Making Kosher Cheese Fondue: A Tasty Melting Adventure

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that is perfect for a cozy get-together. It is made by melting cheese—usually a combination of Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and/or Gouda—in a pot and serving it with cubed bread, meat, potatoes, sliced fruit, or vegetables for dipping. The key to making a good kosher cheese fondue is to use good-quality cheese and to grate it before melting it, which ensures a smooth and creamy texture. It's also important to add an acid like wine or lemon juice to prevent the cheese from clumping. So, if you're looking for a fun and indulgent way to feed your family or impress your guests, why not try making your own kosher cheese fondue?

How to Make Kosher Cheese Fondue

Choosing the right cheese

When making kosher cheese fondue, choosing the right cheese is crucial. The best fondue cheeses are those that melt smoothly and have a creamy, buttery texture. While there are many suitable options, some of the most popular and effective cheeses for fondue include:

• Fontina
• Gruyère
• Gouda
• Swiss cheese
• Emmental
• Raclette
• Vacherin

For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, a blend of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is ideal. This can include a combination of Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Gouda. If you want to experiment with different flavours, you could try using Cheddar as one of the cheeses, mixing it with a more traditional cheese like Gruyère.

When preparing the cheese for fondue, it is recommended to grate the cheese rather than chop it, as this will help it melt faster and create a smoother fondue. Additionally, tossing the cheese with cornstarch or flour before adding it to the pot will help thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

Preparing the cheese

Firstly, select the right cheese for your fondue. The best options are typically creamy and buttery cheeses that melt smoothly, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, Fontina, and Emmental. For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, a blend of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyère, Emmental, and Appenzeller is ideal. You can also experiment with other varieties such as Raclette, Vacherin Fribourgeois, or Cheddar for added flavour.

Once you've chosen your cheese, it's time to grate it. Grating the cheese is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy fondue. Use the grater blade of your food processor or a coarse microplane grater to grate the cheese finely. This step ensures that your cheese melts faster and more evenly when added to the fondue pot.

After grating, it's crucial to toss the cheese with cornstarch or flour. This step helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping together. Make sure to coat the cheese thoroughly with cornstarch or flour before adding it to the pot.

Now, it's time to assemble your fondue pot or a large heavy saucepan. Start by rubbing the inside of the pot with a garlic clove, enhancing the flavour and adding a subtle aroma. You can then discard the garlic clove or leave it in, depending on your preference.

With your pot prepared, it's almost time to add the cheese. However, before that, you'll want to bring your dry white wine to a gentle simmer in the pot. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to enhance the acidity and further prevent clumping. Stir the mixture well.

Finally, gradually add the grated cheese to the simmering wine mixture, stirring constantly. Adding the cheese slowly and in small amounts ensures a smooth and creamy fondue. Once all the cheese has melted, you can season it with nutmeg, salt, or other herbs and spices to taste.

Remember, the key to successful cheese fondue is taking your time and adding the cheese slowly while stirring constantly. Enjoy your homemade kosher cheese fondue!

Using the right wine

Wine is an essential ingredient in a classic cheese fondue, and the right wine will make all the difference in the taste and texture of your kosher cheese fondue. The wine's acidity helps to prevent the cheese sauce from clumping or breaking, ensuring a smooth and creamy fondue.

When selecting a wine for your fondue, opt for a dry white wine with high acidity. Good choices include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. You can also use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, as specified in some recipes. The key is to choose a wine that you would enjoy drinking with dinner, as the taste of the wine will directly impact the taste of the fondue.

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with unsalted chicken or vegetable stock. For a beer cheese fondue, swap the wine for your favourite beer, especially if you're using a cheddar cheese.

Once you've selected your wine, bring it to a simmer in your fondue pot before mixing in the flour and then the cheeses. If your fondue becomes too thick, you can adjust the texture by adding a little more warm wine until it reaches your desired consistency.

Remember, the quality of the wine matters, so choose a good wine that complements your cheese selection and enhances the overall flavour of your kosher cheese fondue.

Dipping foods

When it comes to dipping foods for your kosher cheese fondue, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread

A classic choice for cheese fondue, bread provides a sturdy base for dipping and adds a crunchy texture to the melted cheese. Go for a crusty French bread, a baguette, or a Tuscan loaf, and cut it into 1-inch cubes for easy skewering. You could also try sourdough, pumpernickel, or multigrain bread for a change of pace.

Fruits and Vegetables

For a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury cheese, try dipping apple or pear slices into the fondue. Granny Smith apples are a particularly good choice for their tart flavour. Steamed or blanched vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, and bell peppers also make excellent dippers, offering a crunchy and healthy option.

Potatoes

Baby potatoes, either roasted or steamed, are a perfect size for dipping and provide a hearty base for the cheese. You could also try potato chips for a fun twist.

Meat

While meat may not be the first thing that comes to mind for cheese fondue, it can be a delicious option. Try cooked sliced hot sausage, grilled bacon, or salami. Just be sure to use crisp bacon so it doesn't break off into the pot.

Other Options

For something a little different, try pickles, especially cornichons, which are the ideal size and flavour for dipping. You could also offer crackers, chips, or pretzels on the side.

Fondue etiquette

Fondue is a communal dish, so it's important to follow certain rules to ensure a pleasant experience for all diners. Here are some guidelines to follow when enjoying kosher cheese fondue:

Avoid Double-Dipping

Double-dipping is a major no-no when it comes to fondue. It is not only considered bad manners but also poses hygiene concerns. According to a study published in The British Medical Journal, double-dipping can transfer up to 100 bacteria with each contaminated bite.

Use the Proper Utensils

Each person should have their own fondue fork for dipping. It is considered impolite to eat directly from the fondue fork. Instead, use the fondue fork to slide the food onto your plate, and then use a regular fork to eat it.

Stirring Techniques

Stirring the fondue is essential to prevent the cheese from burning and to keep it smooth. Use a figure-eight pattern or a clockwise motion when stirring. Remember to take turns when dipping and avoid dipping when another person's fork is already in the pot.

Dipping Etiquette

When dipping your bread, use a slow zigzag motion or a figure-eight pattern at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that everyone stirs the cheese and releases its full flavour. Allow any excess cheese to drip off before eating, and avoid making a mess by twirling your fork three times above the pot.

Beverage Pairings

In Switzerland, the birthplace of fondue, only two beverages are traditionally considered acceptable to drink with fondue: white wine and tea. The acidity in white wine is believed to aid digestion and prevent bloating. However, a study in The British Medical Journal suggested that black tea is more effective in alleviating indigestion symptoms.

La Religieuse

Towards the end of the meal, a thin crust of golden cheese, called "la religieuse," will form at the bottom of the pot. This is considered a delicacy and should be shared among the guests. Wait for the pot to cool down, then remove the cheese crust with a knife and break it into pieces. Alternatively, an egg can be cracked into the pot and mixed with la religieuse.

Forfeit Tradition

If a guest accidentally drops a piece of food into the fondue pot, they may have to pay a forfeit. A common punishment is for the guilty party to buy everyone a round of drinks. However, you can also get creative and come up with your own unique forfeit rules.

Frequently asked questions