Fondue Night: Melty, Cheesy Goodness At Home

Fondue is a fun and indulgent dinner option that can be easily made at home. It's a great choice for a special occasion or celebration and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. While a fondue pot is not strictly necessary, it adds flair to the experience and keeps the fondue warm and melty. There are two main options: a traditional cast iron or ceramic pot heated by a flame, or a more practical electric fondue pot.

The traditional option looks great on the table and has a nostalgic appeal, but it offers limited temperature control, which is crucial for producing the best fondue. Electric pots, on the other hand, provide precise temperature control, making it easier to achieve the desired consistency. Despite requiring an extension cord, the electric option is the best choice for a tasty fondue experience.

Now, let's talk about the fondue itself. There are numerous options to choose from, including cheese, broth, and chocolate fondue, each with its own unique set of dippers. For a well-rounded meal, a good approach is to select two courses: a fondue appetizer or main course, followed by the always-popular chocolate fondue for dessert.

Cheese fondue is a delicious but dangerous choice, as it's easy to overindulge. It pairs well with a lighter main course, like fish and salad. Traditional dippers include cubed bread, blanched vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus, and cooked meats. For a smooth and creamy texture, shred the cheese by hand and toss it with cornstarch before melting.

For the main course, an Asian-inspired broth fondue is a tasty and safer alternative to frying meats and vegetables in oil. This method works well with red meats and any raw vegetables. Simply boil the broth in the electric fondue pot, cook the meats and vegetables to your desired level of doneness, and enjoy!

Lastly, chocolate fondue is a universally loved dessert option. Dip fruits like strawberries or bananas, cookies such as Oreos or shortbread, or even salty snacks like pretzels or bacon. Use melting chips or semisweet baking bars for the best texture, and combine them with milk and cream for a smooth and decadent treat.

So, there you have it! By following these tips and tricks, you can create a memorable and enjoyable fondue dinner at home, perfect for a romantic evening or a fun gathering with friends.

Choosing a fondue pot: electric vs traditional

When choosing a fondue pot, you have the option of going for an electric pot or a traditional one. Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal preference and needs.

Electric Fondue Pots

Electric fondue pots are easy to use, convenient, and safe. They are equipped with heating elements that provide consistent heat, eliminating the need for messy and disruptive fuel refills. The temperature is easy to control, and they are generally easier to clean compared to traditional pots, as they have a non-stick coating and can often be put in the dishwasher. However, they do have a cord that needs to be plugged in, which may be inconvenient if your dining table is far away from a power outlet.

Traditional Fondue Pots

Traditional fondue pots use a gel or liquid fuel burner as a heat source. They offer a more authentic, rustic style and are a good choice if you're looking for a classic fondue party experience. However, using a gel burner can be dangerous, and the burners need to be refilled regularly, which can be troublesome during a party. They also require more effort to clean, as they are usually made of materials like ceramic, porcelain, or stainless steel and need to be carefully hand-washed.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between an electric and a traditional fondue pot, consider the size of your gathering and the amount of fondue you'll need. Both types of pots come in different sizes, so choose one that can accommodate the number of guests you plan to serve. Additionally, think about the level of convenience and control you desire, as well as the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. If you want a hassle-free fondue experience with precise temperature control, an electric pot is a better option. On the other hand, if you prioritise authenticity and don't mind the extra maintenance, a traditional pot might be more suitable.

Selecting dippers: bread, veggies, meat, and more

Selecting dippers is an important part of the fondue experience. While bread is the classic option, there are many other foods that can be dipped into fondue, including vegetables, cured meats, seafood, and even fruit.

For a well-rounded meal, it is a good idea to offer a variety of dippers to your guests. Here are some specific suggestions for each category:

Bread

As mentioned, bread is the classic fondue dipper. French bread or sourdough are popular choices, cut into cubes for easy dipping. Pumpernickel is another option if you want to offer a variety of breads.

Veggies

When it comes to vegetables, you can offer either raw or cooked options. Raw options could include carrots, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. If you want to offer cooked veggies, you can steam or roast them first. Good choices include broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and potatoes.

Meat

If you want to add some protein to your fondue meal, you can offer cured meats such as prosciutto or sliced sausage. For cooking meat in the fondue pot, steak, shrimp, and chicken are all good options.

