For the chocoholic in your life, there is the Mini Chocolate Fountain from the British company I Want One Of Those. This little gadget is a miniaturized version of an industrial chocolate tempering machine. Tempering machines are used to transform raw chocolate into the chocolate coating for candy bars, truffles, and all sorts of other goodies.

This mini chocolate fountain can be used at home for either home candy making, or to provide an endless dipping pool for fruits, marshmallows, caramels, or whatever else you've got at the next party. Weird little gadget, and the technology to make it this small is rather new, but chocolate has been irresistable for centuries.

Whether you're getting it for yourself (and I am) or for someone else (get two), this is a wonderfully indulgent gift. It only comes in one color, bright red, it must be plugged into a power outlet, and the chocolate must be melted in the microwave or on the stove before putting it in the fountain.

After the chocolate is melted, though, it will stay perfect for dipping for the entire length of your party. If melting the chocolate on the stove, use a double boiler set to simmer, as chocolate burns easily and must be melted evenly. A double boiler is easily created by filling a standard pot with an inch of water, and placing a metal bowl containing the chocolate on top. Stir till melted, pour into chocolate fountain, plug in, and let the party commence. I believe it best to not invite anyone else, but I may be just selfish that way.

Posted by Loni.