An après-ski party is just what it sounds like - a party after skiing. Because, while we ski independently, it's also nice to hang with friends and family on a ski day. That "we" should be in quotations because I do not ski. Ever. I went skiing once in high school and it wasn't for me. I kept throwing myself down on my butt on purpose to avoid picking up speed.
Fortunately my husband and my kids like to ski. (I have a few characteristics I'm happy my kids didn't inherit, like cowardice.) I'm always open to going along on a skiing excursion, so long as there is some sort of ski lodge with abundant hot beverages and maybe a liqueur or two. I'm certainly willing to join in for a little chocolate fondue party at any time as well.
Après-Ski Blog Hop
My thanks to Ariel from PMQ For Two for arranging a blog hop around all things après-ski and winter fun. At the bottom of this post, you'll find links to other bloggers' lovely ideas for après-ski happenings. There will be new posts each day until Thursday this week, so come back daily for new additions.
After a long day of outdoor activity (in the freezing cold no less), "we" deserve warm, cozy surroundings and a heap of melted chocolate and other tasty goodies. I decided an après-ski party is also the perfect occasion for pulling out vintage dishes, barware and record albums. For my party decor, I went with an eclectic mix of colours and styles based simply on what we have handy in the house. I set up for our fondue party on the coffee table in front of the fireplace, with lots of cushions and throws at the ready. I set out a few candles on the table to add to the warm glow too.
I was a little surprised to find that in my vast collection of dishes and other home goods, I have three fondue pots. Three. For this occasion, I went with this lovely vintage orange fondue pot my mom gave me. It operates with the help of a simple tea light candle. For the chocolate fondue itself, I created a very simple recipe with semi-sweet chocolate chips and maple syrup. (The recipe follows.)
Also gifted from my parents, I have a large collection of vintage record albums. I picked out a pretty Patti Page album called Waltz Queen, as well as The Best Of Julie London. You could also play these albums via your preferred music app.
In terms of foods to dip into the vegan chocolate fondue, I was inspired by the fondue that my daughter had for her birthday last October at Cosmic Treats in Toronto's Kensington Market area. They had the ingenious notion of dipping Pirate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies and Oreos (both "accidentally vegan" options) into chocolate fondue. For our party, we also dipped pretzels, vegan marshmallows, strawberries, kiwi and banana slices. I have to say it was a really nice eating experience. I think the Pirate cookies were my favourite.
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I set out a few movies for us to choose from. First up was one of my winter favourites, perfect for watching indoors when there is a storm raging outside - The Ice Storm, naturally. The others are classics, in keeping with the vintage vibe: Funny Girl, Funny Face, The Owl and the Pussycat and Breakfast at Tiffany's.
For beverages, I served spicy rum and gin in vintage liquor decanters. I think a boozy frozen lemonade would be nice for an after-ski party too. For non-alcoholic drinks, offer up cocoa, coffee, tea and water. Chocolate fondue can make you thirsty!
So, whether you ski or don't ski, you can certainly après-ski. Even if nobody goes skiing, I think it's worth getting together just for this vegan chocolate fondue! Winter is long - make the most of it!
Questions for you
Do you like to ski? Do you like chocolate fondue? What's your favourite food to dip into chocolate? What are your favourite classic movies and songs?
Easy Vegan Chocolate Fondue
by
Ingredients (Serves 4 to 6)
- 1 cup (8 oz) semi-sweet non-dairy chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegan margarine
- 2 tablespoons soy milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
In a double boiler, over boiling water, add chocolate chips, margarine and soy milk. Stir until melted and smooth. Stir in maple syrup and vanilla. Transfer to a fondue pot and keep warm. Enjoy with fruit, vegan marshmallows, pretzels, cookies or whatever you like to dip in chocolate!
More Après-Ski Ideas!
Now it's time to go see what the others are up to! There are posts going live through Thursday, so make sure you circle back throughout the week.
Monday
Woman in Real Life
Jenna Kate At Home
Cribbs Style
Tuesday
Boxy Colonial
Pink Peppermint Design
Orchard Hill Farm & Home
Houseful of Handmade
Red Cottage Chronicles
Wednesday
Our Crafty Mom
From House to Home
Dixie Delights Online
Jaime Costiglio
Up to Date Interiors
Thursday
PMQ for two
T. Moore Home
House By The Bay Design
This Simplicite
Goodness this looks like a party I'd like to attend! Thanks for participating!
ReplyDeleteWe would certainly love to have you, any time! Thanks for hosting the hop! :)
DeleteI only do Nordic skiing ⛷ Kieran does downhill. John does woodworking lol LOVE your orange fondue pot
ReplyDeleteI think I could handle the Nordic skiiing! With some practice! Woodworking, haha. We can all do fondue though, right? Thank you - the fondue pot would definitely suit your place. :)
DeleteI totally need to make this recipe!!! Your decor is so cute! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Brooke!
DeleteYour fondue looks delicious! I have not thought of doing a vegan/dairy-free version...I'll definitely have to try it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Wanda! I hope you enjoy it! :)
DeleteI love how vibrant your table is and fondue looks like so much fun. I could it dairy-free!
ReplyDeleteI myself hate the cold now that I'm older, but if i chose to ski it would be cross country. By the way I don't own one fondue set wink wink. But I do like the drinks you make to warm up.
ReplyDeleteWow! That fondue looks so good! Such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI love the vintage wares and agree, a day of skiing means lots of warm chocolate! YUM!
ReplyDeleteThe fondue looks so delicious! So fun for this time of year!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE chocolate fondue! This looks delicious! Love all the vintage touches here.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to buy a dining table that needs almost zero maintenance then you should buy a marble dining table. These dining tables are so beautiful and need almost zero maintenance. Further, marble dining tables last long with proper care.
ReplyDelete