More options

In addition to the categories above, there are several other foods that can be dipped into fondue. Apples are a popular choice, especially Granny Smith or other tart varieties. Pickles, bacon, and roasted baby potatoes are also fondue-worthy options. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you could even dip some french fries into your fondue!

Preparing the cheese: shredding, mixing, and melting

The first step in making a fondue is to select the right cheese. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a buttery and creamy texture. The most popular options are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda is ideal. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other varieties such as Comté, Emmentaler, raclette, or vacherin.

Once you've chosen your cheese, it's time to start preparing it. Grate the cheese—don't chop it—for quicker melting and a smoother fondue. Using the grater blade of a food processor can speed up this process. After grating, toss the cheese with cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent clumping. This step is crucial for achieving a luscious, lump-free consistency.

Now it's time to melt the cheese. Combine the grated cheese with a dry, high-acid white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. You can also substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable stock if preferred. Add the cheese slowly, a small handful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue. Take your time with this step and enjoy the process of creating a decadent treat.

Once all the cheese has melted, you can enhance the flavour with a splash of brandy, cognac, or cherry brandy for an extra indulgent touch. Stir in some Dijon mustard and a pinch of nutmeg to round out the flavours.

Your cheese fondue is now ready to be served! Arrange an assortment of bite-sized dipping options on a platter, light your fondue burner, and let your guests indulge in the cheesy goodness.

Cooking with broth: a tasty, safe alternative to oil

Broth fondue is a fun, tasty, and healthy alternative to oil for your next fondue dinner. It is a great option if you are looking for something a little different, or if you are concerned about the safety risks of cooking with hot oil. Broth fondue is also a good choice if you are looking for a lower-fat option.

How to Make Broth Fondue

You will need a fondue pot or hot pot setup, and some kind of broth. You can use a premade chicken or vegetable stock, or make your own broth with your choice of seasonings. Some recipes suggest adding ingredients like minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and black pepper to your broth.

Dippers

The beauty of broth fondue is that you can dip all kinds of ingredients and they will take on the flavour of your broth. It is recommended to have a variety of dippers, including some protein, starch, and vegetables.

For protein, thinly sliced beef or chicken is a good option, but you could also try fish, turkey, pork, squid, or shellfish. If you are using beef or chicken, it is a good idea to salt the meat ahead of time. You can also dip meatballs, made from a mixture of ground pork and beef, or cocktail sausages.

Starch dippers could include pre-baked potatoes, or rice on the side.

For vegetables, you can use onions, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or peppers. It is recommended to slice your vegetables thinly so they cook through.

Cooking

To cook with broth, simply dip your chosen ingredients into the simmering broth and leave them there for a few minutes until they are cooked to your liking. You can also place vegetable dippers into the broth and remove them when they are tender. Meat will take longer to cook than seafood, so be sure to bear this in mind.

Safety

Broth fondue is a safer alternative to oil, as there is no risk of splashing hot oil or grease. However, it is still important to be cautious when cooking at the table, especially if you are serving alcohol. Be careful not to knock over the pot, and ensure that children are supervised at all times.

Making chocolate fondue: a foolproof dessert

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make at home. It's a great way to end a romantic meal or to get the whole family involved in making a sweet treat. Here's a simple recipe to get you started.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces of chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (or chocolate chips)
• 1/3 cup of milk (not skimmed)
• 1/3 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Optional extras

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Small rice krispie squares
• Vanilla cookies
• Marshmallows
• Cinnamon
• Chilli
• Orange extract
• Peppermint extract
• Bailey's Irish cream
• Dried apricots
• Ladyfingers
• Oreos
• Nutter Butters
• Pirouette cookies
• Pound cake

Method

• Combine the chocolate, milk, cream, and salt in a saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot.
• Heat the mixture on low, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Do not let it boil!
• Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
• If the fondue is too thick, whisk in additional cream or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
• Pour the fondue into a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving.
• Serve with your choice of dippers and enjoy!

Tips

• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot and place it on an oven mitt on the table. Just return it to the stove and stir in some hot cream if it starts to stiffen.
• You can make the fondue a day or two in advance and gently reheat it in the microwave or over a pot of simmering water when you're ready to serve it.
• If you're making this for kids, use a mixture of semi-sweet and milk chocolate for a sweeter fondue.

Frequently asked questions