Step 1

Prep all the items to be dipped. Rinse and dry off fruit. Cut everything into bite-sized pieces, with the exception of things that are dipped in by hand, such as rolled wafer cookies.

Step 2

Arrange the dippers on a platter. Arrange everything to be dipped on a platter, or divide onto 2 platters instead for easier access on both sides of the fondue pot. Place any garnishes like flaky salt or chopped nuts in little bowls.

Step 3

Chop the chocolate. If not using chocolate chips, chop 10 ounces chocolate into pea-sized pieces.

Step 4

Heat the milk and cream. Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just gently simmering.

Step 5

Add the chocolate and salt. Remove from the heat. Add the chocolate and a pinch of kosher salt. Do not stir and let sit for 2 minutes.

Step 6

Stir until smooth. Stir with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and the fondue is smooth. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons liqueur if desired.

Step 7

Transfer to the fondue pot. Pour the mixture into a fondue pot. Light the fuel and serve with dippers. If the fondue gets too thick or grainy, turn off the fondue fuel and stir in more milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it smooths out again. No fondue pot? No problem! Just dip straight from the pot or transfer to a ceramic bowl. Reheat the fondue as needed over low heat if it thickens up or cools off.