Trudeau Fondue Set: A Step-By-Step Guide To Melting Fun

Trudeau offers a range of fondue sets for meat, cheese, and chocolate. The 3-in-1 Alto Electric Fondue Set is a popular choice, with an 81-ounce capacity and a powerful 1500-watt electric base with thermostat control. It includes a stainless steel pot, a white stoneware double boiler insert for cheese and chocolate, a fork guide, six stainless steel fondue forks, and a recipe booklet. The set is easy to clean and perfect for hosting casual get-togethers with friends and family. To use the fondue set, simply adjust the thermostat to your desired temperature and let the fondue set do the rest.

How to prepare the fondue pot for use

To prepare the fondue pot for use, start by filling the stainless steel pot a quarter of the way with boiling water and placing it on a heating source. Next, prepare your chosen fondue—either in a separate saucepan or by following the instructions on a ready-made package. Once your fondue is ready, pour it into the boiler insert and place it inside the stainless steel pot. Ensure the temperature control knob is set to keep the water simmering, and be careful not to let the water completely evaporate.

The Trudeau fondue set comes with a ceramic boiler insert, which is ideal for preparing cheese or chocolate fondue as these tend to burn more easily over direct heat. The stainless steel pot is suitable for cooking meat in hot oil or broth.

How to melt cheese and chocolate in the fondue pot

The Trudeau fondue set comes with a ceramic insert that can be used as a double boiler to make cheese or chocolate fondue. This is recommended as cheese and chocolate tend to burn more easily and stick to stainless steel, making cleanup a challenge.

To use the double boiler, follow these steps:

• Fill ¼ of the stainless steel fondue pot with boiling water and place it on a heating source.
• Prepare your cheese or chocolate fondue either in a separate saucepan or by following the instructions on a ready-mix package.
• When your fondue is ready, pour the mixture into the boiler insert, then place it inside the stainless steel fondue pot.
• Make sure you set the temperature control knob to ensure that the water continues to simmer. You can start dipping and enjoying, but remember to keep an eye on the water level—don't let it completely evaporate.

Cheese Fondue

When preparing the cheese, it is important to grate the cheese instead of chopping it, as grated cheese melts faster and more evenly. It is also important to toss the cheese with cornstarch or flour to help thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best. Good options include Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda. You can also add in some cheddar, though its flavor will be less traditional.

To make the fondue, first, add beer, garlic, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot and whisk together. Once the mixture has come to a simmer, reduce the heat and add one-third of the cheese, whisking well. Keep whisking and cooking until it is smooth, then add the remaining cheese. Whisk until smooth, then reduce the heat to low and serve immediately.

Chocolate Fondue

When preparing chocolate fondue, it is important to use good-quality chocolate. Not all brands of chocolate chips melt well. It is also important to note that the fondue should not be allowed to come to a simmer or boil, as it can scorch and turn grainy.

To make chocolate fondue, simply add about 12 ounces of chocolate to your fondue pot on low heat. Then, add in heavy cream and a pinch of sea salt, stirring gently as the chocolate begins to melt. You can also add in some vanilla extract off the heat, if desired. If the fondue is too thick, simply whisk in additional cream or milk until the desired consistency is reached.

How to cook meat in the fondue pot

To cook meat in the Trudeau fondue set, you'll need to use either the stainless steel fondue pot or the ceramic double boiler. The fondue set is suitable for cooking meat, as well as melting cheese and chocolate. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Meat: Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. You can use beef tenderloin or rump steak, or other tender cuts of meat. If you're using chicken, cut it into similar-sized pieces. Blot the meat dry with paper towels and arrange on a platter. Refrigerate until serving time.
• Choose Your Cooking Liquid: You can use either oil or broth as the cooking liquid. If you want to add more flavour to the meat, use broth. You can infuse the broth with herbs and spices. If you want a more traditional meat fondue, use oil. Suitable oils include vegetable, canola, grapeseed, or peanut oil.
• Heat the Cooking Liquid: Place a heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop and heat the cooking liquid to around 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature.
• Set Up the Fondue Pot: Place a trivet on the table to protect the surface. Transfer the heated cooking liquid into the fondue pot, filling it about 1/3 to 1/2 full. Be careful not to burn yourself.
• Adjust the Temperature: Turn on the fondue burner to maintain the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking meat is around 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Re-test the temperature with a thermometer if the cooking liquid has cooled.
• Cook the Meat: Show your guests how to cook their meat pieces. Provide each guest with a fondue fork or bamboo skewer. They should skewer a piece of meat and dip it into the cooking liquid. Cooking times will vary depending on the type of meat and the desired doneness. For rare meat, cook for 25-30 seconds, for medium, cook for 30-35 seconds, and for well-done, cook for 45-60 seconds. Poultry will take about 2 minutes to cook, while lamb and pork will take about 1 minute.
• Serve: Remove the cooked meat from the fondue pot and transfer it to a plate. Use a table fork to dislodge the meat from the fondue fork, as they can get very hot. Serve the meat plain or with dipping sauces.

How to clean the fondue pot

To clean your Trudeau fondue pot, it's important to let the pot and any leftover contents cool down completely before you start cleaning. This is to protect you from burns.

If you've used oil in your fondue pot, dispose of it by pouring it into a container, sealing, and throwing it in the trash. Do not pour oil down the drain as it can cause plumbing problems.

Next, you'll want to remove as much of the leftover contents from the fondue pot as possible. You can do this with a spoon or a spatula.

Now, you can start the cleaning process. Here are three methods:

• Fill the fondue pot with ice-cold water, a dishwasher tablet, or a dash of dish soap. Let it soak for half an hour, then empty the pot and scrape off any residue with a paper towel.
• Fill the pot with warm water and a dash of dish soap, or a dishwasher tablet if you prefer. Heat the pot on the stove until it reaches a boil. Then, empty the pot and use a paper towel to remove any remaining residue.
• Heat a pot of water on the stove until it's almost boiling. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the fondue pot and pour in the heated water. Fill the pot with enough water to cover it completely. Let the pot sit for 10 minutes or overnight if there is burnt-on food. Check periodically to see if the food is loosening. Once the fondue pot has soaked, empty it and use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any stuck-on residue. Wash the entire pot in hot, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Finally, dry the pot.

Some general tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid using sharp metal objects to scrape the pot as this can cause scratches and damage. Instead, opt for plastic tools like plastic scrapers or plastic razor blades.
• If you're dealing with stubborn cheese or chocolate residue, sprinkle some powdered dishwasher detergent over the affected area and cover with hot water. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing and washing away the debris with a microfiber cloth.
• Never immerse the base of the fondue pot in water or other liquids. Instead, wipe these parts with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
• Avoid using hard brushes, abrasive materials, or aggressive cleaning substances like soda-based or disinfectant cleaners.

How to use the fondue forks

The Trudeau fondue set comes with six stainless steel fondue forks. These are colour-coded, with coloured tips at the top of the fork handles. The forks are designed to be used with the fondue set's fork guide, which acts as a splash guard to protect you from splashes when your broth or oil starts to boil. The fork guide is not essential, but it is highly recommended to avoid burns.

Frequently asked questions