Is Fondue Safe For Kids? A Guide For Parents

Fondue is a fun and interactive meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While the traditional fondue recipe includes wine, which may not be suitable for children, there are ways to make this dish kid-friendly. With some adjustments, fondue can be a great way to introduce children to new cheeses and get them to eat their vegetables. By substituting wine with chicken broth or apple cider, parents can create a tasty and safe treat for their little ones.

Alcohol content in fondue

Alcohol is a common ingredient in fondue, and its inclusion in the dish is entirely dependent on the recipe used and the preferences of the chef. Fondue recipes that include alcohol typically use white wine, cider, or Kirsch (a clear brandy distilled from the mash of black morello cherries).

The amount of alcohol retained in fondue depends on the cooking method and duration. Alcohol is more likely to be burnt off when fondue is prepared in small batches, cooked for longer, and kept at a high temperature. However, it is worth noting that alcohol does not completely evaporate during the cooking process, and some individuals may still be able to taste its presence in the dish.

For those who wish to avoid alcohol, there are non-alcoholic alternatives available. Some recipes substitute alcohol with apple juice, water, milk, or chicken broth. These alternatives not only remove the alcohol content but also contribute to a smoother consistency and a rich, tangy flavor.

When preparing fondue for children, it is generally recommended to use non-alcoholic ingredients to eliminate any potential risks associated with alcohol consumption. However, some sources suggest that the small amount of alcohol remaining in the fondue after cooking is unlikely to cause harm to children.

Cheese fondue recipes for children

Fondue is a fun and interactive meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including children. Here are some recipes for kid-friendly cheese fondue, along with tips on how to make the fondue and what to dip in it.

Classic Cheese Fondue

This classic cheese fondue recipe is a family favourite that is perfect for a fun and delicious family meal. It is simple to make and only requires a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (228 g) lightly packed shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 ½ cups (171 g) lightly packed shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons (19 g) cornstarch
• 1 cup low-sodium good-quality chicken broth
• ⅛ teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely minced or pressed garlic
• ¼ teaspoon ground black or white pepper

Instructions:

• Place the shredded Gruyere and Swiss cheeses in a gallon-size resealable bag with the cornstarch and shake until evenly coated.
• In a stovetop-safe fondue pot, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add the cheese a small handful at a time, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon in an S-shaped motion. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
• Once the cheese is melted and begins to simmer, add the remaining spices and transfer the fondue to the fondue stand with the sterno flame below.
• Serve with your favourite dippers such as steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, apples, chicken sausages, bread, mushrooms, and potatoes.

Kid-Friendly Cheese Fondue

This recipe is perfect for kids as it uses chicken broth instead of wine, resulting in a mild and kid-friendly flavour. It is also a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound Gouda cheese
• 1/2 pound Gruyere cheese
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium) or dry white wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced fine
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

• Grate both cheeses and add them to a large Ziploc bag along with the cornstarch. Shake until the cheeses are well-coated.
• In a small, heavy-bottomed pot (cast-iron is best), bring the broth (or wine), lemon juice, and garlic to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and add a small handful of the cheese mixture, whisking until it is completely melted. Repeat this process until all the cheese is incorporated.
• Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the mustard and nutmeg.
• Pour the fondue into a fondue pot or serve directly from the pot. Serve with your favourite dippers.

Tips for Making Cheese Fondue:

• Use good quality cheese and grate it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as this will affect the texture and melting ability.
• If your fondue is too thick, add more broth or wine to thin it out.
• If your fondue is too grainy, add a bit of cornstarch to smooth it out.
• Make sure to add the cheese gradually and stir constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Dipping Ideas:

• Bread cubes (French, whole wheat, multigrain, etc.)
• Steamed or lightly steamed vegetables: broccoli, zucchini, celery, asparagus, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, cauliflower
• Fruits: sliced apples, pears, or strawberries
• Cooked proteins: chicken sausages, meatballs, boiled potatoes, cooked pasta

Dipping foods for children's fondue

While fondue can be a fun and interactive meal for children, it is important to exercise caution when serving hot dishes to young children. Supervision is required, and it is recommended to use fondue forks or skewers to avoid burns.

Fruits

Fruits such as apples and pears go well with cheese fondue. Crisp and tart Granny Smith apples complement the creaminess of the fondue, while Bosc pears' nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices in many fondue recipes. Pineapple, seedless grapes, dried apricots, and dried figs can also be served. Cut the fruits into cubes or slices for easier dipping.

Bread

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. French bread, baguettes, breadsticks, croutons, and crusty bread are excellent options. Toasting the bread lightly and cutting it into large cubes ensures it holds together better when dipped in the fondue. Other options include multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, bagels, and unique breads such as a rustic cranberry walnut loaf.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini can be served raw or lightly steamed or roasted. Steaming or roasting helps to soften the vegetables and enhance their flavour. Cherry tomatoes, celery, fennel spears, and radishes are also good options for dipping.

