Chocolate is one of those things that has a tight grip on me.  If faced with a luxurious bar of dark chocolate, I can’t stop at just one piece. If tempted with the aroma of baking chocolate, I involuntarily salivate. If attempting to satiate my craving with just a tiny splurge, I will end up “testing” an unhealthy amount of options.

So, basically, I love it.

I was browsing through my cookbooks searching for interesting recipes, not only for myself, but to post here, and I came across a cookbook that had buried itself way at the back of the shelf.  I hadn’t seen or used it in a very, very long time and a flood of memories came back as so often does when you come across a picture, object or book from a long time ago.

I remember receiving this book, along with a huge decor tomb, from my colleagues when I was leaving my corporate job.  And they were subtlety reminding me of my deep interest in decor, but more importantly, of my considerable lack of cooking skills. This cookbook was definitely geared towards making quick and easy food, preferably after a late-night of socializing and imbibing. Hmmmm, another hint?

As I flipped through, I found a lot of things that I would really like to make for dinners or treats now. But one recipe stuck out for me and of course it was chocolate!

I’ve always loved melted chocolate enrobing something sweet or juicy. Chocolate takes on a sultry feeling when it’s warmed and smooth. Delicious.

This delectable chocolate treat would be great as something fun and sexy to make for a Valentines treat. And I had to share, as it really is incredibly easy to do. No need for double boilers to melt your chocolate, just a good ‘ole microwave, some scrumptious fruit and you have a treat that’s oh.so.good!

Dark and Decadent Chocolate Fondue

Ingredients:

• 1 bar (4 ounces) bittersweet chocolate broken into small pieces. Try to buy the best quality you can. (I purchased Belgian chocolate circles from a supply store; worked just as well as a bar)
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch of freshly ground black pepper
• any fruit you’d like. I love strawberries and raspberries, but you could use bananas, orange slices, pineapple….whatever you fancy

Directions:

• Place chocolate, whipping cream, cinnamon and pepper in a small, microwave-safe bowl
• Microwave on high until chocolate has melted, about 1 minute (halfway through, stir the mixture then continue to heat)
• When completely melted, stir the chocolate mixture
• Pour the chocolate into a serving bowl and arrange your fruit
• Dip and indulge

It’s so easy, and so good. Like, seriously good. To the point where I can’t stop myself. I knew I shouldn’t have made this when alone….okay, stopping now.

Well, maybe just one more strawberry.