Cheese Fondue: Safe For Kids Or Not?

Cheese fondue is a fun and interactive meal that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. While traditional fondue recipes often include wine or other alcoholic beverages, it's important to consider if this is an appropriate option when serving fondue to children.

The good news is that there are plenty of kid-friendly alternatives to traditional cheese fondue that are just as delicious. These recipes typically substitute the wine with chicken broth or a combination of milk and stock, creating a mild and rich flavour that kids will love.

When serving cheese fondue to children, it's also crucial to consider the type of cheese used. Gruyere, Gouda, and Fontina are excellent choices for a classic fondue, but other cheeses like Cheddar, Havarti, and Monterey Jack can also work well.

So, while kids can definitely enjoy cheese fondue, it's important to make some adjustments to ensure it's safe and enjoyable for them. With the right ingredients and preparation methods, cheese fondue can be a fun and tasty treat for all ages.

Alcohol-free alternatives to wine in fondue

• Chicken broth is a mild liquid that keeps your fondue super kid-friendly. It may not create as smooth a consistency as wine, but it is a good option if you are avoiding alcohol.
• Non-alcoholic wines are widely available and can be a great one-to-one substitute for wine in fondue recipes. Look for dealcoholized wines or wine alternatives, which have less than 0.5% alcohol content. Some popular options include Noughty's dealcoholized sparkling wines, Leitz's Eins Zwei Zero Riesling, and Thomson & Scott's Noughty Dealcoholized Rouge.
• Fruit juices can also be used as an alternative to wine in fondue. Apple juice is a good option, as it has a similar tang to wine and can create a smoother consistency.
• Tea is another option, particularly herbal tea, which can aid digestion after eating a lot of cheese. Black tea is a popular choice, but there are also some great herbal tea options that can pair well with fondue, such as chamomile or mint tea.

It is important to note that the alcohol content of non-alcoholic wines and fruit juices can vary, so always check the label if you are avoiding alcohol completely.

Is it safe for kids to eat fondue with wine?

Fondue is a fun, interactive meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But when it comes to adding wine to the mix, is it safe for kids to partake?

While cooking with wine can help enhance the flavor of fondue, it's important to consider the safety of younger diners. Alcohol does evaporate during the cooking process, but not completely. The amount of alcohol that remains will depend on the cooking time and temperature. In the case of fondue, which is typically cooked for a shorter period, a significant portion of the alcohol may still be present.

For those concerned about serving wine-based fondue to children, there are a few alternatives to consider. One option is to use non-alcoholic wine or light beer, which will provide a similar flavor profile without the alcohol content. Another approach is to substitute the wine with a combination of chicken or vegetable stock and milk, which adds richness and flavor to the dish. Lemon juice can also be included to mimic the tartaric acid in wine, helping to prevent the fondue from becoming stringy.

When serving fondue to children, it's important to use good quality cheese and avoid pre-shredded varieties, as these often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process. Additionally, using a fondue set or maintaining a constant low temperature can help keep the fondue in a smooth, melted state.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to include wine in your fondue for added flavor, it's important to prioritize the safety of younger diners. By opting for non-alcoholic alternatives or creative substitutions, you can ensure that your fondue is both delicious and kid-friendly.

What drinks go well with cheese fondue for kids?

When serving cheese fondue to kids, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks. Instead, there are several non-alcoholic drink options that can complement the meal.

Some people suggest that drinking water with cheese fondue can cause an adverse effect, but this is disputed. One source suggests that water is fine, and that the idea that it causes coagulation is a myth. However, some people still prefer to avoid it.

If you want to avoid water, some good alternatives are apple juice, herbal tea, or hot chocolate. For a more festive option, you could try sparkling juice. For something a little different, you could try seltzer with a bit of raspberry syrup, or hot chocolate.

What are some good dippers for cheese fondue?

There are many foods that can be used as dippers for cheese fondue. Here are some ideas:

• Bread, especially a rustic crusty bread
• Chicken sausages
• Steamed broccoli and other vegetables (like carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms)
• Apples
• Tender potatoes
• Meatballs
• Grilled cheese dippers
• Crackers
• Tortilla chips
• Carrot sticks
• Soft pretzels

How do you make a smooth cheese fondue?

How to Make a Smooth Cheese Fondue

Fondue is a fun, communal dish that's great for sharing with friends and family. It's also a simple dish to make, so don't be intimidated! Here's a step-by-step guide to making a smooth and creamy cheese fondue.

Ingredients:

• Good-quality cheese (Gruyere, Swiss, Gouda, Fontina, Cheddar, Havarti, Muenster, Colby, or Monterey Jack)
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Dry mustard
• Ground nutmeg
• Garlic
• Chicken broth or dry white wine

Optional Ingredients:

• Bread cubes, steamed broccoli, cauliflower, apples, baby potatoes, carrots, sausages, mushrooms, and more for dipping
• Brandy, Kirsch, or a cherry brandy for extra flavour

Method:

• Grate your chosen cheese or cheeses. The amount of cheese you'll need will depend on how many people you're serving, but a good rule of thumb is around 1/2 pound of cheese per person.
• Place the grated cheese in a large ziplock bag with the cornstarch and shake until the cheese is well coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the fondue and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• In a small, heavy-bottomed pot, heat your chosen liquid (chicken broth or dry white wine) with the lemon juice and garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and gradually add your cheese mixture, a small handful at a time. Stir constantly after each addition, making sure the cheese is completely melted before adding more.
• Once all the cheese is melted and combined, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the dry mustard and nutmeg.
• Pour the fondue into a fondue pot or serve directly from the pot. Keep the fondue warm, as it will start to thicken and clump as it cools.
• Serve with your favourite dippers and enjoy!

Tips for a Smooth Fondue:

• Use good-quality cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has a different consistency and may not melt as smoothly.
• Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly. Don't add more cheese until the previous addition has completely melted.
• If your fondue is too thick, add a little more liquid (broth or wine) to thin it out.
• If your fondue is still grainy, add a bit more cornstarch to bind the cheese and smooth it out.

Frequently asked questions