Chocolate

I recently watched the movie Chocolat. I have always been impressed that they can make the sheer bliss of chocolate a character within that movie. It evokes feeling and personality, depending on how it is used. And every time I watch that movie I find myself wanting to explore with chocolate. One of the ways I do this is with this quick and easy recipe for chocolate fondue:

CHOCOLATE FONDUE
1 c. semisweet chocolate
1/2 c. evaporated milk
Dippables such as strawberries, banana pieces cut into 1-inch chunks, dried appricots, candied ginger, apple pieces

Put in a pan over low heat. Cook until melted. Add to the fondue pot on low. Add vanilla if flavoring is not strong enough.

Variations
Add a tablespoon or two of Bailey's Irish Cream to the chocolate. Other liquors such as Grand Marnier, Amaretto, or Kirsch are equally yummy.

Add a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and ancho chili pepper for a nice Mexican Chocolate.

The contents of a vanilla pod or some vanilla extract are always a decadent touch to chocolate.

A good pinch of espresso powder can do wonders!

Orange zest or grapefruit zest is a nice way to create a slightly fruity chocolate.

A few tablespoons of Torani flavoring syrups (the kind used for coffee or Italian sodas) can add a nice dimension of flavor as well.

White chocolate is always a nice change, and spiked with a little liquor or citrus zest becomes heavenly.