A Tasty Adventure: Creating Gerber Fondue At Home

Fondue Gerber was the world's first ready-to-use fondue, introduced in Switzerland in 1960 by visionary entrepreneur Walter Gerber. The brand, however, started production in 1911 after discovering the melting process with citric acid. The cheese made its first appearance at the Swiss National Exhibition in Bern in 1914. Fondue Gerber is a blend of Swiss cheeses, including Emmentaler, Gruyère, and Tilsit, and can be easily prepared at home by melting the cheese and adding spices and herbs to taste. The fondue can be served with bread cubes, boiled potatoes, vegetables, or fruit for dipping.

Gerber fondue ingredients

Gerber fondue is a popular Swiss cheese fondue that was first introduced in 1960. It is known for its convenience, as it can be prepared in just a few minutes, and for its long shelf life. The fondue has a balanced blend of Swiss cheeses, including Emmentaler, Gruyère, and Tilsit, which gives it a wonderful flavour.

The ingredients for Gerber fondue are as follows:

• Swiss cheese: This is the primary ingredient, making up 52% to 56% of the fondue. The specific types of cheese used are Emmentaler, Gruyère, and Tilsit.
• White wine: White wine is an important component that enhances the flavour of the fondue.
• Water: Water is used to adjust the consistency of the fondue and ensure a smooth texture.
• Potato starch: Potato starch is added as a thickening agent to give the fondue a creamy texture.
• Kirsch: Kirsch, a clear brandy distilled from fermented cherries, adds a unique flavour to the fondue.
• Salt: Salt is used for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavour. This includes cooking salt and cast iron salt (E339, E500).
• Spices and spice extracts: Various spices and their extracts are added to enhance the flavour profile of the fondue. Common spices used include nutmeg, garlic, and pepper.
• Emulsifying salts: Emulsifying salts, such as E339 and E500, are used to help combine the ingredients and create a stable emulsion.
• Stabilizer: A stabilizer like locust bean gum or carob seed flour is added to maintain the consistency of the fondue and prevent separation.

The exact proportions and additional ingredients may vary slightly depending on the specific Gerber fondue product and recipe. However, the combination of Swiss cheeses, white wine, and spices creates a delicious and iconic Swiss fondue experience.

How to prepare the fondue pot

Preparing the fondue pot is a crucial step in making Gerber fondue. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, select an appropriate fondue pot, also known as a caquelon. This pot should be made of a material suitable for melting cheese, such as cast iron or ceramic. Ensure the pot is clean and dry before starting.

Once you have your caquelon ready, it's time to prepare the garlic. Take a clove of garlic and peel it. You will use this to rub the inside of the pot generously. This step adds a subtle garlic flavour to your fondue and enhances its taste.

After rubbing the garlic, it's time to add the cheese mixture. Gerber fondue usually comes in ready-to-use bags. Open the bag and pour the contents into the caquelon. Make sure you do this step carefully to avoid any spillage.

Now, it's time to melt the cheese. Place the caquelon on a stove over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. This step is crucial, as you need to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. Ensure you use a suitable utensil for stirring, such as a fondue fork or a heat-resistant spatula.

Once the cheese is completely melted, it's time to season your fondue. You can add spices such as nutmeg, pepper, or garlic powder to taste. Keep the fondue on the stove and maintain it at the boiling point.

Finally, you can place the fondue pot on a burner in the middle of your table. This will keep the fondue warm and melted during your meal, allowing you and your guests to dip and enjoy the delicious Gerber fondue.

Remember always to handle the hot pot with care and use suitable heat-resistant holders or gloves when necessary.

Heating instructions

Gerber fondue is a popular Swiss cheese fondue that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is a ready-to-eat fondue that can be heated and served with your favourite dipping items. Here are the detailed heating instructions:

• Open the bag and pour the contents into a caquelon (a type of fondue pot). The fondue mix typically comes in two 400g or 800g packs, depending on the number of servings.
• Place the caquelon on a stove and turn the heat to high. Continuously stir the mixture with a fondue fork or a long-handled spoon to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and burning.
• Bring the fondue to a boil. It is important to maintain a constant stirring motion during this process.
• Once the fondue reaches a boiling point, you can adjust the heat to a lower setting. Continue to cook gently and maintain the temperature.
• Season the fondue according to your taste preferences. You can add spices such as garlic, nutmeg, pepper, or other seasonings like mustard, saffron, or curry powder. Stir the fondue well to incorporate the seasonings.
• Prepare your dipping items. Bread cubes, boiled potatoes, al dente vegetables, and fresh, dried, or canned fruit are all excellent options.
• Spear your chosen dipping item with a long fondue fork. Slowly dip and twirl the item in the fondue to ensure an even coating of cheese.
• Enjoy your delicious Gerber fondue directly from the fork! Remember to stir the fondue occasionally as you eat to prevent it from sticking to the pot.

By following these heating instructions, you can easily prepare and enjoy the classic Swiss taste of Gerber fondue at home.

What to dip in Gerber fondue

Gerber fondue is a classic Swiss cheese fondue made from a blend of Emmentaler, Gruyère and Tilsit. It was the world's first ready-to-use fondue, invented by Walter Gerber in 1960. It's a flexible, easy dish to make at home, and can be stored for months without refrigeration.

Now, what to dip in your Gerber fondue? Here are some ideas:

Bread

The classic fondue dipper, crusty bread is a must-have for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. Cut a baguette, sourdough, rye, focaccia, brioche or a bagel into bite-sized pieces and dunk away. You could even toast the bread first so it stays intact a little longer.

Meat

Meatballs, steak bites, bacon-wrapped smoked sausage, poached chicken and salami are all great options for dipping into your fondue. The salty, savoury flavours of these meats will go perfectly with the cheese.

Vegetables

If you want to add a bit of freshness to your fondue, try dipping some broccoli or cauliflower. You can eat them raw or lightly steamed to remove some of the raw, bitter flavours. Bell peppers are another great option, and their natural sweetness works surprisingly well with cheese.

Fruit

The crisp, sweet flavours of apples and pears complement the savoury, creaminess of the fondue. Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears are particularly good choices, with the nutmeg and cinnamon undertones of the latter bringing out the spices in the fondue.

Seafood

For a luxurious fondue experience, try dipping lobster tails, crab legs, salmon or shrimp into the melted cheese. The light, buttery flavour of grilled shrimp goes especially well.

There are plenty of other options to dip in your Gerber fondue, including pickles, roasted potatoes, pretzels, crackers and even large pasta shapes. So get creative, and enjoy your fondue!

How to store Gerber fondue

Gerber Fondue is a ready-to-eat Swiss cheese fondue that can be stored for months without refrigeration. This means that you can stock up on this delicious fondue without worrying about it going bad. The long shelf life of Gerber Fondue is due to its special manufacturing process, which does not involve the addition of sodium phosphate.

While it can be stored without refrigeration, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. If you do choose to store it in the refrigerator, make sure it is well-sealed in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odours from the fridge.

Once the package is opened, the remaining fondue should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept this way for a few days, but it is best to consume it as soon as possible to ensure optimal taste and quality.

If you plan to store Gerber Fondue for an extended period, freezing is an option. The fondue can be frozen in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When freezing, it is recommended to divide the fondue into portions to make it easier to thaw and use only what is needed. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in a warm water bath.

Proper storage of Gerber Fondue will ensure that you can enjoy this delicious Swiss treat whenever you want, even if it's well beyond the best-before date.

Frequently asked questions