Fondue Fun: Melting Pot's Guide To A Tasty Experience

The Melting Pot restaurant offers a unique dining experience centred on fondue. Fondue nights at The Melting Pot can now be recreated at home with their 'Fondue at Home' service, which provides customers with fresh fondue, dippers, and even fondue sets. The fondue is easy to prepare, requiring only a stove top, microwave, slow cooker, or fondue pot. The Melting Pot's fondue is available in two varieties: Classic Alpine Fondue and Aged Cheddar & Gouda Fondue. The restaurant also offers a range of dippers, including Omaha Steaks' beef tenderloin tips, wild Argentinian red shrimp, and air-chilled boneless chicken breasts.

Melting Pot's fondue dinner

The Melting Pot Fondue Experience

The Melting Pot offers a unique fondue dining experience, with a three-course meal featuring fondue for each course. The restaurant provides a range of cheese and chocolate fondues, along with a variety of dippers and accompaniments.

Cheese Fondue Options

For the cheese fondue, you can choose from the Classic Alpine Fondue, a blend of Gruyère, Raclette, and Fontina cheese, or the Aged Cheddar & Gouda Fondue, a blend of English Cheddar and Dutch Gouda. These fondues can be prepared on a stovetop, in a microwave, slow cooker, or a traditional fondue pot.

Dippers and Accompaniments

The Melting Pot offers a wide range of dippers to accompany your cheese fondue, including roasted potatoes, fresh apples, grapes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, crackers, chips, pretzels, and various types of bread. For a more filling meal, you can also dip proteins such as salami, smoked sausage, ham cubes, shrimp, or bacon-wrapped chicken.

Chocolate Fondue

For dessert, you can indulge in a rich chocolate fondue, which can be melted to your desired consistency at home. Dip your favorite fruits, sweets, or other treats into the warm, creamy chocolate for a decadent finish to your fondue dinner.

Fondue at Home

If you prefer to enjoy the Melting Pot experience at home, they offer Fondue at Home bundles that include your choice of cheese fondue along with Omaha Steaks dippers. These bundles provide everything you need for a fondue feast, including cooking and serving instructions, and can be prepared on a stovetop or in a microwave without the need for a fondue pot.

So, whether you choose to dine at the restaurant or create your own fondue night at home, the Melting Pot offers a memorable and interactive dining experience centered around the art of fondue.

How to make Melting Pot's Cheddar Cheese Fondue

Ingredients:

• Medium-sharp cheddar cheese
• Emmentaler Swiss cheese
• Lager beer (Coors Light or Bud Light are recommended)
• Garlic
• Dry mustard powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cornstarch or all-purpose flour

Optional Dippers:

• Pumpernickel, wheat, or sourdough bread
• Green apples
• Broccoli
• Grapes
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Crackers
• Chips
• Pretzels
• Roasted potatoes
• Salami
• Smoked sausage
• Ham cubes
• Shrimp
• Bacon-wrapped chicken

Instructions:

• Shred the cheeses or slice them into small cubes.
• Coat the cheese with cornstarch or flour.
• Turn on your fondue pot to high heat. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop or a double boiler.
• Place the beer, garlic, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in the pot and combine well.
• When the beer mixture is warm, add one-third of the cheese and whisk very well until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
• Continue to whisk in the cheese until all of it is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
• Serve immediately with your choice of dippers.

Notes:

• This fondue is best enjoyed as a one-pot dish and does not reheat well.
• The alcohol does not fully cook out of the fondue, so it is not suitable for those who do not drink alcohol.
• You can adjust the consistency of the fondue by adding more beer to make it thinner or more cheese to make it thicker.
• If you don't want to use beer, you can substitute it with chicken broth or stock.

What to dip in the fondue

The Melting Pot offers a unique dining experience, with a range of delicious fondues and dippers to choose from. When it comes to selecting the perfect items to dip into your fondue, the possibilities are endless. Here are some mouth-watering suggestions to get you started:

Cheese Fondue Dippers:

• Crusty bread, such as a fresh baguette or sourdough, is a classic choice for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
• Fruits like crisp Granny Smith apples or Bosc pears can add a nice contrast to the creaminess of the fondue.
• Broccoli and cauliflower are great options for a bit of freshness and crunch. You can enjoy them raw or lightly steamed.
• Bell peppers, cut into long strips, add a pop of color and their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory cheese.
• Roasted potatoes are a perfect choice, especially if you're a fan of cheese fries.
• Meatballs, whether beef, chicken, veal, or vegetarian, take on a whole new level of deliciousness after a quick dip in the cheese fondue.
• For something a little different, try roasted Brussels sprouts. They pair surprisingly well with mild, nutty cheeses.
• If you're feeling indulgent, juicy strips of filet mignon skewered with a bit of bread are a decadent treat.
• Pickles, from cornichons to dill slices, offer a tangy contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Grilled, roasted, or sautéed shrimp, especially when cooked with garlic and parsley, are perfect for dipping and complement the fondue's bold flavors.
• Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, soppressata, or chorizo add a savory, salty element to the fondue experience.
• Poached chicken is a versatile option, acting as a blank canvas for the cheeses and spices to shine.
• Large pasta shapes, such as shells or fusilli, provide the perfect nooks and crevices to capture all that cheesy goodness.

