Cuisinart Fondue Pot: A Beginner's Guide To Melting

The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. With a 3-quart capacity, it is perfect for fondue parties, easily accommodating six to eight people. The set includes a base, bowl, temperature probe, eight fondue forks, and a fork rack. The adjustable temperature probe has eight settings, making it suitable for a wide range of recipes, including chocolate, cheese, broth, and oil fondue. The elegant brushed stainless-steel design and non-stick interior make for easy cleanup, either by hand or in the dishwasher. The Cuisinart fondue pot is a safe and convenient option for a fun and interactive dining experience.

How to make a classic cheese fondue

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 pound shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 pound shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Optional Ingredients

• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Mustard
• Brandy or Cognac

Method

• Bring wine to a simmer in your Cuisinart fondue pot over medium-low heat.
• Stir in flour and nutmeg until well combined.
• Add Swiss and Gruyère cheeses, 1/4 pound at a time, mixing after each addition until the cheese is melted.
• Season with salt.
• Serve with cut-up French bread.

Tips

• For quicker melting and a smooth fondue, grate the cheese instead of chopping it.
• If your fondue becomes too thick, add a little more white wine until you reach your desired consistency.
• If you don't have a grater, you can use the grater blade of a food processor.
• For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of flour.
• To keep your fondue smooth, add the cheese slowly and stir constantly.
• For an extra note of flavor, stir in a tablespoon of brandy, Cognac, or another liqueur.

How to adjust the temperature for different recipes

The Cuisinart fondue pot has a temperature probe with eight settings, allowing you to adjust the temperature for a wide range of recipes. The numbered dial lets you adjust the heat from 1 to 8 (low to high). The manual contains guidelines for which heat settings to use depending on the type of fondue you are preparing. For example, a medium-high setting (3) works best to simmer broth and melt cheese, but you shouldn't go above a 3 when keeping your cheese warm, as levels 4 and above will quickly boil the cheese.

The Cuisinart fondue pot is suitable for a variety of recipes, including those that use chocolate, cheese, broth, or oil. Here is an example recipe for classic cheese fondue and the appropriate temperature settings:

• Put shredded Gruyere and Emmenthal cheeses in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and all the dry mustard to fully coat.
• Rub the bottom and lower half of the sides of the fondue pot with the cut sides of a garlic clove. Add 1 cup of dry white wine and set the temperature to setting 4.5 to bring the wine to a simmer (but not boiling).
• Once the wine begins to simmer, reduce the temperature to setting 3.5. Slowly add the cheese, about 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup at a time, using a nonstick whisk to work the cheese into the liquid.
• Once the cheese is fully melted, gradually add more cheese, little by little, alternating with the wine, about 1/3 to 1/2 cup at a time, to ensure a creamy consistency.
• Once all the cheese has been added, make a slurry of the remaining cornstarch and Kirschwasser (or substitute with additional wine or lemon juice) and add it to the fondue, whisking to combine. Stir in more wine if the fondue is too thick.
• Reduce the temperature to setting 3 for serving. The fondue should just simmer, but never boil.

How to clean the fondue pot

The Cuisinart fondue pot is easy to clean, with a non-stick interior and dishwasher-safe parts. However, it's important to be careful when handling the pot to avoid burns and scratching the non-stick surface. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your Cuisinart fondue pot:

• Allow the pot to cool: Before cleaning, make sure the fondue pot and any leftover contents have cooled completely. This is important for your safety, to prevent burns.
• Remove leftovers: Use a spatula to remove as much of the leftover contents from the pot as possible.
• Dispose of oil: If you have used oil in your fondue, do not pour it down the drain. Instead, pour it into a container, seal, and throw it in the trash.
• Heat water: Heat a pot of water on the stove until it almost comes to a boil.
• Add hot water and dish soap to the fondue pot: Place the fondue pot in the sink and add several drops of dishwashing liquid. Then, fill the pot with the heated water. Ensure the water level is high enough to cover any stuck-on food.
• Soak: Let the pot sit for 10 minutes. For burnt-on food, you may need to let it soak overnight. Periodically check to see if the food is loosening.
• Empty and scrub: Once the fondue pot has soaked, empty the water and use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any remaining stuck-on food. Be careful not to use anything too harsh that could scratch the surface.
• Wash and rinse: Wash the entire pot in hot, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
• Dry: Dry the pot completely before storing.

By following these steps, you can easily clean your Cuisinart fondue pot and have it ready for your next fondue party!

How to use the fondue forks and rack

The Cuisinart fondue pot comes with eight fondue forks and a fork rack. The forks are colour-coded, making it easy to differentiate between them when you have a group of people around the pot. The forks sit in the rack, which is placed on top of the pot. However, the rack doesn't fit very well and sits loosely on top of the pot.

When using the fondue forks, be careful not to scratch the non-stick coating of the pot. Metal utensils, including the fondue forks, can scratch the coating.

How to make the most of the large capacity

The Cuisinart fondue pot has a large 3-quart capacity, which is great for serving a crowd. Here are some tips to make the most of this capacity:

• The pot can accommodate up to eight people, so take advantage of its capacity by inviting friends and family over for a fondue party. With eight color-coded fondue forks included, each guest can have their own fork for a fun and interactive dining experience.
• The pot is suitable for various types of fondue, including chocolate, cheese, broth, and oil. Experiment with different recipes to find your favorites and make the most of the pot's versatility. You can even serve multiple courses using the same pot, such as a main course of meat fondue followed by a chocolate fondue for dessert.
• The large capacity is perfect for making big batches of fondue, so you don't have to worry about running out. This is especially useful when hosting a large group or if your guests have a big appetite!
• The pot's non-stick interior makes it easy to clean, even after making sticky chocolate fondue. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different recipes and make the most of the pot's capacity without worrying about a tedious cleanup.
• The adjustable temperature probe with eight settings allows you to find the perfect temperature for your fondue. This is especially useful when making different types of fondue that require specific temperature controls, such as cheese or chocolate fondue.
• The Cuisinart fondue pot comes with a recipe booklet that includes a variety of fondue options. Use these recipes as a guide to make the most of the pot's large capacity and explore different fondue flavors and styles.

Frequently asked questions