Magnetic Pot Fondue: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Treat

Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish that is perfect for cold months and a great way to feed a few friends. While a fondue pot is not necessary to make fondue, it does add extra flair to the experience and keeps the fondue warm and melty. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a heavy-bottomed pan and keep it warm with tealights or a trivet.

The Starfrit 3-in-1 Fondue Set is a great option for those looking to purchase a fondue pot. It is a sleek and modern design that is perfect for any food lover as it can be used for meat, cheese, and chocolate fondues. The set includes a stainless steel pot, a ceramic bowl, a magnetic fork guide, an adjustable safety burner, six stainless steel forks, and four stainless steel mini spoons. The ceramic bowl should always be used with the metal bowl and it is important to note that the burner is only compatible with gelled fuel.

When making fondue, it is important to use good-quality cheese and grate it before adding it to the pot. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. Classic Swiss cheese fondue typically uses a blend of Gruyere, Emmental, and Appenzeller. Cornstarch or flour can be added to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. White wine is also typically added to fondue to help keep the cheese mixture smooth, although it can be substituted with chicken or vegetable stock.

Fondue pot options

There are several options for fondue pots, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Electric Fondue Pot: This is a versatile option that can be used for cheese, chocolate, and oil-based fondues. It offers easy temperature control and doesn't require separate fuel. However, you need to extend a plug to the table, and it can be tricky to wash.

Ceramic or Cast Iron Fondue Pot: This option offers classy looks and is easy to clean. It doesn't require a plug, so you can place it anywhere. However, you need to purchase separate fuel, and the temperature control is less precise.

Traditional-Style Fondue Pot: This type of pot, also known as a calquelon, is the traditional style used in Switzerland. It is usually made of enameled cast iron and has excellent heat retention. However, you need to melt the cheese or chocolate separately before placing it on the stand. The included fuel can sometimes heat up the pot too much.

Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot: This is a gorgeous and versatile option, with stove- and oven-safe inserts. It can handle high temperatures and is suitable for various sauces. However, it is pricey, and the insert lacks handles, making it tricky to transfer.

Cast Iron Fondue Set: This is a sturdy and versatile option, suitable for meat, cheese, or chocolate fondue. It has good heat distribution and retention, and it's easy to clean. However, its capacity is on the smaller side, and it might not be enough for a large group.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider factors such as size, heat source, temperature control, ease of cleaning, and your specific needs, such as the type of fondue you want to make and the number of people you plan to serve.

Ingredients

The ingredients you'll need for a fondue will depend on your preferences, but here's a list of common ingredients to get you started:

• Cheese: The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a buttery, creamy texture. Traditional Swiss cheese fondue uses a blend of firm, mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyere, Emmental, and Appenzeller. Other good options include Fontina, Gouda, Swiss cheese, Comte, Raclette, Vacherin, and Cheddar.
• Wine: Classic cheese fondue calls for dry, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine helps to keep the cheese mixture smooth and gives it an even texture. You can also use beer or chicken/vegetable stock instead of wine.
• Cornstarch or Flour: This helps to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. Cornstarch is the best option for a gluten-free fondue and leaves less of an aftertaste.
• Garlic: Smash a clove of garlic and add it to the wine while heating. This adds flavour to the fondue.
• Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice can be added to the wine while heating.
• Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard can be added to the fondue for extra flavour.
• Brandy or Liqueur: Adding a tablespoon of brandy or liqueur can enhance the flavour of the fondue. Options include Cognac, Kirsch, or cherry brandy.
• Dippers: Fondue is typically served with a variety of dippers, including bread cubes, apples, vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, tomatoes), cooked meats (such as sausage or steak), and baby potatoes.

Heating methods

The Starfrit 3-in-1 Fondue Set is a magnetic fondue pot that can be used for meat, cheese, and chocolate fondues. The set includes a stainless steel pot with a capacity of 1.7 quarts (1.6 L) and a ceramic bowl with a capacity of 21 oz (600 ml) for cheese and chocolate fondues. The pot can be heated using a stove, including induction compatibility, or a gelled fuel burner. The burner is adjustable, allowing for better control of the heating temperature.

