Vintage Fondue Set: Tips For A Tasty Retro Experience

Fondue is a Swiss tradition that started as a way for poor farmers to use up their last scraps of food in winter. It became popular in the US in the 60s and 70s as a fun, interactive dinner party option. If you're looking to use a vintage fondue set, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure your fondue pot is in good working order, with no rust or wear from previous owners. You'll also need to choose the right type of fondue fuel and ensure you know how to light it safely. Fondue fuel options include liquid alcohol, gel fuel, and tea light candles, each with its own set of safety instructions. Once your fondue is ready, you can serve it with a variety of dippers like bread, vegetables, meat, or sweets, depending on the type of fondue you've made.

How to light a fondue burner

To light a fondue burner, you need to ensure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Alcohol fondue fuel, gel fuel fondue, and fire starters suitable for indoor use can be used in a fondue burner.

Lighting an Alcohol or Gel Burner

If you are using liquid alcohol or gel fuel, take the burner away from the fondue pot to a safe area like a kitchen counter. Never fill the burner while it is still hot and never overfill it. If you are refilling the burner, wait for it to cool off, then carefully pour the liquid into the bottom of the burner. The burner should have holes or a mesh with an absorbent pad inside. Stop pouring when the liquid level is close to the holes or mesh. Wipe off any spills, then bring the unlit burner back to the table and place it under the fondue pot. Keep all flammable materials away from the burner, then open the air holes to the maximum opening and carefully bring a lit match to the holes. Once the burner is lit, adjust the openings to the desired temperature.

Lighting a Gel Burner

If you are using a gel burner with a removable bottom half, remove the bottom part and insert a gel cartridge into the metal casing. Place the top of the burner, which has an opening for air, onto the bottom part. If you are not using a gel cartridge, pour the gel directly into the bottom of the burner. Light the burner as per the alcohol burner instructions.

Lighting a Candlelit Fondue

Chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues only require a small unscented tea light. Prepare your fondue on the stove using a double boiler or two pots (a small pot inside a larger one containing water). Transfer the fondue to your small fondue pot, then light the candle with a lighter or match.

What to cook in a fondue pot

Fondue is a Swiss national dish that was named as such in the 1930s to increase cheese consumption. The Swiss typically use Gruyere or Emmentaler cheese, adding a little alcohol (usually white wine or kirsch) and seasoning. However, any Swiss cheese will do, and you can add your own local ingredients, such as beer, wine, or whiskey.

Cheese Fondue

The traditional fondue is made with cheese, heated slowly and then put into the fondue pot to serve. Bread and vegetables are perfect for dipping into the cheese.

Meat

Proteins like chicken or beef can be cooked in a fondue pot. Use oil or a flavoured broth to cook the meat, ensuring it is cooked through.

Chocolate

Melt some chocolate in the fondue pot and use marshmallows, pieces of Rice Krispie treats, or fruit slices for dipping.

Caramel

Try a Caramel Cognac recipe for a sweet fondue dip. Fruits like strawberries, tangerine segments, or bananas are perfect for dipping into caramel.

Tempura

Make a tempura batter and dip shrimp or vegetables in it, then cook them in oil in your fondue pot.

Soup

Heat up broth or frozen homemade soup in your fondue pot.

Shabu-Shabu or Hot Pot

Boil water or broth in your fondue pot and add thin slices of meat and vegetables. Beef, tofu, mushrooms, and pea shoots work well.

How to prepare food for dipping

When preparing food for dipping in your vintage fondue set, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to choose foods that will hold together when dipped into thick, warm cheese. For example, chunks of potato are a great option, while potato chips may fall apart. It's also important to precook any foods that would ordinarily be cooked before dipping them into the fondue. Vegetables can be lightly steamed or roasted, while meat should be fully cooked.

Now, let's get into some specific food options for dipping!

Bread and Crackers

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue, and for good reason. It's the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. Go for a crusty French bread or baguette, and cut it into 1-inch cubes for easy skewering. Other options include breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, and even bagels. If you want to get creative, try a unique bread like a rustic cranberry walnut loaf. Just be sure to lightly toast your bread before dipping, especially if it's a softer variety.

