Chocolate Fondue

Place the cream and milk in the top of a double boiler. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the mixture. Place the boiler insert over direct heat and slowly heat until just at boiling point. Remove from the heat, discard the vanilla bean and stir in the chocolate until melted and smooth. Keep the fondue warm by placing the insert over lukewarm water.

Cut the fruit into large slices or chunks, depending on the type of fruit. Leave the strawberries whole.

TO SERVE:
Skewer a mixture of fruits for each person and serve with a small dish of fondue on each individual plate. Alternatively, serve the fondue in the center of the table with the fruit and allow each person to dip one piece of fruit at a time into the fondue.

CHEF'S TIP:
Vary your fruit selection to take advantage of each season.