When using a stove, it is important to preheat the pot before adding the fondue ingredients. This can be done by placing the pot on the stove and heating it over medium-low heat. Once the pot is heated, the ingredients can be added and cooked according to the recipe instructions.

If using a gelled fuel burner, it is important to follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. The burner should be placed underneath the pot and lit with a match or lighter. The flame can be adjusted by partially covering it with a burner cover or other mechanism to regulate the heat.

Electric fondue pots are also a popular option and offer more precise temperature control than traditional open-flame models. These pots typically have a dial thermostat that allows users to set the desired temperature, and the heating element will automatically turn on and off to maintain the selected temperature. However, they do require access to an electrical outlet, which may require an extension cord for some table setups.

For a more traditional option, fondue pots can also be heated using a candle or tea light. This method provides a cozy atmosphere but may not offer as much control over the temperature as other methods.

Regardless of the heating method chosen, it is important to use gentle heat when making fondue. A traditional fondue pot is typically heated by a small flame, such as a tea light, to avoid burning the cheese or causing it to seize up and not emulsify properly.

Dipping foods

When it comes to dipping foods for your fondue, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breads and Crackers

• French bread
• Baguette
• Breadsticks
• Croutons
• Multigrain bread
• Rye bread
• Sourdough bread
• Pumpernickel bread
• Bagels
• Rustic cranberry walnut loaf

Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Green beans
• Pearl onions
• Radishes
• Baby potatoes (Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple)
• Artichoke hearts
• Mushrooms (crimini, shiitake, oyster, portobellos)
• Celery
• Fennel spears
• Cherry tomatoes
• Pickles
• Sweet gherkins

Proteins

• Grilled steak
• Poached chicken
• Ham
• Beef jerky
• Kielbasa
• Pepperoni
• Salami
• Sausage
• Shrimp
• Crab
• Lobster

Fruits

• Apple slices (Granny Smith)
• Pear slices (Bosc)
• Pineapple
• Seedless grapes
• Dried apricots
• Dried figs

Fondue etiquette

Fondue is a fun and communal dish, but it's important to stick to some rules of etiquette to avoid offending your fellow diners and to keep things hygienic. Here are some tips to keep in mind when enjoying fondue:

• No double-dipping: Double-dipping is a big no-no when it comes to fondue. It's not just a matter of squeamishness, but also hygiene. A study in The British Medical Journal found that double-dipping transfers bacteria from your mouth to the communal fondue pot.
• Use your own fondue fork: Each person should have their own fondue fork, which should be used only for dipping and not for eating. Once you've dipped your food, use a regular fork or knife to slide it off the fondue fork and onto your plate before eating.
• Don't eat directly from the fondue fork: Aside from being impolite, eating directly from the fondue fork can be dangerous as the cheese is kept very hot, and you could burn yourself. It's also unhygienic, as oral bacteria can be transferred from your mouth to the fondue pot and then to other diners.
• Stir the fondue: Keep the fondue ingredients combined and prevent burning by stirring the pot in a figure-eight pattern or a clockwise motion. You can use your fondue fork to stir, but remember to take turns with other diners to avoid clashing forks.
• Twirl your fork: To avoid dripping, try twirling your fork three times above the fondue pot before removing your food. This will also help to ensure an even coating of cheese.
• Don't use your hands: Using your hands to eat fondue is not only messy and unhygienic, but it can also be dangerous. The fondue pot and cheese are extremely hot, and you could end up with burns.
• Drink tea or white wine: In Switzerland, it is customary to drink either white wine or tea with fondue. It is believed that these beverages aid digestion and prevent bloating. A study, however, showed that black tea is a better option for improving digestion and avoiding discomfort.
• Plan for 2-4 people per pot: Any more than that and the pot will be crowded with forks, and the cheese will be over-stirred.
• Scrape the bottom of the pot: The traditional way to dip your bread is to scrape it along the bottom of the pot in a zigzag motion or a figure-eight. This helps to stir the cheese and release its full flavor.
• No dipping other foods: In Switzerland, only bread is traditionally dipped into the fondue, and it is cut into cubes to be speared on long, thin forks.
• Pay a forfeit: If you accidentally drop a piece of food into the fondue pot, you may have to pay a forfeit, such as buying everyone a round of drinks.

Frequently asked questions