Crackers and chips are also a great choice for dipping. Pretzels, in particular, pair nicely with cheese. Go for soft or hard pretzels, or try wheat crackers or tortilla chips.

Vegetables

Vegetables and cheese are a match made in heaven. Almost any vegetable will work, but some popular options include:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Green beans
• Pearl onions
• Radishes
• Baby potatoes (try Yukon Gold, fingerling, red, or purple varieties)

You can either serve these vegetables raw or lightly steam, roast, or sauté them before dipping. If you're short on time, celery, fennel spears, carrots, and cherry tomatoes can be served raw. Pickled vegetables like pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins are also a tasty option, just be sure to pat them dry before serving.

Meat

Adding meat to your fondue spread turns it into a complete meal. Grilled steak, poached chicken, and cooked ham are all delicious when paired with melted cheese. Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and pepperoni are also excellent choices and will add a bit of spice to your fondue.

If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping seafood like shrimp, crab, or lobster into your fondue. Just be sure to lightly steam or sauté it first.

Fruit

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, fruit can be a delicious addition to your fondue spread. Try sliced apples, pears, pineapple, or grapes. Dried fruit like apricots or figs can also be a tasty treat.

How to clean a fondue pot

To clean a fondue pot, start by allowing the pot and any leftover contents to cool completely. This will protect you from burns. Next, use a spatula to remove as much of the leftover contents from the pot as possible. Dispose of used oil by pouring it into a container, sealing, and tossing it in the trash. Do not pour oil down the drain as it can cause plumbing problems.

Heat a pot of water on the stove until it almost comes to a boil. Add several drops of dishwashing liquid to the fondue pot, which should be sitting in the sink, and add the heated water. Fill the pot with enough water to cover it, and let it sit for 10 minutes. For burnt-on food, leave it to soak overnight. Periodically check to see if the food is beginning to loosen.

Once the fondue pot has soaked, empty the water and use a scrub brush to loosen any stuck-on remains. Wash the entire pot in hot, soapy water, avoiding scrubbing with anything harsh that will scratch the surface. Rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water, removing all soap residue, and dry.

If your fondue pot is made of copper, aluminium, or cast iron, you may need to use a different cleaning method. For copper pots, cover the pot in table salt, then pour white wine vinegar over the salt. Let this sit for 30 seconds, then scrub the pot with a sponge soaked in white vinegar. Rinse the pot with hot water and dry it with a rag.

For aluminium pots, pour three parts water to one part white wine vinegar into the pot and bring the solution to a boil. Add two tablespoons of baking soda, let it fizz, then pour it out. Scour the pot with a sponge, rinse, and dry.

To clean a cast iron fondue pot, wash the pot with hot water and a sponge, scrubbing areas with stuck-on food. If there is stubborn residue, sprinkle salt over the area and scrub with a sponge. Rinse the pot and dry it thoroughly with a cloth or rag.

Where to buy a vintage fondue set

If you're looking to purchase a vintage fondue set, there are a few options to consider. One popular option is to check second-hand stores, thrift shops, or flea markets, where you can often find unique and retro pieces. Websites like eBay offer a wide range of vintage fondue sets, with various designs and price points to choose from.

For those who appreciate the charm of older items, consider exploring specialty vintage stores or antique dealers, such as 1stDibs, which offers a curated selection of fondue sets from different decades. Etsy is another great option, with a dedicated vintage section that includes fondue sets and accessories.

When purchasing a vintage fondue set, it's important to inspect the condition carefully. Ensure there is no significant rust or wear from previous owners, as these issues can affect the functionality and safety of the set. It's also worth checking that the set comes with all the necessary parts, including the pot, burner, and forks.

Additionally, keep in mind the type of fondue fuel you plan to use, as some sets may be better suited for gel fuel or tea lights, while others may accommodate sterno fuel or alcohol burners. With a little bit of searching and some careful consideration, you can find a vintage fondue set that suits your style and functional needs.

Frequently asked questions