Name: Chocolate Fondue with Candied Orange Peel, Raspberries, and Almond Macaroons
Cook time: 1 1/4 hr
Total time: 2 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 navel oranges; 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; Butter for greasing baking sheet; 1/2 cup sliced blanched almonds (1 1/4 oz); 1/2 cup pure almond paste (5 oz; not marzipan); 1 large egg white; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 3 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (no more than 64% cacao if marked); 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon Cognac or other brandy; Accompaniment: 1/2 pint raspberries; a pastry brush; a small fondue pot with tea candle or a small warmed bowl (fill with hot water to warm, then dry); wooden picks or skewers

Chocolate Fondue with Candied Orange Peel, Raspberries, and Almond MacaroonsGourmet

The perfect date dessert is one that's interactive: Candied strips of orange peel, fresh raspberries, and crisp almond cookies are all flavorful enough to stand up to a silky dark-chocolate fondue spiked with a shot of warming brandy.

Cooks' notes:

·Orange peel can be dried up to 8 hours and can be kept in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature 2 days.
·Macaroons can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
·Chocolate can be chopped 1 day ahead and kept, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature.
·If leaving chocolate fondue over candle for any length of time, stir occasionally to avoid scorching.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.