Chocolate Fondue Dippers:

• Fresh or dried fruit is a classic choice, with strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, pineapple, mango, and papaya being popular options.
• Pound cake, cut into bite-sized cubes, is an easy and elegant option for dipping into the chocolate fondue.
• Shortbread cookies, either store-bought or homemade, provide a buttery contrast to the sweet chocolate.
• Pretzels and potato chips offer a crunchy, salty contrast to the velvety sweet chocolate.
• Marshmallows, especially when dunked in chocolate and sandwiched between graham crackers, create a s'mores-like experience.
• Candied bacon dipped in chocolate is a unique option for those who prefer a salty-sweet combination.
• Graham crackers, honey, chocolate, or cinnamon varieties, broken into smaller pieces, are an easy and tasty snack for dipping.
• Rice Krispies Treats, either store-bought or homemade, provide a gooey, chewy texture that pairs well with the chocolate.
• Cheesecake, cut into slices or cubes, is a delicate and indulgent treat when dipped into the chocolate fondue.
• Honeycomb, already coated in chocolate, takes on a whole new level of deliciousness when paired with the fondue.
• Mini donuts, either store-bought or homemade, are perfect for dipping and provide a sweet and crispy texture.
• Mini cakes, cupcakes, or small cake slices, such as chocolate loaf cakes or vanilla cake slices, are a delicious way to enjoy the fondue.
• Brownies, cut into small pieces, provide a rich and fudgy texture that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
• Mini pancakes or waffles, either sweet or savory, are a fun and unique option for dipping into the chocolate fondue.
• Nuts, especially larger varieties such as almonds or pecans, provide a crunchy and satisfying contrast to the creamy chocolate.

What to serve with fondue

When it comes to what to serve with fondue, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breads and Crackers

Bread is a classic choice for fondue, as it soaks up the warm, creamy cheese. Go for a French baguette, sourdough, breadsticks, bagels, croutons, pretzels, or even a rustic cranberry walnut loaf. Just be sure to toast it lightly first so it doesn't fall apart in the fondue.

Vegetables

Almost any vegetable will work, but some favourites include broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and zucchini. Roast or steam them first for the best flavour and texture.

Fruits

Fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes are a surprising but delicious pairing with fondue. Their crisp, tart sweetness is the perfect match for melted cheese.

Proteins

For a more filling meal, add some protein to your fondue spread. Try meatballs, steak strips, poached chicken, shrimp, or sausage. If you're feeling extra indulgent, go for bacon-wrapped chicken or ham cubes.

Salads and Sides

While fondue is often a meal in itself, you might want to serve a simple salad or some sides to round out the meal. Potato chips, tortilla chips, or pretzels can be dipped directly into the fondue for some extra crunch.

So, there you have it! Whether you're a fondue newbie or a seasoned pro, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different dippers to find your perfect combination. Happy dipping!

How to prepare fondue at home

Preparing fondue at home is simple and can be done on a stovetop, in a microwave, or with a traditional fondue pot. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a memorable fondue experience at home:

Ingredients and Preparation:

For a classic Alpine fondue, you will need a blend of fresh aged Gruyère, Raclette, and Fontina cheese. Alternatively, you can opt for an Aged Cheddar and Gouda fondue, using fresh aged English Cheddar and Dutch Gouda. These fondue blends can be purchased pre-packaged from Melting Pot, or you can source the cheeses yourself and grate or cut them into small cubes.

Cooking Method:

If you are using a fondue pot, turn it on to high heat. If you don't have a fondue pot, a stovetop or microwave will also work. Prepare a mixture of lager beer, garlic, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in your chosen cooking vessel. Warm this mixture, then start adding your cheese in small amounts, whisking continuously until it is all melted and well combined.

Dippers:

The fun part about fondue is the variety of dippers you can choose from. Classic options include crackers, chips, pretzels, bread, and fruits like green apples. You can also dip roasted potatoes, grapes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and other seasonal produce. For a heartier meal, consider adding proteins like salami, smoked sausage, ham cubes, shrimp, or bacon-wrapped chicken.

Serving:

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, so make sure to prepare it just before serving. It is perfect for sharing with friends and family and can be a unique and interactive dining experience. For an authentic Melting Pot experience, pair your fondue with a nice bottle of wine.

Tips:

For an extra-smooth fondue, coat your grated or cubed cheese with cornstarch before adding it to the beer mixture. This will help create a velvety texture that is ideal for dipping.

Now you have all the information you need to create a delicious fondue night at home, so get creative and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Frequently asked questions