What makes a romantic dessert? February got me thinking about requirements for a perfect Valentine's Day treat. Here is what I came up with. It has to be delicious, it has to be decadent, it has to be chocolate, it has to be messy, and it has to be fondue. Chocolate fondue is one of the easiest and yummiest desserts. Just melt chocolate with cream, add your favorite liquor for an interesting flavor twist, dip fruits and cakes, and feed your sweetheart. Although a fondue pot is a fun kitchen toy and makes an excellent Valentine's Day present, it is not essential to serving a chocolate fondue.

Serves 2 hopelessly romantic people

1/3 cup heavy or whipping cream
8 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
3 Tbsp flavored liquor (Orange, Raspberry, Mint, or Cassis)

1. Chop the chocolate coarsely.
   
2. Bring cream to a simmer in a heavy small saucepan.
   
3. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the chocolate and 1 Tbsp liquor. Whisk until chocolate melts completely and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
   
4. Stir in the other 2 Tbsp of liquor.
   

If you have a fondue pot, pour the mixture into it and set it over a candle. If not serve right in the saucepan. When the fondue gets cool, reheat it stirring for a minute or two.

What to dip:
Pound cake (cut into 1" pieces)
Angel food cake (cut into 1" pieces)
Cream puffs from Trader Joe's
Strawberries
Blackberries
Cherries
Bananas
Pineapple
Pear

Chocolate fondue is also delicious poured over cheesecakes or ice cream.