Lighting Cheese Fondue: A Simple Guide To Melty Perfection

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. To get started with a cheese fondue, you'll need to light the burner underneath the fondue pot. The most common types of fondue fuel are alcohol and gel. Lighting an alcohol burner can be dangerous due to the risk of spills, so it's important to take precautions. First, make sure the burner is cool before refilling it. Never overfill the burner, and always wipe away any spills. Move the burner to a safe area, like a kitchen counter, before refilling. Once refilled, return the burner to its stand under the fondue pot, ensuring all flammable materials are cleared away. To light the burner, simply strike a match and hold it to the air holes until the fuel ignites. Fondue sets vary, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Lighting an alcohol burner

Preparation:

• Choose the right fondue set: Ensure that you are using the correct type of fondue pot and fuel for your desired fondue. A cheese fondue pot, for instance, will have a wide mouth and space for alcohol or gel fuel.
• Set up the fondue: Always operate your fondue set on a level, stable table or flat surface. Use a heat-resistant surface such as a hot pad, wooden cutting board, or ceramic tiles. Keep the fondue set away from children and flammable materials.
• Prepare the burner: Remove the burner from the fondue set and place it in a safe work area, such as a kitchen counter or sink. Make sure the burner is completely cool before refilling it.
• Fill the burner: Carefully pour the denatured alcohol into the burner. Do not overfill it. Stop pouring when the liquid level reaches the holes or mesh along the sides. Use about 2-3 ounces of fuel for 1 hour of burning time.
• Wipe any spills: If you spilled any fuel on or around the burner, wipe it off immediately.
• Return the burner: Place the unlit burner underneath the fondue pot and ensure it is stable.

Lighting the Burner:

• Use a match: Use only a lighted match to ignite the fuel. Do not use a lighter or tip the burner. Bring the match towards the centre hole of the burner until the fuel catches the flame.
• Adjust the flame: Use the movable handle on the burner to control the flame size. For higher flames, leave the air holes open. To reduce the flame, rotate the handle to partially cover the holes.
• Safety precautions: Never add more alcohol or fuel to a lit or hot burner. Always extinguish the flame and allow the burner to cool before refilling. Keep the alcohol burner cover nearby to smother the flame when cooking is complete.

Alternative Fuels:

If you prefer a slightly safer alternative to liquid alcohol, you can use gel fuel. Gel fuel is less likely to spill and can be used with most fondue burners. Simply insert a gel cartridge into the metal casing or pour pourable gel into the bottom of the burner. Open the air holes and light the burner with a match.

Using gel fuel

Step 1: Prepare the Fondue Burner

Ensure your fondue burner is designed for gel fuel. Some burners have a removable bottom half, allowing you to insert a gel fuel cartridge. If your burner doesn't have this feature, you can still use gel fuel by pouring it directly into the burner. Place the burner on a safe work area, such as a kitchen counter, and remove the lid or cover.

Step 2: Insert or Pour the Gel Fuel

If using a gel fuel cartridge, insert it into the metal casing of the fondue burner. If using pourable gel fuel, carefully pour it directly into the bottom of the burner until it reaches the holes or mesh surface. Wipe off any spilled gel fuel with a paper towel.

Step 3: Return the Burner to the Fondue Pot

Place the burner with the gel fuel back under the fondue pot. Ensure that all flammable materials, such as napkins or paper, are kept away from the burner.

Step 4: Light the Gel Fuel

Open the air holes on the burner lid to the maximum setting. Use a match or a lighter to carefully ignite the gel fuel through the holes. Be cautious and keep your face away from the burner when lighting it.

Step 5: Adjust the Temperature

Once the gel fuel is lit, you can adjust the size of the holes on the burner lid to control the temperature. Larger holes will result in higher heat, while smaller holes will reduce the heat. Adjust the holes according to your desired temperature for the cheese fondue.

Step 6: Extinguish the Flame When Finished

When you are done enjoying your cheese fondue, simply place the cover on the burner to smother the flame. No additional steps are needed, and you can safely dispose of the used gel fuel container or refill the burner for your next fondue session.

Remember always to follow safety precautions when using gel fuel. Keep flammable materials away from the burner, and never leave the fondue unattended while the gel fuel is burning. Always supervise children and pets when the fondue burner is in use.

Lighting a candlelit burner

To light a candlelit burner for a cheese fondue, you'll first need to melt the cheese on a stovetop. You can do this by using a double boiler or two pots (a small pot in a larger one containing water).

Once the cheese is melted, transfer it to your fondue pot. The fondue pot should be placed on a level, stable table or another flat, stable surface. It should also be set up on a heat-resistant surface like a hot pad, wooden cutting board, or ceramic tile.

Place an unscented tea light candle below the fondue pot and light it with a match or lighter. Put the match out and discard it when you're done.

Most dessert fondues require very little heat to keep the fondue in a liquid state, so a small tea light is the only source of fuel you need.

How much cheese to use

The amount of cheese you'll need depends on the number of guests you're expecting and their appetites! As a rough guide, a classic Swiss cheese fondue typically uses a pound of grated Gruyère and half a pound of grated Emmentaler or other Swiss cheese. This should serve around six people. If you're using a blend of cheeses, aim for around 1/3 of a pound of each type of cheese per person.

For a larger group, you can easily scale up the recipe. Just remember to keep the cheese-to-wine ratio consistent. For example, if you're making fondue for 12 people, you'll need two pounds of Gruyère and one pound of Emmentaler.

It's important to use good-quality cheese for the best results. Look for creamy, buttery cheeses that melt smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, Gouda, Swiss cheese, or Emmentaler. You can also add some cheddar for a less traditional but still delicious option.

Once you've selected your cheeses, grate them before adding them to the fondue pot. This will ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. Combine the grated cheese with cornstarch and lemon juice, then cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly.

What to serve with cheese fondue

Cheese fondue is a simple dish that combines melted cheese and wine. People can dip almost anything into it. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cheese fondue:

Bread, Crackers, and Chips

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. French bread, breadsticks, and croutons are always favourites, but you could also try multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, or even bagels. Toasting your bread of choice beforehand is recommended, as this will prevent it from falling apart in the fondue. Other dippers in this category include pretzels, wheat crackers, and tortilla chips.

Vegetables

Almost any vegetable will work as a dipper for cheese fondue, but some options include asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini. Roasting these vegetables first is a good option, or you can steam some green beans, pearl onions, and radishes, or boil some baby potatoes. Raw vegetables that can be used as dippers include celery, fennel spears, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Pickled vegetables, such as pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins, can also be used, but be sure to pat them dry first.

Meat

Meat can be added to the platter to create a complete and satisfying meal. Grilled steak, poached chicken, or cooked ham all pair well with melted cheese. Cured meats, like beef jerky, kielbasa, pepperoni, salami, and sausage, are also good options. If you're looking for something a little more elegant and decadent, try lightly steamed seafood such as shrimp, crab, or lobster.

Fruit

While it may seem like an unusual pairing, fruit can also be served with cheese fondue. Sliced green or red apples, sliced pears, pineapple, and seedless grapes are all good options. Dried fruit, such as dried apricots or dried figs, can also be served, allowing guests to spear them with a toothpick or skewer before dipping.

Frequently asked questions