Proteins

Adding protein to the platter provides a complete and satisfying meal. Grilled steak, poached or grilled chicken, and cooked ham go well with cheese fondue. Cured meats like beef jerky, pepperoni, salami, sausage, and bacon are also fun and flavourful options. For a more elegant touch, try lightly steamed seafood such as shrimp, crab, or lobster.

Is fondue a safe way to introduce children to new foods?

Fondue can be a fun and interactive way to introduce children to new foods and encourage them to try different flavours and ingredients. However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind when serving fondue to children.

Safety Considerations

One of the primary concerns when serving fondue to children is the risk of burns. Fondue involves hot liquids, and young children may not have the coordination or awareness to handle the long forks and hot pots safely. It is crucial to provide close supervision and ensure that the fondue pot is placed out of their reach.

Another safety concern is the presence of alcohol in some fondue recipes, especially cheese fondue, which commonly includes wine. While cooking can reduce the alcohol content, it doesn't eliminate it completely. To make fondue more kid-friendly, consider substituting the wine with chicken broth or apple juice, as suggested by some parents.

Encouraging Healthy Eating

Fondue can be a fun way to encourage children to eat their vegetables and try new foods. The interactive nature of dipping various foods into a cheesy or chocolatey sauce can make mealtimes more enjoyable and engaging for kids. It can also be a great way to involve them in the kitchen, as older children can help with tasks like slicing and stirring, and younger ones can rinse veggies or peel shrimp.

Types of Fondue

When introducing fondue to children, it's essential to consider the type of fondue. Cheese fondue, or "Fondue au Fromage", is a popular variety, but young children may not enjoy the strong flavours of traditional Swiss cheeses like Emmentaler or Gruyère. Opting for milder cheeses, such as Havarti, or using chicken broth or apple juice instead of wine, can make the fondue more appealing to younger taste buds.

Meat fondue, or "Fondue Chinoise," involves cooking meat in stock or oil, and while it can be a fun experience for older children, it may pose a higher safety risk for younger ones. It is important to ensure that raw meat is handled properly and that children are supervised to prevent burns.

Chocolate fondue can be a sweet treat and a fun way to end a meal. Offering a variety of fruits, marshmallows, and other dippers can make it a well-rounded dessert option.

Fondue can be a safe and enjoyable way to introduce children to new foods, but it requires careful consideration of the ingredients, supervision during the meal, and age-appropriate adjustments to make it a positive and tasty experience for everyone.

How to host a fondue party for children

Hosting a fondue party for children can be a fun and interactive dining experience. Here are some tips to help you plan and host a successful fondue party for kids:

Choosing the Right Fondue

Fondue typically involves dipping various foods into a pot of melted cheese, chocolate, or other sauces. When hosting a fondue party for children, it is essential to consider their preferences and any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. Cheese fondue is a popular option, and you can make it more kid-friendly by using milder cheeses such as Gouda or Gruyere and adding chicken broth instead of wine to reduce the tanginess. You can also explore other types of fondue, such as chocolate fondue or broth-based fondue, depending on the children's tastes.

Selecting Dippers

The key to a successful fondue party is offering a variety of dippers that appeal to different tastes. For cheese fondue, popular dippers include:

• Bread cubes (French, rye, or sourdough)
• Vegetables (raw or cooked): broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, etc.
• Fruits: apples, strawberries, bananas, etc.
• Meatballs, sausage slices, or shrimp (for older children)

For chocolate fondue, offer a selection of sweet treats such as:

• Marshmallows
• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Pretzels
• Pound cake cubes
• Graham crackers
• Cookies

Setting Up the Fondue Table

To create a fun and functional fondue table, consider the following:

• Use a cordless fondue pot to place in the center of the table, allowing easy access for all guests.
• Provide each child with a fondue fork and a regular appetizer fork, along with a small plate.
• Arrange the dippers on large platters or boards, ensuring there is enough variety to cater to different tastes.
• If serving a side dish or salad, provide dinner plates instead of appetizer plates.

Safety Considerations

When hosting a fondue party for children, safety is a top priority:

• Always supervise children around hot pots and flames.
• Remind children to use the fondue fork only for dipping and to eat from their regular forks.
• Avoid double-dipping to prevent the spread of germs.
• Ensure that fondue forks are not too hot to handle, and provide room-temperature standard flatware for eating.
• Cut dipping items into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards.
• Use a trivet to protect the surface under the fondue pot.
• Keep children away from unattended oil pots, and never use water to put out an oil fire.

Additional Tips

To make your fondue party even more enjoyable:

• Create a fun theme, such as a 70s theme or a campfire theme, and decorate accordingly.
• Play music that fits your theme to create a festive atmosphere.
• Encourage children to try different dippers and explore new flavor combinations.
• Have extra napkins and wipes on hand, as fondue can be a messy but fun experience!

Frequently asked questions