Mastering The Art Of Fondue: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondue is a delightful dish that brings people together. It originated in Switzerland and has since spread worldwide as a fun and interactive way to enjoy food with friends and family. Making fondue can seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple and easy to customize with your favourite ingredients. The key to a good fondue is in the preparation and temperature control to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own fondue, troubleshooting common issues, and offer suggestions for tasty dippers to elevate your fondue experience.

Choosing your cheeses

The most popular cheese for fondue is gruyère, a mild, nutty, and slightly funky cheese that melts well and has a traditional Swiss fondue flavour. Swiss cheese is another popular choice, adding a bolder flavour to the fondue.

You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as fontina, Swiss, and white cheddar, or Emmentaler and Gruyère. Fontina is buttery and smooth, Swiss adds a bit of funk, and white cheddar adds nuttiness and bite. Emmentaler is bland on its own but combined with Gruyère, it creates a rich, delicious flavour that's not too funky.

Other cheeses that melt well and can be used in fondue include gouda, edam, brie, camembert, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, smoked cheddar, and aged reserve white cheddar.

When choosing your cheeses, it's important to consider the flavour profiles you want to include. A good fondue should have a balance of something nutty, something tangy, and something sharp.

It's also important to grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as the additives in pre-shredded cheese can prevent it from melting properly and affect the texture of your fondue.

Preparing your fondue pot

Before you begin, it's important to note that an electric fondue pot is the easiest option as it allows for precise temperature control. If you don't have an electric fondue pot, you can use a stovetop, ceramic bowl, or slow cooker.

To prepare your fondue pot, start by rubbing the inside with a cut clove of garlic. This step infuses the fondue with a subtle garlicky flavour. You can discard the garlic clove or save it for another use.

Next, add your chosen liquid to the pot. This can be dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a non-alcoholic alternative like apple cider, apple juice, or even chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a gentle bubble or a simmer—do not let it reach a rolling boil.

At this point, you can add any spices or flavourings you wish. This could include a splash of kirsch, a traditional cherry brandy used in cheese fondue, or other options like nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or Dijon mustard. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch at this stage to help thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

Now it's time to add the cheese. Gradually add shredded or grated cheese to the pot, a handful at a time, stirring constantly with a wire whisk or wooden skewer. Make sure each addition is melted before adding more. This process should be done slowly over low heat to prevent the fondue from breaking.

Once all the cheese has melted, you can add any final seasonings or adjustments. If the fondue is too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in some additional warm wine or liquid. Keep the fondue warm over a low heat setting, and it's ready to serve!

Remember to keep the temperature low to maintain the smooth and creamy texture of your fondue. Enjoy your homemade fondue with your favourite dippers, such as bread cubes, vegetables, or meat!

Adding the wine

When adding the wine, it is important to bring it to a simmer over medium heat and then reduce the heat to low before adding the cheese. This ensures that the fondue stays below a simmer once the cheese is added, as letting it get too hot can cause the fondue to break. The key to keeping cheese fondue smooth is to use cornstarch and to keep the fondue warm while serving.

It is also important to note that while a very tart, crisp white wine may be the best choice, you can get away with using whatever dry white wine you have available. Pouring good, pricey wine into fondue is a waste of money.

Adding the cheese

It's also important to toss the shredded cheese with cornstarch or flour first. This helps to thicken the fondue and keeps the cheese from clumping. It's best to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can prevent the fondue from melting properly.

If you're making a large batch, it's a good idea to use a double boiler to ensure gentle, even heating.

For a classic Swiss fondue, use a combination of Gruyère and Swiss cheese. However, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, fontina, or brie.

Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving fondue, the sky's the limit! You can offer a variety of dippers to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Options:

• Bread: Cubes of crusty bread, such as French, rye, sourdough, or baguette, are a must-have.
• Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith cut into cubes or slices provide a nice contrast to the cheese.
• Vegetables: Raw crudités like carrots, radishes, endive leaves, or cooked veggies like roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or cauliflower florets are excellent choices.
• Meat: Cured meats such as prosciutto, cooked sausage, or steak tips add a savoury element to the spread.

Creative Additions:

• Potatoes: Small boiled potatoes, steamed baby potatoes, or even French fries provide a hearty option.
• Pickles: Cornichons or small pickles offer a tangy contrast to the rich cheese.
• Shrimp: Grilled or boiled shrimp is a delicious protein option for your fondue.
• Salami: Sliced salami provides a savoury and salty contrast to the cheese.
• Fruits: In addition to apples, you can offer slices of pear, which pair well with the cheese.
• Crackers or Chips: For a crunchy texture, serve crackers or chips alongside the fondue.

Remember, the key to a successful fondue party is variety! Offer a mix of classic and creative dippers to cater to different tastes and keep your guests entertained.

Frequently asked questions