
>
>
> Ms P

Okay, sounds silly when you put it that way but the fact of the matter is
you don't need a fondue pot to make fondue. And yes, I do own one. I was
just pointing out a special pot is not *required* in order to make fondue,
be it chocolate or cheese.

Jill

On Sat, 23 Dec 2006 08:46:18 -0500, Goomba38 >
wrote:

>Yes, and the presentation would suffer (IMO) if one used one of those
>cheesy looking fountains. They *look* cheap and gimmicky.


They are fun and guests like it. That said, I'm in your camp not
because of presentation but because of the waste and they are a pain
in the *ss to clean.

--
See return address to reply by email

sf wrote:
> On Sat, 23 Dec 2006 08:46:18 -0500, Goomba38 >
> wrote:
>
>> Yes, and the presentation would suffer (IMO) if one used one of those
>> cheesy looking fountains. They *look* cheap and gimmicky.
>
>
> They are fun and guests like it. That said, I'm in your camp not
> because of presentation but because of the waste and they are a pain
> in the *ss to clean.
>
I've never had a guest not love ANY chocolate fondue! No matter what it
was served in.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> ms_peacock wrote:
>> How festive to all gather around a pot on the stove! You should be
>> able to get at least three people in front of the stove!
>>
>>
>> Ms P
>
> Okay, sounds silly when you put it that way but the fact of the matter is
> you don't need a fondue pot to make fondue. And yes, I do own one. I was
> just pointing out a special pot is not *required* in order to make fondue,
> be it chocolate or cheese.
>
> Jill
>

True. But the purpose of a fondue pot is to keep contents warm *away* from
the stove. Say on a serving table or buffet table in a dining room. Or
maybe some other party room, where the people are.


Ms P

On Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:00:59 -0500, Goomba38 >
wrote:

>sf wrote:
>> On Sat, 23 Dec 2006 08:46:18 -0500, Goomba38 >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Yes, and the presentation would suffer (IMO) if one used one of those
>>> cheesy looking fountains. They *look* cheap and gimmicky.
>>
>>
>> They are fun and guests like it. That said, I'm in your camp not
>> because of presentation but because of the waste and they are a pain
>> in the *ss to clean.
>>
>I've never had a guest not love ANY chocolate fondue! No matter what it
>was served in.

I hope no one is kidding themselves about a chocolate fountain and
decent chocolate fondue being in the same league!

--
See return address to reply by email

sf wrote:

> I hope no one is kidding themselves about a chocolate fountain and
> decent chocolate fondue being in the same league!
>
I dunno... I might be presuming that people who buy that tacky looking
device don't know the diff? I have no first hand experience with the
actual device nor do I know anyone with one.

Here is the fudge sauce I like to serve. I make it on the stove and keep
it warm in the little candle driven warmer I have.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Framingham Fudge Sauce

Recipe By :Bakers Chocolate Co.
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Desserts Sauces and Marinades

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
5 squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter

Heat chocolate and cream in saucepan over very low heat, stirring
constantly until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
Add sugar, salt and corn syrup. Cook and stir until sugar is completely
dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in butter.
Serve warm, or store in refridgerator in covered container. Reheat over
warm water.
Makes 2 1/2 cups.

On Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:23:39 -0500, Goomba38 >
wrote:

>I dunno... I might be presuming that people who buy that tacky looking
>device don't know the diff? I have no first hand experience with the
>actual device nor do I know anyone with one.

In my experience, they don't confuse the two... but you never know.
Chocolate fountains are fun, but not fondue.

--
See return address to reply by email

It's the new Fondue pot of the '70s.

Everyone sold them, everyone got one, nobody used them.

--Blair

On Fri, 22 Dec 2006 12:28:03 -0500, in rec.food.cooking, yetanotherBob
wrote:

>I was out doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and, I swear,
>*every* department and variety store of any size that I went into seemed
>to have at least one model of chocolate fountain for sale. A couple had
>two or three sizes on display, from petite to jumbo.
>
>Are people actually using these things? Or are they just this year's
>must-have fad gadget that will sit in the basement until it's carted off
>to Goodwill along with the Sonicblade?
>
>Seems like a good way to waste a bunch of chocolate, although Hershey's
>must be pretty happy about them. Noka, too, I'm sure.
>

I've bought what is essentially a small crockpot, which came with stuff
for making chocolate candy also.
http://www.prima-international.com/CHM915.htm

Doug
--
Doug Weller --
A Director and Moderator of The Hall of Ma'at http://www.hallofmaat.com
Doug's Archaeology Site: http://www.ramtops.co.uk
Amun - co-owner/co-moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amun/

Goomba38 > wrote in
:

> except the above doesn't require an electric cord.

Not now... but how long before "presentation" plates will include flashing
lights and sound effects?



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In article >,
says...
>
> I've bought what is essentially a small crockpot, which came with stuff
> for making chocolate candy also.
> http://www.prima-international.com/CHM915.htm
>
> Doug
>

So how is the "Removable Wish washer Safe Ceramic Pot" working out?

Bob
[Be careful what you wish for - you may actually get it, and it may not
be washable.]