📖 Instructions

1. Finely chop the chocolate: Use a serrated knife to finely chop the milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate into small, even pieces. This will help it melt more smoothly and evenly.
2. Prepare the double boiler: Fill a saucepan with about an inch or two of water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. This creates a double boiler.
3. Melt the chocolate: Add the chopped chocolate to the heatproof bowl. Stir occasionally with a spatula as the chocolate begins to melt. Be patient and avoid overheating the chocolate, as it can seize and become grainy. This can be avoided by using lower heat to ensure the chocolate has enough time to melt properly.
4. Add cream and butter: Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, add the heavy cream and unsalted butter to the bowl. Stir gently until the cream and butter are fully incorporated into the chocolate mixture. The mixture should be glossy and have a velvety texture.
5. Incorporate vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. This enhances the flavor of the fondue, adding a warm and aromatic note. Mix thoroughly.
6. Add a pinch of salt: Add just a pinch of sea salt into the fondue to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor even more. Mix it in well.
7. Transfer to fondue pot (optional): If using a fondue pot, carefully transfer the chocolate fondue mixture from the double boiler to the fondue pot. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can keep the fondue in the heatproof bowl over the simmering water, ensuring the water level is maintained.
8. Keep warm: If using a fondue pot, light the burner beneath the pot to keep the fondue warm. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the chocolate from burning or becoming too thick. If using the double boiler method, monitor the water level and temperature to keep the fondue at the perfect consistency.
9. Prepare dipping items: While the fondue is melting, prepare your dipping items. Wash and dry the strawberries, banana, pineapple, and raspberries. Slice the banana and pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Arrange all the dipping items on a serving platter.
10. Serve and enjoy: Provide fondue forks for dipping. Instruct your guests to spear their desired dipping item with a fork and gently swirl it in the chocolate fondue until evenly coated. Remove the dipped item and let any excess chocolate drip off before enjoying.